Steve has over 19 years of professional practice in environmental assessment, permitting, Indigenous and community affairs on major mining projects. Prior to joining First Mining Gold Steve led the Hardrock Gold Project Environment Assessment for Greenstone Gold Mines successfully obtaining approvals and permits from the federal and provincial governments and working in partnership with Indigenous communities to implement benefit agreements. Steve has also worked for De Beers where he held progressively responsible positions in developing and implementing strategies for the approval of the Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine. Steve has worked with Fortune Minerals Limited to obtain approvals for the NICO Project, as well as on behalf of Lupin Mines Incorporated to obtain key permits for its assets in Nunavut, Canada. Steve has a strong understanding of permitting processes and consultation requirements for mining projects having held positions as a regulator for environmental assessments and water management licensing. Steve completed both an undergraduate degree in Ecology and post-graduate diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment at Concordia University, and completed an M.Sc. in Environmental Impact Assessment at the University of Calgary.