The CEO of Vancouver-based Curis Resources (TSX: CUV) is leaving the mineral exploration company to take a job with JDS Energy and Mining group.
Michael McPhie will stay on as an advisor to the company as well as the president of Florence Copper Inc., a Curis subsidiary, until April 23.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to make this move as I will be leaving many good friends, business partners and colleagues behind," McPhie wrote in an email to shareholders and co-workers.
"We have accomplished a lot over these years but there is certainly much more I wish I had had the opportunity to do. The company remains in good hands with an exceptional team in place."
McPhie spent more than four years at Curis. He was previously the president and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia.
Curis is associated with Hunter Dickinson, which is also associated with Northern Dynasty Minerals (TSX: NDM).
Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO) informed NDM management April 7 it would be divesting all its shares in the Vancouver company.
The board of directors has appointed David Copeland has interim president and CEO of Curis until a replacement is found.
"David Copeland is a professional engineer with more than 35 years' of experience in the mining industry. His background includes a particular focus on projects at the permitting and development stages, which will be integral to the direction of Curis and Florence Copper during the current phase," co-chairman Russell Hallbauer said in a statement.
