Elected Directors

Justin Himmelright, Chair

Justin Himmelright, Chair

Skeena Resources Limited

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Mr. Himmelright has over 25 years of experience in mineral exploration, environmental management and developing social licence for natural resource projects. He’s a graduate of Simon Fraser University (B.Sc.) and the University of British Columbia (M. Eng.) and is a Registered Professional Biologist in BC. Mr. Himmelright previously served as Vice President responsible for sustainability matters for several publicly listed exploration and mining companies and has also worked as a consultant to industry and Indigenous communities on mine development proposals.

He’s a former Board member of the Yukon Mine Training Association, a current Board member of the Mining Association of BC and an associate instructor at the Norman Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering (UBC) on the topic of Indigenous peoples and mining in Canada.

Kevin O’Callaghan, Vice Chair

Kevin O’Callaghan, Vice Chair

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

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Kevin O’Callaghan is a partner with Fasken in Vancouver and the Leader of the firm’s Indigenous Law group. He is also the regional Lead for the Corporate Social Responsibility Law group. Providing strategic advice on Indigenous, regulatory, environmental and other corporate social responsibility issues, Kevin advises mining clients throughout Western and Northern Canada, and around the world.  Kevin provides strategic advice on managing projects through environmental assessment and consultation with Indigenous peoples, including advice on negotiations and agreements. However, if unavoidable conflicts arise during project development, Kevin appears before courts to assist his resource clients on challenges to licenses by local communities (including injunctions). 

Kevin was counsel for a coalition of businesses in two critical aboriginal cases at the Supreme Court of Canada: first on a leading case on Indigenous consultation and accommodation (Haida Nation v. B.C.); and second, on the leading case on Indigenous title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. B.C.).

Paul Jago, Vice Chair

Paul Jago, Vice Chair

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

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Paul Jago is Chief Geologist for Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. and a Professional Geologist with Engineers and Geoscientists BC. He is based in Prince George, British Columbia. Prior to joining Pacific Ridge, Paul was Exploration Manager with Centerra Gold Services Inc. (to June 2022) and BC Regional Geologist for the Northcentral-Northeast regions with Ministry of Energy & Mines (to June 2017).

He is a UBC graduate where he completed studies with the Mineral Deposit Research Unit. In his career, Paul has worked mainly in BC and Southwestern USA, with several years of field and office work for mineral exploration companies in northcentral BC followed by additional years of near-mine exploration with Freeport-McMoRan in Arizona and Colorado before returning to BC.
A paper summarizing his M.Sc. thesis on the Mt. Milligan porphyry gold-copper deposit was published in 2014 by in Economic Geology.

Paul has managed a range of exploration programs with a strong focus on team building and collaboration. As Chief Geologist with Pacific Ridge, Paul has returned to several of the projects he followed previously as BC Regional Geologist and is bringing new ideas in exploration of these.

Chris Wild

Chris Wild

Wildrock Resources Consulting & Drafting

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Chris Wild has over 35 years of experience associated with a wide range of mineral exploration and development projects and operating mines, mainly in BC, but extending to South America and Africa. He has served in executive positions for several BC-based junior mining companies and in senior technical roles at a number of BC mines including Goldstream and Mount Polley for Imperial Metals. As Project Manager with KGHM’s Ajax Project near Kamloops, B.C., he led the Project’s Environmental Assessment application process with the BC Government (EAO). Chris takes a consensus-based approach to mineral exploration and development. In roles in Canada and overseas he has managed exploration and development programs, spending considerable time meeting with local community leaders, addressing issues ranging from employment opportunities and local environmental concerns, to support for healthcare and education infrastructure.

Currently, Chris is Exploration Manager for Red Canyon Resources where he leads exploration planning, permitting activities and community engagement. He is a graduate of the Geological Engineering program at the University of British Columbia and is a Registered Professional Engineer in BC.

Sally Goodman

Sally Goodman

Newmont

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Sally Goodman is Head, Global Discovery for Newmont, spearheading the drive to discovery across the company’s global portfolio of early-stage exploration projects. Before joining Newmont she was Chief Geoscientist with Atlantic Gold, following five years with Goldcorp in a variety of technical positions in the Vancouver corporate team. Prior to that she travelled globally as a consultant in structural geology with SRK Consulting, after holding various lecturing and research posts in universities in Canada and the UK. She has a PhD in Economic Geology and MSc in Mineral Exploration from the Royal School of Mines, London (UK), and BSc Geological Sciences from Leeds University (UK).

