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Mr. Ward has over 20 years experience in the mining industry during which time he has worked for mining companies in five different countries. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Arizona, a Master of Science in Engineering from the Royal School of Mines of the University of London, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Mr. Ward is a Nevada Professional Engineer and a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council in the United Kingdom. Following his graduation from the University of Arizona, Mr. Ward joined Bamangwato Concessions Limited ('BCL') in Botswana as an Underground Shift Boss where he supervised seven to ten front-line supervisors and one hundred miners. Mr. Ward then became Mine Engineer responsible for all mine engineering and planning for Lithium Corporation of America in North Carolina and reported directly to the Vice President of Mining. From there, Mr. Ward went on to complete his Master of Science in Engineering before becoming a Special Projects Engineer for St. Joe Minerals Corporation in upstate New York. He then went on to become an Underground Supervisor at Molycorp's Mine in New Mexico. After New Mexico, and prior to attending to University of Chicago, Mr. Ward was retained by Freeport-Indonesia as a consultant to identify problem areas and develop cost control programs to reduce power consumption costs and curtail contractor overcharging. After attending the University of Chicago, Mr. Ward formed Ward Mining Company and Kino Copper Company, in which he and a partner prospected for copper and gold properties throughout the Southwest United States. During the years 1992 - 1998, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cobre Mining Company Inc. ('Cobre'). Cobre operated the Continental Mine, which consisted of an open pit and two underground mines located near Silver City, New Mexico. Cobre's principle asset, the Continental Mine was purchased by Mr. Ward and Mr. McNeely for US$8.3 million in 1993. Over the next four years, costs were reduced by 50% while production increased by 300% and mining reserves grew by over 500%. Cobre was sold in 1998 at a premium of +100% to the market price. Since 1998, Mr. Ward, has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Metallic Ventures Gold Inc. | 