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The team has extensive experience in the structuring, financing and operation of precious metals and base metals mining companies, as well as oil and gas companies. Our Board is experienced in the asset development process, from grassroots discovery, into project development and then mine production.

Their knowledge and expertise has lead them to develop and contribute to the success of larger, successful mining companies including: Homestake Mining (Barrick), Newmont Mining, Meridian Gold, Yamana and Argonaut Gold.

Darcy Marud, Chief Executive Officer & President

Darcy Marud is the CEO of Western Exploration Inc, a Nevada-based precious metals exploration company. Prior to Western, he served as the Senior VP of Exploration at Yamana Gold and Executive Vice President – Enterprise Strategy. He was with Yamana for 10 years.

With more than 30 years of precious metals experience in the Americas, Marud held previous senior exploration roles with Homestake Mining Company, FMC Gold Company, and Meridian Gold Inc. He has been involved in the discovery and development of significant precious metals deposits including El Penon in Chile; Mercedes in Mexico; and Pilar and Corpo Sul (Chapada) in Brazil.

Marud is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan with an honors bachelor of science degree in geology. He is an active member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.

Curtis Turner, Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer of Rawhide Mining LLC
Former CEO of Candeleria Mining Corp
Former Vice President of Business Development at Argonaut Gold Inc.
Former Controller at El Peñon and the Meridian Gold Inc Corporate Office

+20 years experience

Mark Hawksworth, Aura Project General Manager

Mark Hawksworth has extensive experience in the exploration and development of precious metals deposits, having worked in various exploration positions for several companies over the years. He has been involved in the exploration and development of significant deposits such as the Beartrack Mine in Idaho and Mercedes Mine in Mexico.

Hawksworth is a graduate of Colorado State University with a Bachelor's degree in Geology and has a Master's degree in Economic Geology from Washington State University. He is a registered Professional Geologist and an active member of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.

As the General Manager of the Aura Project for Western Exploration Inc, Hawksworth is responsible for managing and overseeing the exploration activities of the project, which is focused on exploring and developing precious metals deposits in Nevada. With his wealth of experience in the industry, Hawksworth is well-positioned to lead the Aura Project to success.

John Cleary, Senior Consulting Geologist

Professional geologist with Noranda
Professional geologist with Callahan Mining Corp
Consultant for Western Exploration LLC since its inception in 1997 and co-discoverer of Gravel Creek deposit

Nichole Cowles, Head of Investor Relations

Former Director of IR for Argonaut Gold
Former employee at Meridian Gold

+10 years of IR experience