RE: Tough Start to the New YearI wouldn't necessarily conclude that "they have lost their top Geologist:.
As far as I know, Warren Bates is still alive.
Warren Bates
Senior Vice President Exploration
Warren Bates, P.Geo was appointed VP Exploration of Pelangio Mines on June 25, 2007 and became VP Exploration of Pelangio Exploration in September 2008. He was appointed Senior VP Exploration of Pelangio Exploration in January 2009. Mr. Bates is responsible for all of Pelangio's exploration activities in Canada and Ghana, including new project generation. He has over 22 years of experience in the mining and exploration industry. Mr. Bates most recently held the position of Vice President, Exploration for St. Andrew Goldfields Ltd. Prior to his tenure at St. Andrew, he worked 20 years for Granges Inc. and its successor company, Vista Gold Inc., in various roles from District Geologist to International Exploration Manager. He operated and managed exploration programs in North and South America, which resulted in a number of gold discoveries, undertook evaluations and acquisitions, conducted pre-feasibility and feasibility studies and has hands-on, day-to-day experience in mine operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree (Hons. Geology) and a Bachelor of Science degree (Chemisty) from the University of Manitoba. He is also a director of Moneta Porcupine Mines Inc., a Toronto Stock Exchange listed company.
https://www.pelangio.com/s/Management.asp