Scout is led by an experienced technical and financial team with deep backgrounds in mineral exploration, project generation, capital markets, and corporate governance. Together, the leadership team and board of directors provide oversight and strategic perspective required to support long-term growth in value per share.
The primary responsibility of the Board is to represent and advance Shareholders’ interests and to protect the interests of stakeholders. To fulfil this role the Board is responsible for the overall corporate governance of the Company including its strategic direction, establishing goals for management and monitoring the achievement of these goals.
President & CEO
Curtis led the generation, advancement, and marketing of Au-Ag projects in the western USA for EMX Royalty Corp. from 2018 to 2022. His efforts were instrumental in developing the current Scout portfolio in Idaho.
Prior to his tenure at EMX, Curtis held production and exploration roles with Newmont, where he worked at the Leeville and Phoenix Mines in Nevada.
He holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from the University of Nevada, Reno, a M.S. in Geology from Oregon State University, and a B.S. in Geology from the University of Idaho.
Vice President, Corporate Development
Amanda is a Geologist with over 12 years of experience in the geoscience sector. She holds a master’s degree in Mineral Exploration with a minor in Mineral & Energy Economics, and a B.S. in Geological Engineering, both from the Colorado School of Mines. She is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).
Throughout her career, Amanda has held roles as a business development geologist, resource geologist, and field geologist. She has provided technical assistance and expertise in geology, engineering, economic analysis, marketing, and negotiation agreements. Additionally, Amanda has contributed to technical reports for public reporting and is Spanish-bilingual.
Chief Geologist, Scout Discoveries
Jim Essman is Chief Geologist at Scout Discoveries. He spent twenty-two years with Newmont, where he led generative and district-scale gold exploration in Chile, the Yukon, Alaska, Mexico, and Nevada’s Great Basin — building and mentoring field teams, setting target rate-and-rank priorities, and managing programs from reconnaissance through drill definition.
A structural geologist by training, with an M.S. from Oregon State University, Jim specializes in exploration geochemistry, field mapping, and ore system characterization, applied from the terrane to district scale.
Independent Chairman
Neil is an esteemed Independent Consultant and Analyst, renowned for his expertise in the mining and investment sectors.
He served as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Sprott from 2012 to 2023, where he played a pivotal role in shaping investment strategies. Prior to his tenure at Sprott, Neil held the position of Senior Mining Analyst at Passport Capital from 2004 to 2011, where he garnered extensive experience in financial analysis and market research.
Before transitioning to buy-side capital market roles, Neil dedicated a decade to exploration, mine geology, and corporate positions with Placer Dome, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of the mining industry.
Neil holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from James Cook University and earned his B.Sc. Honours from the University of Birmingham.
Independent Director
Chad currently serves as the President & CEO of Ridgeline Minerals Corporation, overseeing its strategic direction and operations.
Prior to his current role, Chad held the position of US Exploration Manager at Premier Gold Mines, where he led exploration efforts and managed projects across Canada. His extensive experience includes both production and exploration roles in various regions of Canada.
Chad earned his B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Manitoba and is a registered professional geologist with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.
Independent Director
Liz has over 27 years of investor relations, communications and compliance experience in the mining space and is currently a Co-Founder & Partner of NIKLI Communications. She has a proven track record of bringing strategic and innovative ideas to the table and building strong relationships within the investment community to strategically position companies with institutional and retail investors, analysts, newsletter writers and stakeholders. She has held previous roles of Vice President of Marketing at Inventa Capital (2022-2024), Vice President, Investor Relations for KORE Mining (2021), Investor Relations and Corporate Secretary for Midas Gold (2011-2021), Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Secretary for Rainy River Resources (2005-2011) and Communications and Land Manager for Rubicon Minerals (1997-2005). Liz is a Director of TinOne Resources Inc. (TSX-V: TORC), a founder of the Vancouver Mining Collective and is the President and a Director of the Society of Investor Relations Executives in Mining (SIREM).
Liz has a B.A. from the University of British Columbia (Geography) and has completed the Canadian Securities Course.
Independent Director
Finance leader with 15+ years of progressive experience in mining financial strategy and operational leadership. Expertise in managing multi-million-dollar assets, royalty agreements, and compliance programs.
Brian currently serves as the Director of Finance, U.S. Operations with Franco-Nevada. In this role he manages Franco-Nevada’s royalty interests in the U.S. and supports the acquisition and integration of new assets. Prior to this role, Brian was the Administration Manager at SSR Mining’s Marigold Mine in Nevada, overseeing Accounting, Supply Chain and IT.
Brian earned his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno and is a Certified Public Accountant.