Sally is currently Chair of the Mineral Deposits Research Unit, University of British Columbia; Member of the Future Minerals Working Group, University of British Columbia, and Society of Economic Geologists Thayer-Lindsay Visiting Lecturer for 2023.

Janice Fingler

Janice Fingler

MICA Network @ UBC BRIMM

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Janice is a life-long explorer – with a diverse career by design. She is currently a member of the UBC BRIMM team (Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining), as the BC & Yukon Innovation Lead for the pan-Canadian MICA Network. BRIMM is one of 6 partner organizations that supports small-medium businesses that are creating technology solutions for challenges experienced across the mining value chain – including exploration. She has previously dedicated more than 30 years to mineral exploration in BC and across Canada as a professional geoscientist, leading project teams, and providing strategic and operational advice to the C-suite. As a specialist in bridging silos, she has fostered collaboration among diverse team members, consultants, service providers, and executives to advance projects. Some of which became producing mines, while others navigated through the peaks and valleys of market conditions, towards successful pivots.

From those experiences, it was the many informal stories she heard about risks and uncertainties faced by explorers, that inspired Janice to become an active supporter and ongoing volunteer for AME. To help them navigate that space, she served on AME’s Health and Safety committee for 5 years, and in 2017, was honoured with the AME Dave Barr Award, for Innovation & Leadership in Health and Safety in chairing and leading a diverse volunteer team in developing fresh approaches to training. Known for her willingness to move “towards”, both into the unknown and also to build bridges in spots of tension, these involvements have more recently inspired Janice to introduce and promote the core practices of successful explorers as participatory strategies to navigate change in the wider industry: pattern spotting, inquiry and deep listening, collaborative action and feedback loops. Because no one can see it all.

Darcy Vis

Darcy Vis

Tripoint Geological Services Ltd.

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Darcy Vis was born and raised in northern British Columbia. Growing up in the forests and mountains he developed a strong connection to the land, its people, and its rocks that persists to this day. His journey into geology began at the age of sixteen, conducting till sampling and terrain mapping northwest of Prince George. In the seventeen years since, he has contributed to numerous mineral exploration projects spanning British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, the Yukon, and the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Ocean Science from the University of Victoria and is a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) with Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

Currently, Darcy is the President and Co-Founder of Tripoint Geological Services Ltd., a full-service exploration consulting company that has been in operation since 2019. Tripoint provides technical expertise, equipment, and personnel for exploration projects from initial staking to definition drilling. Darcy is also the owner of a specialized geological tool design startup, a privately held mineral exploration project generator, and is the Vice President Exploration for Red Pony Exploration Ltd. He enjoys quietly innovating and building sustainable systems and team environments that work well, and benefit everyone involved.

Darcy lives in Victoria, BC with his wife and dog. When not in the office, he can be found excitedly pointing out roadside outcrops on family vacations, walking with his head down looking for rocks on hikes, and breaking pace to check out outcrops while training for marathons.

Jill Tsolinas

Jill Tsolinas

BC Centre of Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM)

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Jill Tsolinas has a wide breadth of experience having represented exploration, development, and operating mines throughout her career. She is versed in executive oversite, organizational management, corporate governance, and stakeholder communications. Jill desires to see the continual development and incorporation of innovative best-fit practices to sustain the mineral exploration and mining sector. She has been an advisory council member for the Centre of Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM) since 2015. Jill has additional corporate governance experience acting as corporate secretary for a private consulting company and overseeing the establishment of a private junior aggregate company. Jill is the executive director of CTEM where she uses her project management and partner engagement skills to facilitate collaborative and innovative training for mining in BC.


Jill is passionate about discovering strategic partnerships to strengthen collaboration. Jill has been on the AME board of Directors for 9 years and was a committee volunteer for many years before that. Jill was the Vice-Chair of the Roundup Organizing Committee (2015), was acting Chair of the ad hoc governance committee (2018) and has spent server years sitting on the Finance and Social and Environmental Sustainability committee.

