Advisory Board

Ulrich Ernst has worked in the mining sector for more than 40 years and has been President since 1995. During his extensive career he has managed and led several high-growth companies and has a long track record of success. He has also held several senior positions in public-listed companies and worked as a management and financial consultant for years. Mr Ernst holds an MBA from the University of Zurich

Dr Patrick Stach has been a self-employed lawyer for more than 25 years and offers consulting and advisory services for a number of Swiss companies. He has been a member of the board since 2018. Dr Stach studied at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, where he also obtained his PhD.

Mr Bontempo has worked in investment banking and corporate advisory since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young in 1997. Mr Bontempo has worked for investment banks in Australia and the UK and has been closely involved with the advising and financing of companies in the resources industry, specialising in asset sales and AIM | ASX listings.

Mr Edwin Leo Staehli is the CEO of businessexpert.ch. He is a passionate initiator, coach, trainer and consultant in business development.

Andy Wells is a Partner of at mining consultancy group Saint Barbara. Mr Wells has extensive knowledge of metalliferous operations ranging from mining issues related to processing, concentrate shipping and sampling, sales contracts and the integration of good environmental practice into day to day management. Andy Wells is a graduate of the Royal School of Mines (Mineral Technology), Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

David Duckworth is a Partner of at mining consultancy group Saint Barbara. Mr Duckworth is an experienced professional with broad knowledge of the non-ferrous metals markets. He is a graduate of Liverpool University (Geology and Chemistry) and Leicester University (Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology), a Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and Registered with the Engineering Council as a Chartered Engineer.

Mr Mell is a mining executive and capital markets professional with extensive international transactional experience acquired through more than 200 transactions, including M&A and over $2.6 billion in equity and debt financings. After a career as a Bay Street lawyer, Trent worked for both global producers and junior miners. Trent Mell is currently the President and CEO of First Cobalt. He has a B.A., a B.C.L. & LL.B from McGill University, as well as an MBA from Northwestern University & Schulich School of Business, and an LL.M from Osgoode Hall.