Mr. Petersen is an economic geologist with over 29 years of experience in precious and base metals exploration throughout the Americas. His background includes a variety of assignments ranging from early stage exploration programs leading to deposit discovery, through post-discovery exploration and mineral resource development, to mine site exploration to expand and replace reserves. Mr. Petersen was Vice President of Exploration for Metallica Resources Inc. where he had worked since 1995. For the 11 years prior, Mr. Petersen worked with Lac Minerals Inc. and its predecessor companies Bond Gold Inc. and St. Joe Gold Inc. as an exploration geologist. Mark is a Certified Professional Geologist and holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science Degrees in Geology and a Master's Degree in Business Administration.