Andrea Ross

Andrea Ross

Galore Creek Mining Corporation

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Andrea Ross holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Saskatchewan and worked as geologist in western Canada for 7 years in a variety of roles including geological mapping, prospecting, stream & sediment sampling, overseeing drill programs and as production geologist at an open pit copper mine. Following her time as a field geologist Andrea joined the Ministry of Energy and Mines in the NW Region as an Inspector of Mines focused on permitting.

In her 8 years with the Ministry, Andrea was focused on improving the review and adjudication process, including consultation associated with Notice of Work applications, and ensuring operators understood their responsibilities under their approvals. Andrea is currently Manager, Indigenous and Regulatory Affairs with Galore Creek Mining Corporation based out of their Smithers office.

Eleanor Black

Eleanor Black

Equity Exploration

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Mrs. Black is a Partner and Senior Geologist with Equity Exploration, a leading provider of geological expertise and project management services for all stages of the exploration and mining cycle. Over the course of 15+ years industry experience, Eleanor has worked through positions of increasing responsibility with major and mid-tier mining companies including Goldfields and B2Gold Corp.


Her foundational years as a field geologist were focused on gold and base metal exploration projects in northern Canada performing integral roles on Prefeasibility to Feasibility level field programs. Eleanor is a registered Professional Geoscientist with EGBC, a graduate of the University of British Columbia (B.Sc.) and a Qualified Person as defined by NI43-101.


As board member for multiple not-for profit-organizations she has been able to contribute to the communities where she lives and works. This includes a director role with the Mineral Deposit Division of the Geological Association of Canada (MDD-GAC), and two childcare organizations each with active multi-year board positions.

Eleanor was born and raised in BC’s lower mainland where she now resides with her family.

Albert Chong

Albert Chong

Wheaton Precious Metals

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Albert Chong is the Senior Director, Geology with Wheaton Precious Metals.  He has a wide range of progressive industry experience spanning more than three decades and has worked on projects and mineral deposits located on five continents.  This includes the technical due diligence for precious metal streaming agreements worth more than US$7B.

Prior to Wheaton, Albert’s experience includes exploration, development, mining, and consulting on base, precious, and rare-earth metal projects located in British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nunavut, and Nevada.  During his early career, Albert was a member of the Noranda Exploration team credited for discovering the Eagle River gold deposit near Wawa, Ontario. Albert’s enthusiasm for giving back to our industry is demonstrated through his ongoing volunteer work with AME’s Roundup Committee and participation in AME’s Mentorship program.  He has also delivered informal technical talks at the University of British Columbia for geology and engineering students. Albert is a Professional Geologist (EGBC), has his M.Sc.-Exploration Geoscience (CODES, University of Tasmania, Australia), and B.Sc.-Geology (McMaster University, Ontario).  He resides in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia with his wife and two children.

Carmen Jensen

Carmen Jensen

UBC, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering

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Carmen’s background is in Geology (BSC Geology, 1993, UBC) and Education (B.Ed. 1997, M.Ed, 2016, UBC). She first worked in the mining industry as a student in the early nineties at Myra Falls and Premier Gold doing dirt bagging and water monitoring.


After graduating, Carmen worked as a Geology and Science Teacher in the K-12 system in BC and Alberta, which started her life-long passion for teaching young minds about this amazing industry. Since 2011, she has been employed by the University of British Columbia, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, managing and directing the Master of Engineering Program.

She has had the opportunity to recruit, evaluate and advise students from all over the world and through this work has developed a broad knowledge of international educational programs for mining and geosciences.

Most recently, her program has set up UBC Applied Science’s first graduate certificate program in Mine Waste Management and she continues to develop other educational programs for the department with input from government, industry and communities. Her ongoing goal is to make lifelong learning accessible and flexible to people throughout their careers. She enjoys working in mining and looking for opportunities to attract people to careers in this industry.

Maggie Layman

Maggie Layman

Osisko Development Corp.

