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Explorers, Dreamers and Doers.

Meet the people who are at the core of our success. With a collective experience that spans the globe, our team offers two generations of mineral exploration experience and support.

Collage of Equity employees working

Meet our team

  • Darcy Baker Darcy Baker

    Darcy Baker

    Partner, President

    PhD, PGeo

    Darcy has been our hands-on leader since becoming a partner in 2006.

    Darcy has been our hands-on leader since becoming a partner in 2006. His PhD from the University of Newcastle and over 20 years of experience in the business don’t keep him chained to a desk either. Darcy regularly puts himself in the field to ensure he’s connected to every aspect of Equity’s work and that it’s meeting client objectives. His dedication to mentoring, promoting a safe workplace and fostering Equity’s values is invaluable. If only he could be as valuable to his co-ed hockey team. As they say, nobody can do it all.

  • Ron Voordouw Ron Voordouw

    Ron Voordouw

    Partner, Director of Geoscience

    PhD, PGeo

    Few geologists possess geological data integration and interpretation skills that rival Ron’s.

    Few geologists possess geological data integration and interpretation skills that rival Ron’s. A researcher-turned explorer, Ron’s crooked path to an exploration geoscientist began in oil country. From there, he transected Canada to land on The Rock, went intercontinental to a post-doc in South Africa, and ultimately arrived at Equity during the last Yukon gold rush. Now, as a Partner in the company, Ron is focused on ensuring the high-quality of Equity’s geological understanding and deliverables.

  • Eleanor Black Eleanor Black

    Eleanor Black

    Managing Partner

    BSc, PGeo

    Eleanor is a strategic powerhouse and astute analyst.

    Eleanor is a strategic powerhouse and astute analyst. For over 15 years, Eleanor has used her extensive field experience across a wide array of deposit types to become an expert in both data collection and analysis. She is constantly relied on to maintain Equity’s high standards, manage global project portfolios, and convince her kids to get their homework done before the last minute.

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    Neil Perk

    Partner, Vice President and CFO

    MBA, PGeo

    Fueled by his analytical nature, Neil drives Equity’s business strategy.

    Fueled by his analytical nature, Neil drives Equity’s business strategy. A born-leader, athlete and spreadsheet wizard, “Perk” is equally comfortable in a fly-camp and a boardroom. His BSc in Earth Sciences from University of Victoria set him on course for a career in mineral exploration, including running some complex field campaigns as an Equity Project Geologist. Following an MBA in finance, Neil dipped his toe into the world of investment banking among the Toronto office towers, but fortunately for us, all roads led to Equity and he returned as Partner in 2012. Neil has a strong voice in any room while being an equally good listener.

  • Trevor Rabb Trevor Rabb

    Trevor Rabb

    Partner, Resource Geologist

    BSc, PGeo, CPAG

    Trevor is a geological and resource modeling mastermind.

    Trevor is a geological and resource modeling mastermind. His field-relations-first approach to geological modeling and resource estimation combined with his Leapfrog and Micromine power-user status makes him an indispensable member of the Equity team. Trever owns a BSc from Simon Fraser University, and an applied geostatics certificate from the University of Alberta, and often quotes himself as being the one who “put the geology back into geological modeling”.

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    Dave Swanton

    Exploration Manager

    MSc, PGeo

    Dave is the person Equity turns to when it needs to get the job done.

    Dave is the person Equity turns to when it needs to get the job done. From bush whacking in the Iskut to overseeing one of Equity’s longest-lived projects, Dave has been involved with every aspect of mineral exploration and project development. His lengthy experience working in the Red Lake region of Canada provides a deep understanding of the underlying geology and structural controls on deposit formation. This allows his team to “thread the needle” and target high grade gold in one of Canada’s most prolific districts. When Dave is not drill targeting, solving problems or authoring technical reports, he is a family man slowly fostering Equity’s next generation of geoscientists.

  • Daniel Lui Daniel Lui

    Daniel Lui

    Exploration Manager

    MSc, PGeo

    Dan has accumulated over two decades of mineral exploration experience worldwide.

    Dan has accumulated over two decades of mineral exploration experience worldwide. He has developed a strong interest in copper-gold exploration in porphyry systems garnered from work throughout Western Canada, Alaska, Eastern Europe, Eastern Australia, and Central Asia. Dan uses a data driven, first principles approach to geological modeling and exploration targeting, relying on fundamental field observations to guide more complex geological interpretations. Like many geologists, Dan was attracted to geology from the love of the outdoors. In his free time, he can be found deep in the woods mountain biking, fly fishing, skiing, or searching for the next wave out on the ocean.

