|
Mr. Gross (P.Geo.) holds a B.S. in geology, and an M.S. in economic geology. With an excellent track record of finding, building, operating and improving precious metals mines throughout North America, Mr Gross has held senior exploration positions ranging from mine geologist to VP Exploration. In addition Mr. Gross has served as VP Operations for four separate gold and silver producers operating eight mines with aggregate annual production of 350,000 ounces of gold and 8.5 million ounce of silver between them. Mr. Gross's exploration and operating plans have served as the basis for the securing of over $200 million of mine financing.
Highlights from Mr. Gross' career include the operational turnaround of the 5 million ounce per year Lucky Friday silver mine, where as Mine Manager, he was responsible for increasing mill throughput by 85%, ore grade by 21% and productivity by 59%. Based upon this success, he subsequently served as VP Operations of Hecla's Metal Mining Division. As VP Operations of Royal Oak Mines, Mr. Gross was an integral member of the management team that acquired and returned to profitability two 100,000 ounce per year gold mines. Through increasing production and effective cost control, Mr. Gross was able to reduce cash operating costs by 25% (US $97) within the first 15 months of the acquisition. As VP Operations of NYSE-listed Atlas Corporation, Mr. Gross was a key member of the management team that recommenced mining at Atlas's 50,000 ounce per year gold mine. Mr. Gross has also successfully brought several new mines into production. While serving as VP Operations of Exall Resources, his revised feasibility study was instrumental in securing financing for the start-up of a new gold mine, which went from ground breaking to the first gold pour in six months and to positive cash flow within 10 months under his direction. | 