Richard Williams – Chairman
A former COO of Barrick Gold Corporation from 2015-2018, Mr. Williams is a global executive with an established track-record of value creation, pioneering and transformational leadership within the Mining Industry and other demanding assignments. Amongst other notable achievements, this helped Barrick deliver an 80% improvement in the company’s operating profit over his three years, and the total overhaul of the Company’s relationship with the Tanzanian Government following a breakdown of relations between a Barrick subsidiary and that government.
Formerly, the CEO of an African and Central Asian focused exploration business, and Non-Executive Director of Gem Diamonds PLC, he was also the Commanding Officer of the British Special Forces Regiment – the SAS. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of Trevali Mining Corporation, Chair of Trevali’s HSEC Committee and an advisor to mining companies facing complex operational, political or ESG challenges. Appointed April 2020
Sam Ash – CEO
A former Executive General Manager of Barrick Gold’s Lumwana Copper Mine in Zambia, Mr Ash is an experienced American Mining Engineer and modernizing leader, with a proven track record of building and leading teams capable of optimizing and enhancing the operating efficiency, profitability and sustainability of mining operations in complex and challenging environments.
During his tenure at Lumwana Mr. Ash Delivered over $100M in sustainable free cash flow improvements, achieved 50% improvement in safety performance, executed a training and development program achieving 96% local workforce, and progressed expansion plans that doubled the value of mine.
BEng Mining Engineering from University of Missouri Rolla; MA in Strategic Leadership, London Business School.
David Wiens – CFO
Mr. Wiens is an experienced mining executive with over 17 years’ experience in corporate finance, financial planning & analysis (“FP&A”), treasury and investor relations. Mr. Wiens spent the last eight years with Americas-focused precious metals companies, including over six years at SSR Mining Inc. where he was part of a team that transformed the company from a single asset silver producer with limited mine life to a diversified long-life precious metals company, while meeting production and cost guidance seven years in a row. As Director, Corporate Finance, he led a number of functions including corporate finance, FP&A, treasury, investor relations, concentrate marketing and gold dore sales. SSR Mining Inc. completed a $5 billion merger with Alacer Gold Corp. in September 2020. Most recently, Mr. Wiens was the Vice President, Corporate Finance & Treasury at Great Panther Mining Limited where he delivered several non-dilutive financings and led a team responsible for corporate development, corporate finance, FP&A, treasury, concentrate marketing, and gold dore sales. Prior to his corporate roles, he was an investment banker at a number of financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank AG in London, United Kingdom. Mr. Wiens earned his Bachelor of Commerce with a Finance specialization at the University of British Columbia in Canada, is a CFA® Charterholder, and is completing the CPA designation.
Appointed January 2021