  • Matthias Lindhuber Matthias Lindhuber

    Matthias Lindhuber

    Exploration Manager

    MSc, PGeo

    Matthias has over a decade of global exploration experience.

    Matthias has over a decade of global exploration experience. He’s worked in remote locations, searching for iron ore in Australia, rare earth elements in Greenland, and gold in Alaska and Canada. Known for his dynamic exploration strategies, Matthias excels in team-driven environments, combining multi-disciplinary geoscience with traditional fieldwork techniques. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and exploring the vast wilderness around him.

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    Chris Hughes

    Exploration Manager

    MSc, PGeo

    Chris is a veteran explorer with experience ranging from grassroots prospecting to advanced drill campaigns.

    Chris is a veteran explorer with experience ranging from grassroots prospecting to advanced drill campaigns. Starting his career in New Zealand and Australia, he honed his skills in diverse geological environments before managing large-scale iron ore projects in West Africa. Since joining Equity in 2013, Chris expanded his expertise to include helicopter operations, winter drilling, and new deposit styles in Canada. Recently, he led one of Equity’s largest and most complex projects, advancing a lithium pegmatite resource. Whether in the field or at home, Chris is known for his good humor and sharp insights in every situation.

  • Scott Parker Scott Parker

    Scott Parker

    Integrated Technology & Logistics Manager

    BSc

    A veteran of the mineral exploration business, Scott is a Swiss army knife of IT, logistics and project support.

    A veteran of the mineral exploration business, Scott is a Swiss army knife of IT, logistics and project support. A UBC Geology grad, Scott’s early career focused on greenfields to advanced-stage Latin American projects, before he specialized in the (then) emerging GIS side of exploration data collection and interpretation. During his two-plus decades with Equity, Scott has impacted 100s of projects, supporting and managing everything from our equipment warehouse, IT dept, databases, company parties, hardware, remote camps, shipping and chocolate. Over the years, Equity has benefitted from three generations of Parkers – Scott’s dad Harry and his son Michael have both worked alongside Scott in our warehouse and on remote camp construction projects.

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    Steve Bultitude

    Senior Project Geologist

    BSc, PGeo

    Steve is a no nonsense, straight shooter who is relied upon to make sound decisions in a timely manner.

    Steve is a no nonsense, straight shooter who is relied upon to make sound decisions in a timely manner. Steve has risen from the ranks of soil samplers and core cutters to become one of Equity’s most well-rounded Senior Project Geologists. With over 10 years of industry experience, covering a full gamut of projects from early-stage mapping and soil sampling programs through to multi drill resource definition programs, Steve has seen and done a lot for someone who looks so young. He also plays tight instrumentals on his guitar.

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    Mike Leidl

    Senior Project Geologist

    BA

    From grassroots projects to advanced project bulk sampling, Mike holds a deep and diverse technical skillset.

    From grassroots projects to advanced project bulk sampling, Mike holds a deep and diverse technical skillset. His ability to bring a team together is only matched by his talent mentoring young geologists. Mike’s years spent playing high-level hockey shows in his revered leadership skills and ability to deke out inevitable project complications. His fun yet professional demeanor brings a sense of comradery to his teams that is unmatched.

  • Oscar Neilsen Oscar Neilsen

    Oscar Neilsen

    Senior Project Geologist

    MSc, PGeo

    Deliberate, thorough, and detail-oriented, Oscar is an exceptionally versatile geologist.

    Deliberate, thorough, and detail-oriented, Oscar is an exceptionally versatile geologist. He uses his analytical skills to make meaningful interpretations by linking geological observations and theory to deposit-scale mineral potential and targeting. This skill has been honed over 15 years of experience across Canada, working with various deposit types on programs ranging from greenfield exploration to resource definition drilling. Known for his calming presence, Oscar is valued by colleagues and clients alike for his approachability and intentionality in solving problems. When he’s not working on geological challenges, you’ll find him skiing or biking in the mountains or enjoying his diverse tastes of music and food.

  • Cian O'Meara Cian O'Meara

    Cian O’Meara

    Project Geologist

    MSc, PGeo

    Cian is a strong leader and enthusiastic outdoorsman who thrives both in the field and the office.

    Cian is a strong leader and enthusiastic outdoorsman who thrives both in the field and the office. His MSc from the Camborne School of Mines set him up with a solid base for his career as an exploration geologist. He now has a wide range of field experience having managed surface sampling teams, exploration drilling and definition drilling projects in Ireland and Canada. Cian enjoys relaxing next to the water while trying to bag one of the many fish species up for grabs in Canadian creeks and lakes – his current record shows that he has bagged many more geological samples than fish.

