Joanne (Joey) C. Freeze has over 40 years of experience in the mining sector, with strengths spanning exploration and engineering through feasibility, finance strategy, and stakeholder relations, including engagement with shareholders, governments, and local communities. Since entering the mineral exploration industry in 1979, she has worked extensively in copper and gold exploration across Canada, Peru, and Mexico, serving for more than 25 years as an executive in the junior resource sector. Earlier in her career, she directed exploration programs and evaluated mineral projects for both junior and major international mining companies, including Utah Mines (now BHP), Placer Dome Inc., Arequipa Resources Ltd., Dia Met Minerals Corp., Mountain Province Mining Inc., Queenstake Resources Ltd., and the Hughes/Lang Group.

From 1994 to 1997, Ms. Freeze lived and worked in Peru, where she conducted project generation and property evaluations for Canadian and Peruvian companies. During this time, she co-founded Candente Resource Corp. in 1997 with Peruvian geologist Ing. Fredy Huanqui, co-discoverer of the Pierina gold mine. As President and CEO, she led the company from its early private stage through its public listing in 2000/2001 and was instrumental in advancing significant mineral assets. She also spearheaded the 2009 restructuring of Candente Resource Corp. into Candente Copper Corp. (was Alta Copper Corp., recently sold to Fortescue Metals Group) and Candente Gold Corp. (now Xali Gold Corp.). Under her leadership, the Candente group of companies has collectively raised over $140 million in equity financings and achieved listings on the TSXV, TSX, and the Lima Stock Exchange (BVL), while advancing multiple assets.

Ms. Freeze holds a B.A. in Geography from the University of Western Ontario (1978) and a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of British Columbia (1981). She is a Fellow of the Geological Association of Canada and is registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

A strong advocate for collaborative governance, Ms. Freeze brings a proactive and engaged approach to board service, emphasizing alignment between management and directors. She has served on the board of Durango Resources Inc. and on advisory boards for True North Gems and Canaco Resources as well as the Society of Economic Geologists.