Thursday January 27, 4:41 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Wheaton River President Receives Award for
Excellence in Mine Development
TORONTO, ONTARIO--Wheaton River Minerals Ltd. is pleased to announce that J. John Kalmet, President and Chief
Operating Officer, has been awarded the E.A. Scholz Award from the British Columbia and Yukon Chamber of Mines. The
prestigious award is presented annually to honour excellence in mine development.
Mr. Kalmet was chosen for his leadership role in the development of the Golden Bear heap leach gold mine in northwestern
British Columbia. The Golden Bear mine is owned and operated by North American Metals Corp., an 89% owned subsidiary
of Wheaton River. Mr. Kalmet joined Wheaton River in 1995 and was instrumental in reopening the mine as a heap leach
operation in 1997. Golden Bear was the first (and remains the only) heap leach mine in British Columbia. The mine has
significantly exceeded original feasibility estimates for gold production, at a lower than forecast cost per ounce, in each of its
three years of operation.
John Kalmet graduated in 1961 with a degree in mining engineering from the University of Toronto. He joined INCO after
graduation and subsequently spent 25 years with the Noranda group of companies, including a period from 1983-89 as
General Manager, Western Canada when he was responsible for the operation of five mines. He then spent three years with the
Canamax group and four years as a consultant to the mining industry. He joined Wheaton River just as the company was
commencing the permitting and financing stage of the Golden Bear heap leach mine, and has been responsible for operations
since that time.
''John Kalmet has been one of the driving forces in transforming Wheaton River into a profitable gold mining company and it is
wonderful that a prominent group such as the Chamber of Mines has taken notice,'' says Ian McDonald, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Wheaton River.
Contact:
Ian J. McDonald, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Kerry J. Knoll, Vice-President, Investor Relations
(416) 860-0919
or
Renmark Financial Communications
(514) 939-3989
Website: www.renmarkfinancial.com |