  • Richard da Silva Richard da Silva

    Richard da Silva

    Project Geologist

    MSc

    Richard started off managing industrial mines within South Africa and Mozambique.

    Richard started off managing industrial mines within South Africa and Mozambique. This role not only exposed him to the full mineral cycle from discovery through to production but also to the ins and outs of permitting, human resources, community relations, and environmental reclamation that are so integral to modern mineral exploration. A born and bred Johannesburger, Richard moved to Canada and joined the Equity team in 2022, where his love of all things outdoors provided for seamless integration with the Equity team. Whether moving around by foot, boat, or helicopter, bagging dirt, or managing drill rigs, Richard’s enthusiastic can-do attitude gets the job done.

  • Evan Margerum Evan Margerum

    Evan Margerum

    Project Geologist

    MGeol, GIT

    Evan plans and manages logistically challenging projects throughout Alaska, British Columbia, and beyond.

    Evan plans and manages logistically challenging projects throughout Alaska, British Columbia, and beyond.

    With strong technical knowledge, logistical savvy, and strong organizational skills, Evan is a well-rounded member of the Equity team. By modernizing historical datasets and combining them with systematically collected field data, Evan has a knack for delivering strong geologically driven datasets, models, and newsworthy intersections.

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    Fernando Costa

    Project Geologist

    BSc, GIT

    Cool, calm, and collected, Fernando brings tranquility to the projects he manages.

    Cool, calm, and collected, Fernando brings tranquility to the projects he manages. His client first approach and collaborative management style allow for seamless execution of project deliverables. Fernando most notably adapts to evolving budgets and scopes making sure that quality is never sacrificed. Whether in a structured tier 1 operating mine setting in Canada or an ever-changing greenfield exploration program in Brazil, Fernando is adept at meeting clients’ needs and entertaining them along the way.

  • Fabien Rabayrol Fabien Rabayrol

    Fabien Rabayrol

    Project Geologist

    PhD, PGeo

    Fabien is a PhD, PGeo with a strong technical background and rock-first approach.

    Fabien is a PhD, PGeo with a strong technical background and rock-first approach. He has seen a lot through his 13+ years of field, industry and research experience and been involved in many exploration projects throughout North America and the Western Tethyan belt in Europe. From the lithosphere to the drill pad, his ‘big picture’ skills help clients decipher datasets, identify exploration opportunities, and pave the road to mineral discoveries. Assuming rocks are always cooler elsewhere, Fabien never misses an opportunity to travel to a new Equity project or take a holiday abroad.

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    Rachel Maj

    Project Geologist

    BSc, PGeo

    An innate leader, Rachel takes a people-first approach to everything she does.

    An innate leader, Rachel takes a people-first approach to everything she does. As a key member of the Equity team since 2018, Rachel has helped successfully run projects across the mining life cycle in BC, Nunavut and Finland. Her passion for geology and strong people management skills allow her to seamlessly slot into any project and get the most out of her team. Rachel is easily identified in camp by her infectious laugh.

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    Cameron Chisholm

    Project Geologist

    BSc, GIT

    Known for his exceptional ability to infuse workplaces with fun, Cam brings a dynamic energy to his projects.

    Known for his exceptional ability to infuse workplaces with fun, Cam brings a dynamic energy to his projects. With a foundation built on his early career experience in greenfields programs, he has honed his skills in exploration and project management through large-scale drilling programs embodying a proven ability to navigate complex projects with finesse and precision. Cam’s background in national-level lacrosse is foundational to his natural leadership style and knack for team building.

  • Cooper Campbell Cooper Campbell

    Cooper Campbell

    Project Geologist

    BSc, GIT

    Cooper's technical expertise, problem-solving and team building skills make him a versatile and dependable project geologist.

    Cooper’s technical expertise, problem-solving and team building skills make him a versatile and dependable project geologist. With over 15 years of industry experience, Cooper has successfully managed projects from greenfields to the PEA stage, all while fostering a friendly and safe work environment. Cooper’s inquisitive nature and passion for the outdoors led him to a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from SFU and a Diploma in Mining and Mineral Exploration Technology from BCIT. The same components of his character have driven him to pursue fishing since childhood.

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    Jas Clancy

    Project Geologist

    BSc, GIT

    Jas's technical acumen and love of data has been honed from years spent in dusty core shacks and drill rigs across Canada.

