President’s Message
In August 2023 Benchmark Metal amalgamated with Thesis Gold and continued its business under the name Thesis Gold. This brought the Company Toodoggone assets together enhancing the economic viability of a mine being brought into production there. Of note is the fact that due to his diligence in acquiring, exploring and expanding the Toodoggone land position, our former leader and President, Scott W. Gifford, was posthumously awarded the AMEBC Special Tribute Award in 2024. It was accepted by his sons, Quinn and Brendan Gifford at the Awards Gala, January 24 2024.
The company's Dome mountain mineral claims adjacent to the proposed Dome Mine were explored in 2015. The Dome mine was permitted in 2024 and has commenced production at its mine effective late 2025. In addition, Nicola Mining Ltd. has processed ore from the Dome mine at its Craigmont mill near Merritt BC. You are directed to the Nicola and BLLG Sedar filings for further information. The NSR will apply to any ore that is produced from applicable mineral claims whether milled on site or at a custom mill site such as Nicola. Once milling operations commence at Dome mine and operations are mining the claims subject to the Company’s NSR, then the Company could benefit from an ongoing revenue stream, subject to all the normal risk factors.
The Company retains a 3% NSR on the subject claims now owned by Engineer Gold Mines Ltd. peripheral to the Engineer mine site.
The Deer Horn claims are positioned for evaluation and potential exploitation pursuant to First Tellurium’s efforts (details of which are available on their web site and corporate disclosure documents).
Our primary opportunities in 2026 are focused on Antler and Dome exploration.
Management Team
Scott Gifford, (Scott passed away July 30 2018)
With great sadness Scott’s passing is noted. He is remembered for his invaluable contributions to the Company’s successes.
Douglas Sarkissian B.Comm, LL.B., President
Mr. Sarkissian worked with Wood Gundy out of Toronto and Calgary and subsequently was involved with a publicly traded mining company that developed a property near Helena Montana. His experience included association with underground development of a lead silver zinc deposit, establishing a mill and concentrator and delivery of concentrates to Asarco in Helena. Subsequently he obtained his law degree and practiced with Swinton and Company in the securities department in Vancouver before entering private legal practice. His practice areas have included corporate, securities, advisory roles with junior publicly traded companies, estate and personal injury litigation as well as intellectual property. He is a shareholder of and actively engaged in directing Guardsmen as it furthers its business plan. He has been involved in mineral exploration and public company management since 1985.
Catherine Economou, Financial Management-Controller-CFO
Ms. Economou advises and performs financial controller services for PPM Phoenix Precious Metal Corp., Guardsmen Resources Inc. in addition to other independent mineral exploration and production companies. She has in excess of 25 years experience successfully assisting in the implementation of and accounting for corporations involved in mineral exploration, oil and gas as well as other privately run corporations in various industries and charitable organizations. Her lengthy experience and attention to detail are essential to the successful exploration and development of the company's mineral properties.
Robert Lane P.Geo. M.Sc., VP Exploration
Mr. Lane is a consulting geologist. He now resides in Vernon BC. Mr. Lane was formerly Inspector of Mines in Northern British Columbia until he entered private practice. His expertise and reputation in all aspects of successful exploration and development of mineral properties in Northern British Columbia spans well over 30 years. He is very familiar with our company, having conducted exploration programs on behalf of Guardsmen on its Deer Horn, Zinc Bay, Antler and Dome properties.
Business Strategy
To monetize company assets through partnership, JV, outright sale as market conditions dictate;
To provide sufficient economic stability to enable management to attract appropriate partners to the mineral claims under company control;
To apply company resources strategically to enhance shareholder value.
To support other explorers in our vicinity through infrastructure maintenance and availability;
To balance the economic development under Guardsmen’s purview with sustainable environmental effect;