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Ms. Maggie Layman is a professional geologist with 18 years’ mineral exploration experience in diverse ore deposits throughout Canada and Mexico. Maggie is currently the Vice President of Exploration for
Osisko Development Corp and led the Barkerville Gold technical team on the Cariboo Gold Project from exploration to feasibility, running successful and compliant drill programs for the last seven years. Prior
to joining Osisko, Ms. Layman worked as a drill manager and project geologist for Vale and Independence Gold Corp. Ms. Layman holds a B.Sc. from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is registered as
a Professional Geologist with the Association of Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

Maggie has been an active volunteer with AME since 2014. Maggie volunteered with the former AME Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Committee (2014-2020), the Roundup Committee (2018) and the AME Mentorship program (2019 – present). Maggie is passionate about advancing exploration programs to the next stage by building talented and diverse teams, taking on technical challenges and ensuring a strong ESG performance.

Thomas Mumford

Thomas Mumford

Scottie Resources Corp

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Thomas is an exploration geologist specializing in magmatic mineral deposits and alpine geological mapping. He has extensive technical and project management experience in Au, REE, Cu-porphyry, and U deposits. He is a registered professional geologist with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC), and currently acts as the Vice President, Exploration for Scottie Resources Corp. He has served as a lecturer at Carleton University and British Columbia Institute of Technology. He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from University of New Brunswick, and was awarded the Leopold Gélinas medal for the best M.Sc. thesis from the GAC Volcanology and Igneous Petrology division. He holds a Ph.D. from Carleton University focused on magmatic controls of the Nechalacho REE deposit in the NWT.

Andy Randell

Andy Randell

SGDS / Below BC

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Andy is a professional geologist living in Vancouver who is tailoring his career to bring change to the minerals exploration industry. Since 2014, he has established his consulting business, SGDS Hive, which takes on graduate geoscientists and mentors them through a variety of exploration projects to help engage and educate the next generation of geologists. He also started a non-profit society, Below BC, to provide outreach to the public around Earth Science topics and create heritage resources across the Province. This project continues to grow, with the introduction of “Below Yukon” in 2020.
Andy was awarded the Bedford Young Mining Leaders Award from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum in 2016 for his ongoing contributions to the industry. His latest venture, Aeonian Resources, is an exploration company that intends to invoke practical ESG needs at the earliest stages tied with novel geological projects to create a pipeline of proven future resources.

He gained his bachelors degree in Environmental Geoscience from the University of Cardiff (Wales). Outside of his own businesses, Andy also sits on the Geological Society Committee for the Canadian Institute of Mining, and several advisory committees relating to professional development, practice ethics and national educational programs.

Victoria Sterritt

Victoria Sterritt

Teck Resources Limited

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Victoria Sterritt is a skilled exploration and mining specialist currently in the role of Exploration Manager, Canada/USA for Teck Resources Limited. She joined Teck in 2007 as a Geophysicist and has held progressively more senior and diverse roles including as a Business Analyst in the Exploration Commercial team; as a Manager with RACE21 advancing automation and digital technologies for Teck’s operations and developing innovation strategies for geoscience, water, tailings, and project development; and as Principal Business Planner for Exploration, Projects and Technical Services. She holds a BScE in Applied Geophysics from Queen’s University, an MSc from the University of British Columbia, and an MBA from Queen’s University. Victoria is a registered Professional Engineer with EGBC and has contributed to her professional community as President of the BC Geophysical Society, Technical Advisor for Geoscience BC, Councillor with the Geological Association of Canada, and Director with Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster. Currently, she sits on the AME Awards Committee. In addition, she has mentored girls as a leader with the Girl Guides of Canada and a Big Sister with the Big Sisters of Vancouver, Big Brothers of
Squamish. Victoria lives in Squamish and spends her time skiing, climbing, hiking, paddling and
with friends, family, and her dog.

Laura Tennent

Laura Tennent

TerraLogic Exploration

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Laura graduated with a B.Sc in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of British Columbia in 2014. Having worked on various exploration and mining operations in both British Columbia and Saskatchewan, she is currently working as a geologist and project manager for TerraLogic Exploration. 

Her experience in the industry has included all aspects of mineral exploration, including: water, biogeochemical, till and soil sampling, prospecting, core cutting, geoteching, core logging, mapping, drill management, budget management, permitting, QAQC and management of data, and gamma-ray spectrometer surveying and reporting. Laura has had the opportunity to work at many notable projects and sites including Eskay Creek, Snip, Dolly Varden Silver, and the Gibraltar mine. From these projects and many others, she has gained technical and project management experience in VMS, vein hosted and structurally controlled gold, porphyry and epithermal silver-gold-base metal deposits.

