Tolu Minerals Ltd has appointed Chris Muller as executive group geologist as the company advances to the next stage of a “very significant” exploration program and recommences gold and silver production from the Tolukuma Mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
For the past nine years, Muller led the K92 Mining Inc (TSX:KNT) exploration team and has been central to K92’s remarkable corporate trajectory including the definition of combined mineral resources of around 18 million ounces gold-equivalent — making K92 the leading mining company in PNG and one of the top gold miners globally.
Prior to joining K92, Muller was instrumental in driving the growth of the combined Wafi-Golpu mineral resource to well over 50 million ounces gold-equivalent.
Muller has joined Tolu to lead the development of the company’s large exploration portfolio on and around the Tolukuma epithermal structure, including epithermal and porphyry targets and Tolu’s Mt Penck epithermal gold and polymetallic project on New Britain Island.
He brings substantial knowledge and field experience and an impressive track record in all facets of exploration and development. This has led to significant production success in his previous endeavours that will complement Tolu’s existing geology and exploration team.
Importantly Muller is the most knowledgeable practitioner in PNG utilising Expert Geophysics’ Airborne Magneto Telluric surveying methodology, which has been recently undertaken by Tolu and is central to its exploration strategy.
Most recently, he used this advanced technology to create significant discoveries at K92.
Foremost geologist in PNG
Tolu Minerals managing director and CEO Iain Macpherson said: “I’m delighted to announce that Chris Muller, arguably the foremost geologist and explorer in PNG of recent years has joined Tolu to lead our exploration and mine geology teams.
“Chris joins Tolu at a key stage in the company’s exciting growth trajectory and brings unparalleled experience, success and no small dose of enthusiasm to Tolu’s very large and prospective exploration portfolio.
“Chris joins Tolu after almost nine years leading K92’s exploration team and as a member of the executive management, where he was central in driving K92’s remarkable transition to producer and multi-billion-dollar company in just a few years.
“The timely arrival of Chris brings unparalleled capability to Tolu’s already first-rate team and is further demonstration of Tolu’s commitment to deliver another world-class gold/silver and potentially copper producer in what is rapidly becoming one of the leading global gold/copper provinces.”
Exploration and development plans
Tolu’s exploration program has two key components: regional exploration over its very substantial land holding and exploration around the Tolukuma Mine where Tolu have previously defined an exploration target — on and immediately adjacent to Tolukuma’s existing infrastructure — of 2-3 million ounces.
The company has a vision to develop the Tolukuma mine and surrounding exploration portfolio into a highly profitable and significant gold producer. It aspires to define a resource to support gold production of circa 500,000 ounces per annum with the associated silver by-product.