Exploring New Frontiers: An Interview with Chris Siron

Chris’s focus on the geology and mineral deposits of Halkidiki in Northern Greece  began with a recommendation from his advisor at Cornell, Dr. John F.H. Thompson. The opportunity to work with Eldorado Gold and collaborate with respected geologists like Tim Baker (Chief Geoscientist) and Peter Lewis (former VP Exploration) made the decision easy. Chris was drawn to a project that combined economic geology with a structural focus, and the chance to unravel the district’s architecture was too good to pass up.

Bridging Academia and Industry

Having worked as an exploration geologist before graduate school, Chris found the transition back to industry seamless. His research at Cornell centered on structural geology and the regional controls on ore formation in the Kassandra district. These skills have been invaluable in his work for Eldorado, where he supports exploration and mine geology teams in discovering new resources. For Chris, the most rewarding aspect is seeing his academic expertise directly contribute to real-world exploration successes.

Comparing Olympias and Ormaque: Two Districts, Seemingly Endless Potential

Chris has played a key role in projects at both Olympias and Ormaque. The Val-d’Or district continues to yield excellent drill results, where early recognition of important structural controls was pivotal in the discovery of the Ormaque deposit. Meanwhile, Olympias presents complex structural challenges, but thoughtfully targeted exploration continues to uncover new mineralized lenses. Chris’s confidence in the future growth of both regions is rooted in the teams’ ability to predict and discover important controls outside known mineralization areas.

Unique Features and Opportunities at Eldorado Gold

What sets Eldorado Gold apart, according to Chris, is the company’s commitment to exploration. From Archean orogenic vein systems in the Abitibi to Cu-Au porphyry, carbonate replacement, skarn, epithermal vein, and VMS systems in the Western Tethyan, Eldorado’s portfolio spans a wide range of deposit types and jurisdictions. Chris highlights Val-d’Or’s near-term exploration potential and the transformative impact of Skouries moving toward production in Greece.

The Value of Academic Training

Chris’s background in education—serving as a teaching assistant and volunteering with the Society of Economic Geologists—has shaped his approach to exploration. Mentorship and training are central to his role at Eldorado, where he supports regional exploration and mine teams in developing their skills and knowledge.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Excitement

With Skouries set to come online, copper joining Eldorado’s production profile, and gold prices reaching new heights, Chris is optimistic about the company’s future. He’s particularly excited about the exploration pipeline in Greece, including the Thrace region and recent drill intercepts at the Stratoni Cu-Au skarn. The focus on adding new high-quality opportunities to the pipeline promises continued growth and innovation for Eldorado’s exploration team.