Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Banyan picks Haywood as president, CEO

Banyan Gold Corp. Feb. 1 said Mark Haywood has been appointed the exploration company’s president, chief executive officer and director. Haywood holds degrees in both mining engineering and law, and has an extensive career at underground and open-pit mining projects across North America, Africa, South America and Australasia from working at the mine face, through to building and managing large-scale mining operations as either Chief Mining Engineer or Mine Manager. “We are excited to have someone of Mark's caliber join the team to lead the development and growth of Banyan going forward,” said Banyan Gold Chairman Mark Ayranto. Banyan is a Vancouver, B. C.-based exploration company focused on the Hyland Gold project in eastern Yukon Territory. The Main zone at Hyland hosts 12.5 million metric tons of inferred resources averaging 0.9 grams per metric ton (361,692 ounces) gold and 5.59 g/t (2.25 million ounces) silver, for a combined 396,468 gold-equivalent ounces. “I am very excited to build upon the solid foundation established by the existing Banyan team and its shareholders to create a new value driven Canadian mining company,” said Haywood. “Our primary focus will be to build shareholder value by growing Banyan organically and via various acquisition initiatives to establish a portfolio of highly ranked exploration projects and profitable mining operations, managed by proven mining industry experts and supported by a team of experienced and competent professionals.”

- Shane Lasley