W. Durand Eppler

Biographical Information
"Mr. Eppler has over 30 years experience in the natural resources industry. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Partners, LLC, a private investment and advisory firm since he founded it in 2004. The firm has an exclusive focus on mining, oil and gas and energy resource industries and international experience. From 1995 to 2004, Mr. Eppler held various positions with Newmont Mining Corporation, the world's second largest gold producer, and its subsidiaries, including Vice President of Newmont Capital, Ltd. (2002 to August 2004), Vice President, Corporate Development of Newmont Mining Corporation (2001 to 2002), President of Newmont Indonesia (1998 to 2001), and Vice President, Corporate Planning of Newmont Mining Corporation (1995 to 1998). Prior to joining Newmont, Mr. Eppler served as the Managing Director, Metals & Mining for Chemical Securities, Inc., a subsidiary of Chemical Bank (now JPMorgan Chase), where he was responsible for relationship management, technical support, corporate finance services, credit marketing and transaction execution for clients in the global precious, industrial and energy resources businesses. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Vista Gold Company, Augusta Resource Corp., and Allied Nevada Gold Corp. and is the Chairman of the board of directors of Northern Energy & Mining Inc.

"Mr. Eppler holds a B.A. in Geography & Religion from Middlebury College and an M.S. in Mineral Economics from the Colorado School of Mines. Mr. Eppler is a member of the Society of Mining Engineers of A.I.M.E. and a member of the Global Leadership Council, College of Business, Colorado State University."

Affiliations

 * Director, Golden Minerals Company