Westhaven Bolsters Leadership as Shovelnose Project Advances
Event summary
- Westhaven Gold Corp. appointed Allison Rippin Armstrong as VP, Indigenous and Community Relations, and Pamela O’Hara as VP, Permitting and Government Affairs, effective April 1, 2026.
- Allison Rippin Armstrong has been advising Westhaven for the past year and brings 30+ years of experience in permitting and Indigenous relations.
- Pamela O’Hara brings over 30 years of experience in advancing mining and infrastructure projects, including work with Canadian Pacific Railway and Port of Vancouver.
- Westhaven mobilized a second drill rig to the Shovelnose property as part of a $20 million, 50,000m drill program.
- Dundee Corporation has committed a minimum of CDN$30 million to Westhaven, including funding for the 2026 drill program, as part of an earn-in agreement.
The big picture
The appointments signal a heightened focus on ESG and regulatory compliance within the Canadian mining sector, particularly as projects face increasing pressure to engage with Indigenous communities and adhere to stringent environmental standards. Dundee Corporation’s significant investment underscores the potential of the Spences Bridge Gold Belt, but also highlights the risks associated with developing large-scale mining operations in a politically sensitive environment. The move reflects a broader trend of mining companies prioritizing social license to operate alongside resource extraction.
What we're watching
- Community Relations
- The success of Westhaven’s Shovelnose project hinges on building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous communities, and Rippin Armstrong’s experience will be critical to navigating these complex dynamics.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- Increased regulatory scrutiny of mining projects in British Columbia could impact the timeline and cost of permitting, and O’Hara’s expertise will be vital in managing these challenges.
- Dundee Commitment
- Whether Dundee Corporation will fully deploy its committed $30 million investment will be a key indicator of their confidence in the Shovelnose project’s long-term viability.
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