Twenty years with Newmont Mining Corporation in senior metallurgical and management positions.
Significant international metallurgical and process engineering experience in moving new mining projects into production.
Has led multiple teams in the development of processes for base metals, industrial minerals and precious metals.
Vernon J. Kiss B.A., LL.B. Senior Vice-President, Business and Corporate Development
Responsible for oversight of GWMG’s corporate and strategic planning processes as well as corporate development initiatives, including acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures.
Experience includes 15 years with Cameco in senior positions including vice president, corporate development and power generation.
Participated in preparations for Cameco’s initial listings on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and as special project co-ordinator of significant domestic and international joint venture agreements, projects, and long term supply agreements.
Currently oversees all aspects of metallurgy including the development of cost effective techniques to optimize the processing of rare earth minerals for different projects.
Graduated with a B.Eng. and a M.Eng. in Physical Chemistry in Metallurgical Processes, with the special focus on rare earth mineral processing and separation, from University of Science and Technology Beijing; later with a PhD in Chemistry (specialized in Surface and Materials Electrochemistry) from Queen's University at Kingston, ON.
More than 20 years of experience in R&D and design of new metallurgical processes, project implementation, optimization and management as a Senior Engineer/Metallurgist for various companies.
A patent holder for a solvent extraction technology to recover and separate rare earth.
Jim Davidson C.A. Vice-President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer
Most recently was Chief Financial Officer with Athabasca Potash Inc. where he managed all financial and administrative functions including governance, third party and management reporting, treasury, human resource and International Financial Reporting Standards compliance.
Worked closely with the exploration project team in the preparation of Athabasca Potash’s Environmental Impact Study and the Pre-feasibility Study.
Spent 19 years in the finance divisions of Weyerhaeuser in several locations throughout North America.
Has held senior management positions that focused on the enhancement of financial, production and technology processes as well as SAP deployment and standardization of accounting processes at forty sites.
Responsible for refurbishment of the Steenkampskraal mine site, development of mixed chloride production, rare earth solvent extraction separation capabilities.
Leadership role with GWMG’s owner’s representative team dealing with all major contractors.
Significant experience in senior mining positions throughout Africa, Europe and Asia.
Experience in senior positions with companies that include Aquarius Platinum and De Beers.
Ian Higgins Ph.D. in Materials Science, MIMMM Managing Director, Metals and Alloys
Responsible for the execution of the annual plan as well as day-to-day operations of LCM.
Highly experienced technical expert, having worked with Johnson Matthey Rare Earth Products before joining LCM in 2001.
Responsible for procurement of materials from sources in China.
Brent Jellicoe B.Sc., P.Geo. Director of International Exploration
Recently joined GWMG to manage the exploration program at Steenkampskraal in South Africa as well as to assess global projects of interest to GWMG.
Diverse mineral exploration including gold, diamonds, uranium and industrial minerals.
Extensive international exploration experience in Guyana, Brazil, Russia and China.
Karen Frisky B. Comm, CGA Director of Finance
Has over 17 years experience in the accounting profession.
Most recently as Controller in the industrial construction industry managing all financial functions, including government and management reporting, budgeting, human resources and financial reporting.
Worked previously in the manufacturing, government and not-for-profit industries managing all financial aspects of inter-related organizations.
Lisa Prange M.P.Acc., C.A. Director of Internal Audit and Corporate Governance
Holds a Master of Professional Accounting from University of Saskatchewan and is a Chartered Accountant.
Responsible for GWMG's internal audit program ensuring adequacy and effectiveness of the company's risk management, control, and governance processes.
Many years of financial reporting experience with publically traded companies along with several years of audit experience with a public accounting firm.
Reid McDonald M.Sc., P.Eng. Manager, Operational Research
M.Sc. in Engineering Physics.
Registered as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.
Uses applied mathematics to support senior management.
