Donald E. Ranta, 63, Director, served as our Vice President of Exploration from June 14, 2003, to January 2006, has held the following positions for the past five years: Director, President and Managing Director, Union Hill Partners, 1997-2000; President, NRX Global (USA) Corp., 2000-2002; Consulting Geologist, 2001 to 2003. Mr. Ranta is an internationally recognized exploration executive experienced in planning, implementing, and directing successful exploration and acquisition programs throughout North America, South America, Africa and other international locations. Dr. Ranta has extensive experience in generative exploration, project exploration and appraisal, geologic-engineering-economic evaluation, strategic and business planning, and management. Dr. Ranta has over 35 years of business experience and has served in various positions for mining companies, including President, Managing Director, Vice President of Exploration (Echo Bay Mines), Manager (VP) of North American Exploration (Phelps Dodge Corp.), Project Manager and Chief Geologist (AMAX). Dr. Ranta has a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering/Geology from Colorado School of Mines, a M.S. in Geological Engineering/Geology from Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, and a B.S. in Geological Engineering from University of Minnesota |