Trish Jacques

Trish Jacques

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Trish Jacques, a 10 year member of AME, has had a lifetime involvement in the minerals industry from a variety of different personal and professional experiences. She has grown up on a number of mining properties throughout the province and is personally vested and involved in the Davidson Deposit in Smithers BC (former Yorke-Hardy Deposit). With 12 years of political experience at the municipal, provincial and federal levels, she has been a strong advocate and participant in a number of mining initiatives. For 11 years, Trish was a Municipal Councillor for the District of Mackenzie and took the lead position of the Mining Portfolio to connect with and advocate for mining projects, communities and companies in her area. She was directly involved with the Environmental Assessment process for Mt. Milligan mine as well as a founding and long-standing member of the Community Sustainability Committee.
Was the Regional Director for the College of New Caledonia (CNC), she initiated the development and creation of multiple courses for the BCIT online Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology program, created the Mining Industry Certificate for CNC and also instructed entry level mining courses for the College of New Caledonia. She has extensive experience collaborating and working with First Nations communities and was responsible for leading and implementing the regional Aboriginal Services Plan.

She has attended many Mineral’s North conferences, assisted in fundraising for the 2015 Mineral’s North Organizing Committee, was a key note speaker for Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) as well as a member on BCIT’s Mining Program Advisory Committee. Trish holds the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and has a MA in Leadership and Training degree. Additionally she has held a number of management and consulting roles to support businesses with organizational culture development, system optimization and Human Resources best practices in Advanced Education, Forestry and Pulp & Paper industries. Trish is passionate about land access for resource for exploration and development, regulatory processes that support mineral exploration and the communities that we live in.

Appointed Directors

Vesta Filipchuk

Vesta Filipchuk

NorthWest Copper

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Over the last fifteen years, Vesta held positions with Teck Exploration and Galore Creek. In 2021, she returned to her consulting practice at Liard Consulting and took on the role of VP Sustainability at NorthWest Copper.

A recognized leader with over 30 years of experience in corporate social and environmental responsibility, Indigenous relations and negotiations, community engagement, and sustainability. A history of providing strategic advice and policy direction to senior business leaders, resource and energy companies, governments, and non-profit organizations. Successful in developing and implementing initiatives and programs using collaborative planning and decision methods that bring together companies, governments, and society to achieve sustainable benefits. Recognized by colleagues and peers as an innovative and strategic thinker with a record of building strong, collaborative, and effective teams and relationships with communities of interest and Indigenous peoples. Has developed strategy related to sustainability across many industry sectors, including energy, product stewardship, environment, mineral exploration, and mining.

Sam Adkins

Sam Adkins

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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Sam is a lawyer primarily serving clients in the resource sector, with a strong focus on Indigenous and project development matters. His practice is national in scope, acting for clients across Canada on a wide range of Indigenous law issues, including consultation, negotiation and the regulatory process. Sam has significant industry expertise in the exploration and mining sector, and has represented clients on commercial and transactional matters across all project phases. Sam is recognized as a leading lawyer on Indigenous law and natural resource matters in a number of national publications and rankings, including Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and the Legal 500 Canada.  

Eva Clayton

Eva Clayton

Nisga’a Nation

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Eva Clayton became the 7th elected President of the Nisga’a Nation in a regular election on November 2, 2016. Eva’s public service to the Nisga’a Nation spans decades in various administrative and political capacities. Her employment history began with the Nisga’a Tribal Council (N.T.C.) in 1980s.

While working with the N.T.C. Eva had the privilege of working closely with the many leaders of the day including the lates Dr. Frank Calder, James Gosnell, Rod Robinson to name a few, while they were actively negotiating what would become the Nisga’a Final Agreement.

President Clayton has also held various political offices including Chief Councillor for the Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government from 2004-2008, and various terms as Councillor for the then Gitlaxt’aamiks Band Council and now Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government. While Chief Councillor for Gitlaxt’aamiks, Eva also served as Chair to the NLG Programs & Services Committee and has also represented her village government on the Finance Committee.

