News Release
Februrary 6, 2002
ANDRE M. PAUWELS, P.GEO, APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT, EXPLORATION
BALLAD REVIEWING GOLD AND PLATINUM PROPERTIES IN THE AMERICAS
Ballad Ventures Ltd. (“Ballad”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andre M. Pauwels, P.Geo, as Vice President, Exploration of Ballad.
Mr. Pauwels was formerly Exploration Manager, Cominco Ltd. Mr. Pauwels’ accomplishments span more than 30 years and 4 continents. Mr. Pauwels’ global experience includes selection, evaluation, design, and management of gold, copper, zinc, and platinum group metal properties. He is credited with identifying and acquiring several major, successful projects for Cominco. Mr. Pauwels’ recent responsibilities with Cominco included acquisitions, the negotiation of joint ventures, and monitoring the world zinc exploration business. In addition to exploration duties, Mr. Pauwels managed Cominco’s portfolio of junior resource shares.
Mr. Pauwels’ extensive experience in mineral exploration and his many contacts are of particular interest to Ballad’s ongoing involvement in exploration and development in South America and particularly Peru. Ballad has investigated over 100 property areas in South America and currently holds an interest in the Roberto-Freddy lead-zinc-silver property in Peru. This property is now actively explored under an option agreement by TeckCominco Ltd. Mr. Pauwels’ broad exploration experience and proven record identifying new projects will be a tremendous benefit to Ballad as it moves quickly to react to improving resource markets. A respected corporate strategist, Mr. Pauwels’ extensive global experience formulating and negotiating business terms for exploration projects including joint ventures, will play a key role in the acquisition and development of Ballad’s portfolio of resource projects.
Ballad is now targeting North American gold/silver/platinum-group properties for acquisitions. Mr. Pauwels is currently investigating several mineral resource/ gold projects for possible acquisition by Ballad. In particular, Mr. Pauwels is aggressively reviewing several precious metal/ gold/ silver projects in Canada and the Unites States on behalf of Ballad.
In welcoming Mr. Pauwels, Ballad’s President, Mr. Anthony J. Beruschi stated: “For the past 6 months we have been predicting an upturn in precious metals markets and precious metals equities in particular and resource markets in general. To take advantage of this Ballad has been reviewing gold properties. We are very encouraged by the growing positive outlook for precious metals and precious metal equities. We are now aggressively searching and reviewing quality gold and platinum group metals projects focusing on North America. A large part of our success will depend on people and we are extremely excited by the addition of Mr. Pauwels to our team. We see the fact that Ballad attracted a proven professional of the quality and experience of Mr. Pauwels as a strong endorsement of Ballad’s business plan. His experience, worldwide connections and proven approach will be a tremendous asset to Ballad.”
Ballad also announces that it has granted Incentive Stock Options on 90,000 shares of the Company’s capital stock, exercisable up to two (2) years at a price of $ 0.10 per share which price is not lower than the last closing price of the Company’s shares prior to this announcement less the applicable discount. The options granted may not be exercised until regulatory approval has been obtained and will be subject to any applicable regulatory hold periods.
BALLAD VENTURES LTD.
Per: “Anthony J. Beruschi”
Anthony J. Beruschi, President
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