Copper mining company McEwen Copper, which is 52% owned by New York-listed McEwen Mining, has announced the appointment of Darren King as its new exploration director.

King has more than 35 years of international experience in all stages of copper and gold exploration across North, Central, and South America.

"With his more than 27 years of working in Argentina and experience in exploring the High Andes, we believe that [King’s] expertise and track record of success will play a key role in further enhancing Los Azules, which is already ranked as a top ten copper project worldwide with significant growth potential," McEwen Copper GM and VP Michael Meding said on Friday.

Before joining McEwen Copper, King served as exploration and development company INV Metals exploration VP, where he made significant contributions to the successful completion of the 2018 and 2020 feasibility studies for the Loma Larga project in Ecuador, which led the company to attract a takeover from Dundee Precious Metals at a 63% premium. During his tenure, King also advanced regional exploration properties and ensured compliance with safety, social, and environmental standards.

Before INV Metals, King was Barrick Gold South America mine exploration manager, where he played a key role in developing and implementing exploration programmes near multiple mines, including Lagunas Norte, Pierina, Zaldivar, and Veladero, with an approach that allowed for consistent addition of reserves and resources each year.

Over his career, King created innovative geological models that led to significant discoveries in the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Argentina, such as the identification of the orebodies Monte Oculto at Pueblo Viejo and Argenta at Veladero.

He holds a Master of Science degree in geology from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and is a registered member of Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. He is also officially a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

“I look forward to the contributions [King] will make to McEwen Copper’s exploration endeavours as we pursue our ambitious goals,” McEwen Mining CEO and chairperson Rob McEwen said.