Avrom E. Howard
MSc, FGA, PGeo
Avrom E. Howard, MSc, FGA, PGeo is a minerals exploration geologist with broad international experience encompassing several metallic, gemstone and industrial mineral commodities, geologic settings, cultural and geographic regions. He retains considerable corporate-financial experience at the executive level, as well, having founded and managed companies that were subsequently listed on the Canadian stock exchanges. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Toronto in 1979, and a Master of Science Degree in Geology from the University of Colorado – Boulder in 1992.
Professional experience
2011–present
Nebu Consulting LLC
Founded by Mr. Howard and named after the ancient Egyptian goddess of gold, Nebu is an independent firm that provides a variety of research, analysis, field work, project management and related services to the international minerals exploration and mining industry.
2010–present
Kolwezi Copper Corp.
Founded by Mr. Howard pursuant to identifying and assisting in the acquisition of a copper-cobalt property in the heart of the Central African Copper Belt, the company subsequently entered into an agreement with Telferscot Resources Inc., a Toronto Ventures Exchange listed company. Mr. Howard remains an advisor to both companies.
2006–2011
Homeland Uranium Inc.
Co-founded by Mr. Howard, Homeland secured a portfolio of uranium assets in Utah and Colorado in the USA, Peru and Niger. The fortunes of the company followed that of the uranium market: a brief period of considerable progress followed by a near cataclysmic decline. Homeland’s USA assets were subsequently dropped and those in Peru spun out into a separate company (currently listed). Presently, the company remains a reporting issuer with its core Niger properties intact while it seeks investment and/or a partnership with a third party. Mr. Howard was a senior officer and director of the company between 2006-2011.
2006–2011
Homeland Energy Group Ltd.
Spun out of Homeland Uranium upon its acquisition of a portfolio of coal assets in South Africa, Homeland Energy subsequently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Soon after, Homeland’s flagship property, Kendall Collieries, was placed into commercial production. The giant Indian conglomerate, GMR Group, subsequently acquired a significant interest in the company. Hit hard by the 2008 recession, Kendall remains in production while its other South African assets are developed. Mr. Howard was a co-founder of this company and remained on its board until 2011.
1994–2007
Odyssey Resources Limited
Founded by Mr. Howard in 1994 pursuant to his independent research across the Levant (Egypt, Israel and Jordan), Odyssey remained primarily focused on base and precious metals across North Africa and the Middle East, from Morocco across to Yemen. Significant assets included a copper-silver deposit in Morocco and two epithermal gold deposits in Turkey; all are currently being further developed by third parties. Mr. Howard managed the company as President & CEO from the company’s founding through 2006, upon which he recruited a replacement in order to facilitate his subsequent departure.
1986–1994
Goldbrook Explorations Inc.
First as a consultant and then as VP-Exploration, Mr. Howard’s primary focus was the past-producing Wood Mountain mine in the historic Boulder County (Colorado) gold-silver telluride district, a property that he identified and brought to the attention of Goldbrook. The property was also the focus of his Master’s degree in Geology, simultaneously pursued at the University of Colorado, Boulder. A significant drop in the price of gold led to the abandonment of this project in 1993.
1982–1986
Geological Consultant
Both independently and in partnership with famous Canadian prospector, Ross Toms (credited with discovering billions of tons of iron ore in the Canadian arctic, currently being developed), Mr. Howard provided a variety of services mostly to junior Canadian companies with projects across Canada and the USA.
1981–1982
Kennecott Explorations (Canada) Ltd.
Assigned to the Eastern Canada Exploration Group, Mr. Howard worked as a Junior Exploration Geologist on a number of projects in Ontario and Manitoba prior to Kennecott closing their Canadian offices, in 1982.
1980–1981
Sherritt Gordon Mines Ltd.
Upon returning from six months international travel following graduation, Mr. Howard joined this venerable Canadian mining company as part of its exploration team in northern Manitoba, based first in Lynn Lake and then Leaf Rapids, where his responsibilities focused on Sherritt’s large property surrounding the giant Ruttan polymetallic volcanic-hosted massive sulfide deposit.
At work
At an intrusive-hosted gold prospect, southern Manitoba, Canada. Underground at a sediment-hosted extensional quartz-copper vein system near Marrakesh, Morocco. Inspecting drill core at a copper-gold exploration project, northwestern Turkey. On a geochemical survey over a sediment-hosted copper target, Kolwezi area, DRC (Congo). Exiting underground workings at an ophiolite-hosted manganese deposit, eastern Turkey. Ross Toms and Avrom Howard in Ross’s study, circa 1992.
Education
- 2001 · Diploma in Gemology
- Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain
- 1992 · Master of Science, Geology
- University of Colorado at Boulder. Thesis: “Geology of the Wood Mountain Mine Property Au-Ag (Telluride) Deposits, Boulder County, Colorado”
- 1985 · Registered Representative
- Canadian Securities Course
- 1979 · Bachelor of Science, Geology
- University of Toronto
Professional affiliations
- Professional Geoscientist (PGeo)
- Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario, Practicing Member No. 0380
- Fellow
- Society of Economic Geologists
- Fellow
- Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain
Publications & presentations
- Independent Equity Research Corp, 2002–2003
- Several research reports on various junior mining companies were written at the invitation of the VP of the company.
- The Northern Miner, 2000–2003
- A three-part biography of legendary Canadian prospector, Ross Toms, was written shortly after he passed away. A number of articles pertaining to diamonds and colored gemstones were subsequently written, as well.
- Canadian Aboriginal Mining Association, 2003 & 2004
- Invited speaker at this association’s annual conferences (presentations on colored gemstones, and accessing venture capital, respectively).
Core strengths
- Keen insight and analytical ability
- Driven to succeed through accomplishment
- Multifaceted, lateral thinker
- Comprehensive geological expertise
- Broad international experience
- Extensive corporate-financial experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Self-motivated and thorough
- Ability to function independently or as part of a team
- Well-traveled and attuned to global currents and cultures
Personal interests & affiliations
- Languages
- English (excellent), French (rudimentary)
- Hobbies
- Reading (history, fiction); music (classical, Celtic); gardening; cross country skiing; hunting; canoe camping
- Pipe Major
- Grand Mesa Pipes & Drums
- Board Member
- Ice Skating Inc., a local non-profit that manages an outdoor skating rink in Grand Junction
- Board Member
- Grand Valley Youth Hockey Association, a local non-profit that manages youth hockey in Grand Junction
- Assistant Coach
- Grand Junction Junior Mavericks hockey team (“Mites” age group)
Please contact Nebu to discuss your specific needs.
Avrom E. Howard, MSc, FGA, PGeo