    Jas’s technical acumen and love of data has been honed from years spent in dusty core shacks and drill rigs across Canada. From mapping underground as an intern geologist, to running multi-rig programs in NWT, Jas has over 10 years of industry experience encompassing the gamut of exploration. Jas approaches every problem analytically with a data driven perspective that leaves even the unruliest program with a clean database. When not trudging through swamps, babysitting rigs or staring at the computer screen, you can find Jas carving up the slopes of Revelstoke or creating impressive art installations.

  • John Mccollum John Mccollum

    John McCollum

    Project Geologist

    BSc, PGeo

    John is equal part analytical and personable, making him a uniquely versatile member of the Equity team.

    John is equal part analytical and personable, making him a uniquely versatile member of the Equity team. Known for his adaptability, John has successfully executed a wide range of programs across the mining lifecycle, with remote and logistically complex helicopter-supported programs being his bread and butter. Growing up on Gabriola Island, his early interest in geology and decades of bushwacking experience set him up perfectly for a career in mineral exploration. John is also an avid forager, so if you’re lucky enough to work with him in camp, you may get to try a side of wild mushrooms with your dinner or some of his homemade jam.

  • Logan Belcher Logan Belcher

    Logan Belcher

    Project Geologist

    MSc, GIT

    Logan is what one would call a smooth operator – his projects are always well-planned and efficiently executed.

    Logan is what one would call a smooth operator – his projects are always well-planned and efficiently executed. He is a reliable and strong leader who brings together a get-er-done attitude with a diligent approach to project management and a solid background in economic geology. Logan holds a Master’s degree from the Camborne School of Mines with industry experience in Irish-type Zn-Pb, porphyry Cu-Au, and orogenic Au deposits. A meticulous manager, Logan is well known for turning his projects into success stories, something his beloved soccer teams are still searching for.

  • Aaron Hantsche Aaron Hantsche

    Aaron Hantsche

    Project Geologist

    PhD, GIT

    Aaron combines a mineral systems approach with tried-and-true field methods to get the most out of each project.

    Aaron combines a mineral systems approach with tried-and-true field methods to get the most out of each project. Always keen to get his hands on rocks, Aaron has a PhD in magmatic-hydrothermal skarn formation, and he specializes in contextual geochemical targeting to find ore systems. Aaron is adaptable and practical in field situations, operating complex programs in remote locations on short notice. His love for mountains, skiing, and geology have taken him across the western United States, northern British Columbia, Alaska, Yukon, and Central Europe.

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    Marc Battaglieri

    Project Geologist

    MSc, GIT

    Marc is a passionate geologist, always ready to face challenging projects.

    Marc is a passionate geologist, always ready to face challenging projects. Thanks to his multilingual skills, Marc has worked throughout France, Canada, Ecuador and Brazil. Marc’s vast experience ranges from Greenstone belts to Cordillera terranes with a specific emphasis on critical mineral deposits in the Appalachians and the Grenville. As a strong believer in teamwork, he strives to bring out the best in each member. When he is not planning new expeditions around the world, Marc enjoys playing outside with his kids and adventures riding his motorcycle.

  • Bahram- Bahrami Bahram- Bahrami

    Bahram Bahrami

    Senior Geologist, Data Specialist

    BSc, PGeo, CPAG

    Bahram is the go-to guy for support on technical tasks related to GIS, modeling and geostatistics.

    Bahram is the go-to guy for support on technical tasks related to GIS, modeling and geostatistics. His patience and understated confidence bring a sense of calm when tackling advanced technical challenges. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in geology at SFU and an advanced degree in GIS at BCIT, Bahram cemented his technical foundation with an applied geostatistics project in impacts of data spacing on Indicator and Ordinary Kriging at the University of Alberta. His uncanny ability to set the most angsty project manager at ease is often credited to his time producing transcendent ambient music.

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    John Bligh

    Senior Geologist

    BA, EurGeol, Pgeo, CPAG

    John is singularly focused on the accurate collection, management, and delivery of exploration data at Equity.

    John is singularly focused on the accurate collection, management, and delivery of exploration data at Equity. A 2007 summer of regional mapping with the BCGS motivated John to take his desktop geology to the next level. Now with courses in Sampling Theory, Data Analytics, and a Citation in Applied Geostatistics from University of Alberta bolstering his extensive hands-on database experience he safely avoids mosquitoes, horse flies, ticks, and bears from his office in Ireland.

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    Caoimhe Peat

    Senior Geologist

    After a successful 10-year stint in Canadian mineral exploration, Caoimhe has managed Equity’s Ireland operations since returning to the emerald isle in 2018.