Eva is Ksim Ganada from Wilps Ksim Xsaan. Eva’s Nisga’a name is Noxs Wi-Luugaamiks Hloks. President Clayton resides in her home community, the Nisga’a Village of Gitlaxt’aamiks with her husband Eric. Eva and Eric have 3 daughters, Megan and twins Kelsey and Amanda. She is the proud grandmother to 5 grandchildren.

Chris Cochrane

Chris Cochrane

A+R

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Chris is a partner with A+R.

A solicitor with considerable experience, Chris represents modern treaty nations in BC and Yukon focusing on the negotiation of complex commercial agreements, regulatory affairs, consultation, and treaty implementation services.
Chris has broad experience representing modern treaty nations throughout various regulatory review and approvals processes, including multifaceted environmental assessments, ensuring clients’ treaty rights and interests are recognized and adhered to. As well, Chris has extensive experience in negotiations, having successfully concluded benefits agreements in the areas of mining, pipelines and hydroelectric facilities, as well as various funding and joint venture arrangements.
With respect to treaty implementation, Chris assists treaty governments with the development, drafting and implementation of legislation and government policies.
An experienced advocate, Chris looks at traditional legal problems from a creative and collaborative perspective and seeks strategic and practical results for his clients.
Prior to joining A+R in 2011, Chris worked as a senior solicitor for BC Hydro on a variety of indigenous, regulatory and commercial matters.

Bernie Kreft

Bernie Kreft

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Bernie Kreft is a born and raised Yukoner who operates a family-run private prospecting business active throughout BC and the Yukon. The business specializes in the identification, acquisition and development of early-stage exploration projects along with operating a seasonal placer gold mine in the Yukon. These pursuits have led to him being named Yukon Prospector of the Year in 1998 and his family being highlighted on the TV show, Yukon Gold.

Bernie currently sits on the advisory board of Kestrel Gold and has signed numerous option deals with a wide variety of public and private companies. He knows that an environment that fosters early-stage exploration is absolutely critical to the long-term health of the entire industry and that community engagement is key to helping dispel myths and negative perceptions that often surround the industry.

A physical fitness buff, Bernie also enjoys Scrabble, strategy games and watching hockey. He can be found on Twitter at his personal account @Bernie_Kreft dispensing snippets of “gold” as well as posting videos and pictures of his various prospecting adventures.

Keerit Jutla

Keerit Jutla

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Keerit is the President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (“AME”). He is a lawyer with a decade of experience in the natural resource sector, working with and acting for both mining companies and First Nations. Keerit is passionate about responsible natural resource development and brings with him a depth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the entire spectrum of mineral exploration and development.

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Prior to joining AME, Keerit spent two years with the BC provincial government at the Environmental Assessment Office and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, where he focused on promoting permit efficiency for mineral exploration projects and operationalizing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, striving to build permitting certainty to both companies and First Nations.

Keerit has also practiced regulatory and Aboriginal law across a variety of industries, including oil and gas, oil sands, pipelines, LNG and mining. Over his career, he has assisted companies and First Nations to develop impact benefit agreements and negotiate joint venture deals and equity investment for First Nations in the natural resource sector.

Keerit holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Arts in political science from the University of Windsor. He completed a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor at the University of Alberta, with an applied focus on natural resources and Aboriginal law.

Ex-Officio

Gavin C. Dirom

Gavin C. Dirom

Geoscience BC

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Gavin is well known as a trusted professional with an extensive business and government network and industry profile in Canada.

Gavin has over 25 years of experience in the Canadian mineral exploration and mining industry, with a focus on government and stakeholder relations, industry advocacy, not-for-profit association management and governance, public policy development, corporate affairs and project permitting, safety, environmental management and sustainability.

Gavin holds a M.Sc. degree in Environmental Management from Royal Roads University and a B.Sc. in Physical Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Victoria. He is also a registered Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) in the Province of British Columbia. His M.Sc. thesis and hydrogeology-related research of the Lynx underground mine on Vancouver Island was undertaken with the Geological Survey of Canada.

By invitation of the BC and Canadian governments, Gavin has represented the mineral exploration and mining industry on a number of domestic and international trade and investment missions.

Gavin continues to serve on a number of academic, industry and government-related committees and boards.

