Emgold combines CEO and COO jobs to cut costs

Here’s a press release from Emgold, combining the CEO and chief operating officer roles to cut costs. It shows that Emgold is betting its corporate future on re-opening the Idaho-Maryland Mine, with David Watkinson at the helm:

“Emgold Mining Corp. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David G. Watkinson as president and chief executive of Emgold and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Idaho-Maryland Mining Corp. Mr. Watkinson was previously serving as president and chief operating officer of the Emgold and as chief executive of Idaho-Maryland Mining Corp.

“The chief executive and chief operating officer roles will be combined, reducing corporate overhead costs for the Company.

“Mr. Watkinson has over 25 years of professional engineering experience in underground and open pit mine development, including mine permitting, engineering, feasibility, construction and operations. In addition, he has extensive international experience in project management, having taken projects from grass roots to start-up to successful operation.

“He holds a B.Sc. in Applied Science, Mining Engineering, from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario (1985) and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario. Mr. Watkinson has been responsible for management of large capital projects and operations in Canada, the United States, and the Philippines.

“He has held progressively senior positions with Placer Dome Inc., Kinross Gold Corporation, Lepanto Mining Corporation, Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada, and Vulcan Materials Company.

“Mr. Watkinson’s primarily focus will be completing the Environmental Impact Report and securing the Conditional Mine Use Permit (CMUP) for the Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine, located in Grass Valley, California. Mr. Watkinson currently lives in Grass Valley as an integral member of the community and will continue to be Emgold’s chief spokesperson for all permitting, community relations, and operational matters.

“Mr. Watkinson will also be responsible for resource modeling and mine planning activities being conducted in parallel to the permitting process.

“In addition, Mr. Watkinson will be responsible for developing new opportunities for the Company. Emgold recently completed a Lease and Option to Purchase Agreement on its Rozan Property near Ymir, British Columbia. The Company also acquired the Buckskin Rawhide Property near Hawthorn, Nevada, adjacent to the Denton Rawhide Mine operated by Kennecott Rawhide Mining Corporation.

“Mr. Watkinson will also be responsible for ongoing activities of the company, including overseeing investor relations, accounting, legal, and audit functions in the Company’s head office in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Sargent Berner is stepping down as CEO of the Company and will continue as a Director and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board would like to thank Mr. Berner for his service as CEO.”