    After a successful 10-year stint in Canadian mineral exploration, Caoimhe has managed Equity’s Ireland operations since returning to the emerald isle in 2018. Her success in Canada includes the management of complex drill operations in the rugged BC coast ranges and remote swamps of Quebec. She has logged almost as many hours explaining to pretty much every Canadian that “Caoimhe” is pronounced “kweeva” and not “kay-oh-me”. Besides being a stickler for the correct pronunciation of her name, Caoimhe is widely appreciated for her pragmatic, empathetic, and equitable management style.

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    Leigh Van Drecht

    Geologist & Data Specialist

    MSc, GIT

    Leigh is an adaptable geologist with broad field program, geospatial software, and database management skills.

    Leigh is an adaptable geologist with broad field program, geospatial software, and database management skills. In addition to her industry experience, Leigh has a computer science background and an MSc in Geology which focused on the tectonic evolution of the Canadian Cordillera. Her experience is foundational for the integration and management of the large data sets generated from surface and drilling projects. In addition to her professional skill set, Leigh enjoys the tranquility of Vancouver Island, where she enjoys trail running and sailing.

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    Jordan Perk

    Senior Project Coordinator

    BSc

    Jordan is Equity’s camp-builder extraordinaire.

    Jordan is Equity’s camp-builder extraordinaire. From the mountains of northern BC to the Northwest Territories’ muskeg, Jordan’s ability to plan, design and construct remote exploration camps is well demonstrated. Although Jordan started his exploration career with Equity in 2007, a 12-year sojourn managing geophysics programs around the globe allowed him to hone his planning and problem-solving skills, fostering the conditions for a triumphant return to Equity in 2021. Jordan is now a multi-tool in the field, whether its building camps, tracking budgets, coordinating logistics or running IP crews, he truly does it all. If conditions are right, he may even build you a camp sauna.

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    Matt Brickenden

    Project Coordinator

    BA, Gcert

    Matt excels in the most remote and logistically complex mineral exploration projects.

    Matt excels in the most remote and logistically complex mineral exploration projects. His extensive bush experience gained through forestry and soil sampling, makes him just as comfortable under a helicopter as he is in the Project Coordinator chair. With impressive thoroughness, attention to detail, and exceptional logistical acumen, Matt always finds the fastest and safest trail through the bush. His ability to power through tasks is greatly aided by his impressive coffee consumption, which makes everyone wonder if he’s single-handedly keeping the coffee industry afloat.

  • Kate Snelling Kate Snelling

    Kate Snelling

    Health & Safety Project Coordinator

    BA

    Kate is a passionate leader of health and safety at Equity.

    Kate is a passionate leader of health and safety at Equity. She draws on extensive in-field project coordination experience to guide teams in program risk assessments and safety initiatives. With a liberal arts background, and work experience in a variety of fields, Kate brings a unique perspective to the company and does her best to ask questions that inspire action and spur thoughtful review. Her spare time is filled with adventures in the BC outdoors and spending quality time with friends.

  • Sophia Lin Sophia Lin

    Sophia Lin

    Human Resources Coordinator

    BSc, MHRIR

    Sophia embodies the human side of HR by graciously responding to endless staff support requests.

    Sophia embodies the human side of HR by graciously responding to endless staff support requests. With a solid analytical base from her initially science-focused education in psychology and economics, Sophia transitioned to HR by completing an HR and Industrial Relations Master’s degree in chilly Minneapolis. After supporting operations for a large international gaming company, Sophia figured she would try working with boring, old, predictable mineral exploration teams…. whoops!

  • Irene Dagan

    Irene Dagan

    Bookkeeper

    Irene possesses a dynamic and extensive knowledge of accounting principles.

    Irene possesses a dynamic and extensive knowledge of accounting principles. Her strengths in planning, problem solving, and customer relations make her an invaluable member of the Equity team. Irene is familiar with financial reconciliations, general ledgers, regulatory reporting. Always eager to meet client needs, she prides herself on exceeding expectations.

  • Setareh Najioun

    Setareh Najioun

    Administrator

    Setareh is renowned by clients and colleagues for her exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.

    Setareh is renowned by clients and colleagues for her exceptional accuracy and attention to detail. With over ten years of experience specializing in accounts receivable and financial reporting, she has held various roles across industries such as building materials, engineering and travel agencies. Recently, she earned a diploma in financial management from Langara College, further enhancing her expertise. Setareh enjoys spending time in nature, cherishing moments with loved ones, and appreciating the simple joys of life.

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