Chris graduated in 1995 with a degree in Geology from Southampton University and was employed by Rio Tinto Exploration as part of their graduate intake scheme. He has held posts within Rio Tinto Exploration as a Project Geologist based in Central Europe and Turkey before completing his Masters on Mining and Exploration Geology at the James Cook University in Australia. Chris went on to manage exploration operations in North and South America as well as Central Africa, before taking on the role of Exploration Executive based in Rio Tinto’s head office in London. During his career within Rio Tinto Chris has undertaken secondments at the following group operations; Northparkes, Porphyry Copper in Australia and Boron, Borates in the USA. Chris has broad experience in exploring for all primary commodities of the Rio Tinto group portfolio. Chris is currently the General manager for exploration in Central Asia with a remit to grow Rio Tinto’s presence within the region.