MIATA Metals
Management and Directors
Management
Dr. Jaap Verbaas, PhD
CEO, DIRECTOR
Dr. Jaap Verbaas is a seasoned geologist with extensive expertise in field geology, specializing in orogenic gold and Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) deposits. His work encompasses both brownfields and grassroots exploration, with a strong focus on modeling geological processes such as alteration, metasomatism, igneous fractionation, accumulation, and metamorphic petrology.
Dr. Verbaas also possesses significant capabilities in structural geology, geochronology, and technical terrain analysis. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Structural Geology and Metamorphic Petrology from Utrecht University, followed by a Ph.D. in Proterozoic Geology of the Yukon Territory from Simon Fraser University.
This robust academic foundation, combined with his hands-on experience, equips Dr. Verbaas to identify and capitalize on valuable geological opportunities in the industry.
John Wenger, CPA, CA
CFO
Mr. John Wenger was VP Strategy and Chief Financial Officer of TSXV-listed Contact Gold Corp. from 2017 to April 2024 when it was acquired by Orla Mining Ltd.
From 2011 to 2017, Mr. Wenger served as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Liberty Gold (Pilot Gold), where he was part of a management team that raised over $100 million, and successfully completed multiple property transaction deals and acquisitions.
Mr. Wenger was Chief Financial Officer of Inflection Resources Ltd., a CSE-listed exploration company from 2020 to 2023.
He has also served on the board of several exploration-stage companies. Previously, Mr. Wenger worked for Ernst & Young LLP from 2001 to 2011 where he acquired considerable experience in financial reporting for both Canadian and U.S. publicly listed companies, primarily in the mining sector. Mr. Wenger is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Dr. Luke Bickerton, PhD
VP EXPLORATION
Dr. Luke Bickerton is a dedicated earth scientist with a Ph.D. in Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology, bringing over 13 years of experience in geological research and mineral exploration.
His expertise enables him to analyze complex scientific concepts and translate them into clear, engaging, and accessible content for diverse audiences.
With a passion for the field and a commitment to advancing understanding, Dr. Bickerton is well-equipped to contribute to innovative projects and initiatives within the industry.
Board of Directors
James Reid, CPA, CA
DIRECTOR
Mr. Reid is currently a Managing Partner at Three Peaks Capital, a merchant bank based in Vancouver, BC. Prior, he was an Investment Advisor and Institutional Sales representative at Haywood Securities Inc. in Vancouver, BC. He served as a publishing research analyst prior to this, with a focus on Diversified Industries and Special Situations.
Mr. James Reid is a CPA Charterholder and earned a B. Comm from McGill University. Mr. Reid has deep capital markets and accounting experience in various capacities, including financial modelling, valuations, equity research, capital raising, and transaction structuring.
Danny Matthews, JD
DIRECTOR
Mr. Danny Matthews is a Managing Partner at Three Peaks Capital, a merchant bank based in Vancouver, BC. With a strong background in law and finance, he plays a pivotal role in advising the firm’s portfolio companies on corporate affairs and transactional strategies in the capital markets.
Mr. Matthews has a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Western Ontario and is called to the bar in British Columbia. Mr. Matthews previously practised corporate and securities law with a primary focus on stock exchange listings, equity financings, and mergers and acquisitions.