Michael Goehring

Michael Goehring

Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC)

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Michael Goehring joined the Mining Association of British Columbia as President and CEO in 2019. Mr. Goehring brings more than 20 years’ experience providing public affairs and strategic communications counsel to many of Canada’s leading natural resource companies. He joined MABC following a successful career as a partner in the Vancouver office of Canada’s largest communications firm. Michael has built a strong reputation for advancing challenging public policy files and delivering successful advocacy and communications campaigns. He brings expertise in a number of communications disciplines, including reputation management, issues and crisis management, corporate relations, media relations, stakeholder and community relations, government relations, advocacy and regulatory affairs.

Michael is a member of the Public Affairs Association of Canada, serves as vice president of the board of the Vancouver Thunderbird Minor Hockey Association, and is past president of the board of directors of the Turning Point Recovery Society.

A native of British Columbia, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and pursued Graduate Studies in International Political Economy at Simon Fraser University.

View AME's Executive Committee

Past Presidents

Kendra Johnston (2019-2023)

Kendra Johnston (2019-2023)

Edie Thome (2017-2019)

Edie Thome (2017-2019)

Gavin C Dirom (2008-2017)

Gavin C Dirom (2008-2017)

R.E. Legg (1961-1962)

R.E. Legg (1961-1962)

Dr. Christopher Riley (1959-1960)

Dr. Christopher Riley (1959-1960)

James A Pike (1958)

James A Pike (1958)

Henry L Hill (1956-1957)

Henry L Hill (1956-1957)

Stanley J Crocker (1955)

Stanley J Crocker (1955)

Dr Harry V Warren (1952-1954)

Dr Harry V Warren (1952-1954)

Mel O’Brien (1947 – 1951)

Mel O’Brien (1947 – 1951)

A E Jukes (1942-1946)

A E Jukes (1942-1946)

Gomer P Jones (1941)

Gomer P Jones (1941)

Dr. William Brenton Burnett (1935-1940)

Dr. William Brenton Burnett (1935-1940)

Dr Victor Dolmage (1930-1934)

Dr Victor Dolmage (1930-1934)

Frank E Woodside (1922-1928)

Frank E Woodside (1922-1928)

James M Lay (1921)

James M Lay (1921)

Nicol Thompson (1916, 1917 and 1929)

Nicol Thompson (1916, 1917 and 1929)

Prof John M Turnbull (1915)

Prof John M Turnbull (1915)

Dean Reginald W Brock (1914)

Dean Reginald W Brock (1914)

Hon Lytton Wilmot Shatford (1913)

Hon Lytton Wilmot Shatford (1913)

Robert Rist Hedley (1912)

Robert Rist Hedley (1912)

Staff

Keerit Jutla

Keerit Jutla

President & CEO

778-772-4410 | [email protected]

Keerit is the President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (“AME”). He is a lawyer with a decade of experience in the natural resource sector, working with and acting for both mining companies and First Nations. Keerit is passionate about responsible natural resource development and brings with him a depth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the entire spectrum of mineral exploration and development.

Read More

Prior to joining AME, Keerit spent two years with the BC provincial government at the Environmental Assessment Office and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, where he focused on promoting permit efficiency for mineral exploration projects and operationalizing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, striving to build permitting certainty to both companies and First Nations.

Keerit has also practiced regulatory and Aboriginal law across a variety of industries, including oil and gas, oil sands, pipelines, LNG and mining. Over his career, he has assisted companies and First Nations to develop impact benefit agreements and negotiate joint venture deals and equity investment for First Nations in the natural resource sector.

Keerit holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Arts in political science from the University of Windsor. He completed a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor at the University of Alberta, with an applied focus on natural resources and Aboriginal law.

Jonathan Buchanan

Jonathan Buchanan

VP, Policy and Advocacy

778-840-0620 | [email protected]

As VP, Policy and Advocacy, Jonathan is responsible for advancing policy initiatives that impact mineral exploration and development. These initiatives are wide-ranging and include permitting, reconciliation, land access and use, geoscience, and financial incentives among many other topics. Jonathan also helps to drive AME’s three-year strategic work plan by ensuring the annual work plans are completed and members are kept informed.

