Rise Gold Corp. announced that David Watkinson has been appointed President and CEO of the company and President of its wholly‑owned operating subsidiary, Rise Grass Valley Inc. The appointment became effective on November 20, 2025, and Watkinson also joined the board as a director.
Watkinson brings four decades of engineering experience in underground and open‑pit mining. He has held senior roles at Placer Dome, Kinross Gold, Thyssen Mining Construction, and Vulcan Materials, and previously served as President and CEO of Emgold Mining Corporation, which operated the Idaho‑Maryland mine for 25 years before Rise Gold acquired it. His deep technical knowledge of the historic mine and long‑standing relationships in Nevada County position him to advance the company’s goal of re‑activating the high‑grade gold asset.
The board’s decision followed the resignation of former CEO Joe Mullin, who stepped down on November 20 after a period of legal and regulatory challenges. The company’s writ of mandamus against Nevada County, filed in 2024, seeks to secure operating rights for the Idaho‑Maryland mine, with a verdict expected in the first quarter of 2026. Watkinson’s appointment is intended to leverage his expertise to navigate this dispute and to lead the company through the next phase of development.
Under Watkinson’s leadership, Rise Gold will focus on advancing the Idaho‑Maryland mine, which produced 2.4 million ounces of gold between 1862 and 1957. The company’s strong liquidity position, with a current ratio of 2.84, provides a solid foundation for pursuing the mine’s re‑activation while managing the ongoing legal proceedings.
The board expressed confidence in Watkinson’s ability to guide the company through the legal challenges and to unlock the value of the Idaho‑Maryland mine. The appointment signals a renewed commitment to the core asset and a strategic shift toward operational execution and regulatory resolution.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.