Sunshine Silver Refinery is fortunate that it has been able to retain or re-hire experienced key employees from the original refinery to maintain the efficiency and high quality for which "Sunshine Silver" has been renowned. They include:
Mike Irish, P.Eng., M.S. Met. Eng. Position: Acting General Manager & V.P. Metallurgy Email: Mr. Irish has over 20 years of metallurgical Engineering experience and has held various positions including Metallurgical Superintendent, Chief Metallurgist and Operations Foreman with a number of companies. His most recent position was as Senior Metallurgical Engineer for Anglo Gold's Cripple Creek, CO operations. Mr. Irish was instrumental in the design, engineering, construction and start up of the Big Creek Hydrometallurgical Complex and Sunshine Precious Metals Refinery in the mid-eighties.
Tom Valentine, M.S. Position: Metallurgist Email: Mr. Valentine holds an MS from Montana Tech in metallurgical engineering through the Mine and Mineral Waste Emphasis Program. He has 17 years of experience in metallurgy and hazardous materials and was the Hazardous Materials Manager at Montana Tech. He has worked as a metallurgist and tankhouse supervisor at Phelps Dodge Morenci and Lisbon Valley Mining Co. He is also an experienced farrier and blacksmith.
Michael C. Perry Position: Comptroller Email: Mr. Perry joined Essential Metals Corporation on January 1, 2004 as Comptroller for the Kellogg, Idaho operation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management degree from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Perry brings with him extensive experience in the metallurgical and general accounting fields specifically required for this operation and is intimately familiar with the Complex and its previous operation.
Susan Shiplett, B.Sc. Position: Human Resource Director Email: Ms. Shiplett joined Essential Metals Corporation® on August 7, 2007 as Human Resources Director. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Lewis-Clark State College. Ms. Shiplett most recently worked as a consultant for the Idaho Industrial Commission, Rehabilitation Division and subsequently held positions with Sunshine Mining and Refining Company as Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Specialist, Employee Relations & Office Manager, and Staff Payroll Accountant.
Larry Hoven Position: Operations Supervisor Email: Mr. Hoven worked at the Sunshine Precious Metals Refinery for its previous owner, Sunshine Mining and Refining Company, between January of 1979 until the facilities were closed in 2001 and thus brings with him a wealth of operational experience of the refinery. He held various positions including Miner, 1st Class Mechanic/Welder, Leadman/Operator and Forman. Mr. Hoven also worked as a Supervisor at the Silver Refinery and the Mill Foreman at the nearby Sunshine Mine.
Fred V. Stone Position: Chemist Email: Mr. Stone started with Essential Metals Corporation® April 1, 2004 as Chemist. Mr. Stone holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Montana Tech and brings with him over fifteen years experience in the mining industry in supervisory and management capacities. He has worked in research, production and industrial waste water treatment, with a focus on treatment of mining and industrial waste discharge. He most recently worked as the Plant Supervisor for Beal Mountain Mining.
John L. Allen Position: Metallurgical Consultant Mr. Allen, began his career with the Bunker Hill Mining Company in 1964 and subsequently held positions with Sunshine Mining and Refining Company as Mill Foreman, Mill Superintendent and Manager of Metallurgy and with Sunshine Argentina as VP and Manager of Metallurgy. Mr. Allen's indepth knowledge of the refinery has been instrumental in helping the company re-establish and maintain the exceptional quality of the products produced for its customers.