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Jonathan joined AME in 2005. Jonathan grew up in the mining town of Elliot Lake, Ontario, and first moved to BC to study at the University of British Columbia, graduating with a B.A. in Geography. In addition to a background in communications for the mineral exploration and mining sector, Jonathan has studied, lived, and worked in Japan, and is the author of Inside the Torii Gate: The Journal of an Exchange Student in Japan.

He served as 2015-2016 Chair of the BC Technical & Research Committee on Reclamation, on which he represents AME and is a member of the Health & Safety Committee of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada. He has received the Advanced Communicator Gold award from Toastmasters International, and is an active member of Vancore Toastmasters.

Becky Pitre

Becky Pitre

Manager, Accounting and Human Resources

604-630-3922 | [email protected]

Becky is the Accounting and Human Resources Manager at AME and reports to the President and CEO. She is responsible for all of AME’s accounting functions as well as the administration of all Human Resources functions. Previously, Becky worked as an accountant in the tire recycling industry and for an energy systems manufacturer.

Candice Appleby

Candice Appleby

Manager, Strategic Projects

604-354-5877 | [email protected]

Candice Appleby is the Manager, Strategic Projects at AME. She is a communications professional with over 15 years of industry experience working at exploration, mining and non-profit organizations. Previously, she was a member of the AME Roundup Committee. Prior to joining AME, Candice’s previous positions focused on a wide range of activities including: website and social media management, marketing and communications, event planning, investor relations and corporate governance.

In her role at AME, Candice is responsible for organizing events, communications and stakeholder engagement for the BC Regional Mining Alliance and managing various AME projects.

Brenin Nobleman

Brenin Nobleman

Manager, Events

 778-227-8340 | [email protected]

As Manager, Events at AME, Brenin is responsible for the planning, management and execution of all AME events, primarily focusing on the annual AME Roundup conference. Brenin reports to the Director, Communications and Member Relations and supports the wider AME team. Prior to joining AME, Brenin worked in operations and events management.

Irene Parlati

Irene Parlati

Coordinator, Events

778-772-5509 | [email protected]

Irene is the Events Coordinator at AME and reports to the Events Manager. She is responsible for planning and executing AME’s member events, managing Roundup volunteers on-site, as well as assisting with Roundup registration pre-conference. During her studies in Hospitality Business Management, Irene was introduced to AME through volunteering at AME Roundup 2020, followed by 2 years as AME’s Office Administrator.

Nikki Eby

Nikki Eby

Coordinator, Member Services

778-957-5949 | [email protected]

Nikki is the Member Services Coordinator and reports to the Director, Communications and Member Relations. Nikki plays a key role for membership services in maintaining the efficiency of the member database, coordinating member benefits and handling member inquiries.  She also works closely with AME staff in the planning and execution of all AME Events and the annual AME Roundup conference. Her administration management background pairs well with her current interest and schooling path to be a geologist. Nikki got to know AME through her volunteer experience and AME Roundup 2023.

Zoey Lê

Zoey Lê

Coordinator, Digital Marketing

778-233-1440 | [email protected]

As Coordinator, Digital Marketing, Zoey is responsible for AME’s initiatives and events across digital platforms, including website content, e-news, social media, content strategy, engagement campaigns, and event support for AME Roundup.

Zoey graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, concentrating in Marketing. Prior to joining AME, she has worked in various communications and marketing roles in education and EdTech.

Rameen Rostainajad

Rameen Rostainajad

Coordinator, Exploration Data Analysis

604-618-9240 | [email protected]

As a Coordinator, Exploration Data Analysis with AME, Rameen oversees the compilation of industry data related to exploration activities and expenditures for current and historical projects in BC. Rameen reports to AME’s VP, Policy and Advocacy, to support AME’s advocacy efforts and advancing policy initiatives that impact mineral exploration and development in BC.

Prior to AME, Rameen spent two years working on an advanced-stage copper exploration project in Central BC assisting the geology team in the core shack.

In 2020, Rameen completed his Bachelor of Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering from BCIT.

Michela Traina

Michela Traina

Administrative Assistant

604-630-8269 | [email protected]

Michela is the Administrative Assistant at AME and reports directly to the President and CEO. She is responsible for all AME’s office administrative functions and works closely with AME staff to support membership and events.

Prior to joining AME, Michela worked in events management in Canada and Chile. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management and Master of Strategy and Administration from Adolfo Ibanez University.