Board of Directors
J. Patricio Varas, P.Geo. - Chairman and CEO
Mr. Varas is a Professional Geoscientist and Mining Executive with over 38 years’ experience in mineral exploration, mine development and corporate management. He has extensive experience in developing precious and base metal exploration and mining projects around the world. He has played integral roles in the discovery of world class mineral deposits and mines (Santo Domingo Sur Cu-Fe - Chile, Diavik Diamonds - NWT, Milestone Potash - Sask), delivery of major feasibility studies and has overseen significant mineral asset sales and corporate transactions.
Hendrik van Alphen - Director
Early in his career, Mr. van Alphen started and operated a number of service-related companies, beginning with a line cutting operation in northern BC, and in 1985, launching Hy-Tech Drilling, which is still in operation today.
In 1991, he founded Pacific Rim Mining Corp., which acquired the Taca Taca, Diablillos, and Aqua Rica projects, that developed into significant deposits and/or high value M&A transactions. From 1994 to 1999, he served as Vice-President of Corriente Resources Inc., after which he launched the very successful Cardero Resource Corp. He then co-founded International Tower Hill (ITH) Mines in 2006, where he served as Chairman for 5 years. In 2021 he founded World Copper Ltd. which now owns the Zonia Copper Project in Arizona and Escalones project in Chile. Mr. van Alphen is a director and Chairman of World Copper Ltd.
In 2005, Mr. van Alphen founded Wealth Minerals, where he continues to serve as CEO and director. Wealth Minerals is a major exploration and development company in the Atacama Salar in Chile.
Jon Sherron - Director
Jon Sherron brings over 20 years of senior management experience, with a strong focus on corporate governance, business strategy, and operational excellence. Based in Vancouver, BC, he currently serves on the boards of several public and private companies, offering valuable insights into governance, risk management, and strategic growth.
Since 2009, Jon has been Vice President of EDI Inc., an investment company with a diversified portfolio of funds. He has worked with internationally recognized brands including SABMiller, MolsonCoors, Constellation, Gallo Winery, and Diageo, and has held senior leadership roles in the beverage distribution industry. Jon also served as a director of the Montana Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association.
Jon has been a Director of Norden Crown since 2016, where he plays a key role in providing strategic guidance and governance oversight. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Montana State University.
David Reid - Director
David Reid, LL.B., is a senior partner and Global Co-Chair of Mining with DLA Piper (Canada) LLP with over 30 years of experience in mining and securities law, including over $2 billion in corporate finance and M&A transactions since 2011. Mr. Reid is recognized by Lexpert as a Leading Canadian Lawyer in Global Mining, The Legal 500 Canada (Energy-Mining-Corporate-M&A), and Best Lawyers in Canada in the areas of mining, natural resources law and securities law. David led a team in connection with a transaction awarded Mining Deal of the Year by Canadian Dealmakers in 2012 and has served on the board of several TSX, NYSE and TSXV resource companies, including Far West Mining Ltd. (acquired in 2011 by Capstone Mining Corp. in a $1.1 billion M&A transaction).