Idaho Champion Gold Mines Canada Inc (CSE:ITKO) (OTCQB:GLDRF (FRA:1QB1) announced Wednesday that long-time industry veteran Robert Kell has been appointed chief geologist.
Among his other duties, the company said Kell will be directing exploration at its 100%-controlled Champagne Gold Project in Idaho.
Kell has over 41 years of experience as a geologist, focused in North and South America, in exploration for base and precious metals deposits, Idaho Champion said.
WATCH: Idaho Champion Gold Mines Canada reveals latest drill hole results from Baner gold project in Idaho
He has worked in many capacities, ranging from field geologist to management roles in which he directed both large drilling programs and generative exploration programs.
For 17 years, Kell was a senior geologist and vice president of exploration for South American Mining and Exploration Corp (SAMEX Mining). His experience includes other companies such as Arbor-Wealth, BHP Minerals, Homestake Exploration, Newmont Mining, and Anaconda Minerals Company.
Idaho Champion called Kell a practical and field-oriented geologist, who is intimately knowledgeable about the geology of Idaho. He is considered to be an expert on epithermal gold and silver deposits, and will oversee exploration programs at both Baner and Champagne, with a specific focus on Champagne.
"Upon commencement of our 2020 Champagne exploration program, Robert joined the exploration team at Champagne as a consulting geologist,” said CEO Jonathan Buick in a statement. “We quickly realized that Robert's leadership of the team and contributions to the geological model at Champagne warranted a permanent role. We welcome Robert to the team as we continue to uncover what Champagne has to offer.”
Kell added: "During the company's maiden exploration season at Champagne, it became clear from the drill bit and through the IP survey results that Champagne was hiding what I believe is a major deposit. The massive IP anomaly to the west of the historic past producing open pits is the ‘heart' of the mineralizing system and is perfectly intact beneath the detachment fault. It is a pleasure to be able to work with the Champion team to test these exciting targets. I am looking forward to the 2021 exploration season."
In other company news, Idaho Champion also announced that it has granted to certain directors and consultants, incentive stock options to purchase 1,950,000 shares at $0.20 each for a period of five years.
Idaho Champion is a discovery-focused gold exploration company that is committed to advancing its 100%-owned highly prospective mineral properties in Idaho.
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