MINING PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Avalon Rare Metals, Black Iron and Sherritt

Avalon Rare Metals of Toronto has named Mark Wiseman to the position of VP sustainability. He is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a BSc in zoology and later obtained his MBA at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Most recently, he served as director of health, safety, environment and permitting at the Koniambo project in New Caledonia.

In a bid to strengthen its international profile, Toronto-based Black Iron Inc. has named award-winning, former CNN commentator Larry King as a special advisor.

Ian W. Delaney, CEO of Sherritt International in Toronto is retiring after 21 years. David V. Pathe will become president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2012. He is currently the company's CFO. Delaney will retain his role as chairman.