MINING PEOPLE IN THE NEWS: Explorator, Golden Predator, Midlands Minerals, Northern Star, Pebble Creek and Rainy River Resources

David Prins have been named president and CEO of Toronto-based Explorator Resources. He is a civil engineer with experience in developing mines in Latin America.

Golden Predatory Royalty & Development of Vancouver has appointed former Yukon premier (1996-2000), Piers McDonald, to its board of directors. He originally moved to the Yukon to work as an underground drift miner at United Keno Hills Mines in Elsa.

Toronto-based Midlands Minerals has named Dr. Derek McBride to the position of VP exploration. He is credited with the discovery of the Nugget Pond gold discovery in Newfoundland and the New Reward gold zone in Australia.

George Pirie is the new CEO of Northern Star Mining of Val d'Or, QC. He replaces Jonathan Awde, who resigned as CEO but remains president of the company.

Pebble Creek Mining of Vancouver has named Dr. Bill A. Sheppard, as VP exploration to manage work at its Askot massive sulphide property in India.

Vancouver-based Rainy River Resources has named Kyle Stanfield to the position of director of environment and sustainability. He will lead the environmental assessment and permitting of the Rainy River gold project in Ontario as well as furthering the company's relationship with local First Nations and nearby communities.