Senior Management Biographies

Emmett O’Connell- Chairman 

Emmett has been a promoter and investor in a number of technology and exploration companies for over 30 years. As well as founding Great Western Mining, Emmett has also been the driving force behind Eglington Exploration plc (now Aminex plc), Bryson Oil & Gas plc, Continental Pacific Resources Ltd. and Vancouver (now Northern Continental Resources Ltd.).

Melvyn Quiller- Chief Executive 

Melvyn is a qualified mechanical engineer and has spent a substantial part of his career with 600 Group plc in communication and transport related projects throughout Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Robert O’Connell- Operations Director 

Robert graduated from Texas Christian University and has since gained 10 years experience drilling for oil and gas in the USA. For the last three years he has led the surface exploration effort on Great Western’s properties.

Nial Ring- Non-Executive Director 

Nial has a background in the financial services industry with both Allied Irish Bank plc and Bankgesellschaft Berlin. In 1992 he set up Barrick Capital Corporation, the IFSC subsidiary of Barrick Gold and was its General Manager until 1995. He is currently involved in several start-up companies both as an investor and in advisory and consultancy roles. He is a government-appointed Director to IDA Ireland and Chairman of its Investment Committee.

Christopher Hall- Non-Executive Director 

Christopher has worked for over thirty five years in the mining and mining finance and consultancy industries. He is a Chartered Engineer and has a degree in Geology and subsequent MSc in Mining Geology and Mineral Exploration. Mr Hall’s other board duties consist of Non-Executive Chairman for Stratex International PLC, the AIM-quoted exploration and development company. He is currently a consultant to Grant Thornton LLP (UK), where he evaluates new resources clients and performs the initial and continuing technical oversight of AIM listed resource clients. He also works as an independent mining finance consultant.