Maureen Muggeridge

"Maureen has over 30 years experience in the mining industry, her time being devoted almost exclusively to diamond exploration.She has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge in this area that has gained her international recognition. Maureen is particularly known for thorough and careful application of exploration sampling techniques, and has had several scientific papers published on this topic.

"Maureen was born in England, and gained her Bachelor of Science Degree from St Andrews University, Scotland in 1971. She emigrated to Australia in 1972, and immediately became involved in the initial thrust of major diamond exploration in Western Australia.

"As senior geologist for Tanganyika Holdings Pty Ltd and subsequently CRA Exploration Pty Ltd (Rio Tinto), Maureen was responsible for managing many diamond exploration programmes in the 1970’s and 1980’s, notably in Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley Region, where she spent many months in the field each year, conducting helicopter-borne sampling surveys. Maureen earned a place in geological history for her critical role in the discovery of Australia’s Argyle Diamond Mine. She planned, managed and led the field team in the sampling programme that resulted in the discovery of Argyle in 1979. This proved to be one of the most important mineral discoveries ever made in Australia, and is still the largest producing diamond mine in the world.

"Maureen also has considerable expertise in mineralogical work. She established the earliest diamond exploration laboratory in Western Australia while with Tanganyika Holdings, and is carrying out on-going research on indicator minerals.

"Between 1987 and 1996 Maureen was Director of Exploration for Moonstone Diamond Corporation N.L., and managed a portfolio of diamond projects in Australia, Indonesia and South Africa. With experience on several other boards, she has a substantial background in the corporate and management arena.

"Since 1997, as well as pursuing a variety of other business interests, Maureen has been consulting to the diamond industry, which has included managing client projects, running field programmes and carrying out mineralogical work.

"Since 2001 she has been actively planning the launch of a new diamond company, culminating in the formation of the Board and incorporation of Paramount Mining Corporation Ltd in October 2002."