Bellhaven Appoints New Vice President Exploration
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/01/12 -- Bellhaven Copper & Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: BHV) ('Bellhaven' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brad Yonaka to the position of Vice President - Exploration. Mr. Yonaka will assume his new role effective March 10, 2012 and will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Brad has more than 20 years experience as a mining and exploration geologist in South America and Africa. He has a bachelor's degree in geological engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a master's degree in geochemistry from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Mr. Yonaka comes to Bellhaven from Gold Reserve Inc., where he worked for 15 years as an exploration geologist, chief geologist, and exploration manager. In his capacity at Gold Reserve, Brad was responsible for building the geologic model, and was instrumental in the drill-out and management of the exploration program at the world-class Brisas gold-copper deposit in Venezuela. Brad also directed evaluations and green fields exploration on a host of other targets in the Guyana Shield. Most recently, Brad has been evaluating new opportunities throughout the world for Gold Reserve.
Patrick Highsmith, Bellhaven's CEO, commented on the new appointment:
'We are excited to welcome Brad Yonaka on board at Bellhaven. He brings a track record of drilling gold, tremendous intellect, extraordinary team skills, and a passion for discovery that are rare and infectious. He is also fluent in Spanish and Latin American culture. Brad's skill set is well matched with our objectives and his experience is directly relevant. These are some of the core strengths that make Brad an ideal choice to lead our geological team. We recognize the importance of people and leadership in growing the Company; and we expect Brad to make an immediate contribution in this regard.'
Resignation of Jeffrey Brooks as Vice President - Exploration:
Effective February 29, 2012, Dr. Jeffrey Brooks has resigned as Bellhaven's Vice President - Exploration. Jeff joined the Company in May of 2011 and moved quickly to strengthen the geological team while presiding over the maiden NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource for the La Mina Project. Jeff brought serious porphyry expertise to the team and helped establish the methodologies and systems that are the foundation of the Company's geological productivity today.
'Jeff is a seasoned professional and has been a key part of Bellhaven's success to date. He built a great team at La Mina and has a natural ability as a teacher and a mentor,' commented Patrick Highsmith. 'We wish him success in his future efforts and we are grateful that he has agreed to assist Bellhaven with the transition by remaining an advisor to the Company.'
About Bellhaven
Bellhaven Copper & Gold Inc. is a Canadian-listed (TSX VENTURE: BHV) exploration company exploring for gold and copper in Panama and Colombia. The Company's objective is to be a leader in responsible gold and copper development in Panama and Colombia. Bellhaven will focus on discovery, acquisition, and development of high-quality resources in a safe and responsible manner for the benefit of all of its stakeholders.
The Company's principal assets include the La Mina porphyry gold-(copper) project in the Middle Cauca belt of Colombia, the Pitaloza and three other high-sulphidation epithermal gold-(copper) and porphyry copper prospects located on the Azuero Peninsula in Panama.
For more information regarding Bellhaven, please visit our website at www.bellhavencg.com.
On behalf of the board of directors,
R. Patrick Highsmith, Chief Executive Officer
BELLHAVEN COPPER & GOLD INC.
Statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Bellhaven Copper & Gold Inc.
Nico Wells
Corporate Communications
North America: +1-303-470-8700, ext 24
Bellhaven Copper & Gold Inc.
Contact in Panama:
Julio Benedetti
President/Director
Int'l No: +507-226-3967
www.bellhavencg.com