Peter DeLancey, former president and chief geologist with Atna Resources and one of Canadian mining’s tireless prospectors, has died of brain cancer. He was 61.
A native of the Maritimes, DeLancey spent his early years in the vicinity of military bases in Fort Churchill, Germany, and eventually wound up in Winnipeg.
DeLancey graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1965 with a bachelor of science degree. Upon completion of his masters in geology in 1967, he headed for Chile to work with Anaconda Copper Co. at Chuquicamata.
In 1969, he joined Texas Gulf Sulphur, where he remained for 17 years. Texas Gulf eventually became Kidd Creek Mines, and it was at Kidd Creek that Delancey developed his expertise in volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits. The Kidd Creek copper-zinc mine, near Timmins, Ont., was a find so rich and extensive that it inspired a Canada-wide search for VMS deposits. Never one to shy away from prospecting, Delancey was swept up in the ensuing staking rush and participated in VMS exploration throughout North America.
DeLancey eventually put down roots in Vancouver where he dabbled in junior mining stocks, some of which proved quite fruitful. After many years with Kidd Creek Mines and a brief spell at Imperial Metals, it was no surprise that financier William Coulter asked DeLancey to lead Atna Resources, a company with a name and little else.
DeLancey served as president and CEO of Atna from 1989 to 1998 and as chairman and chief geologist from 1998 to 2003. Throughout his time with Atna, DeLancey directed the company’s exploration for polymetallic massive sulphide deposits.
In 1994, the Kaiser Bottom-Fishing Report predicted that under the leadership of “polymetallic massive sulphide specialist Peter Delancey, Atna would deliver a winner.” Roughly a year later, Atna and joint-venture partner Westmin Resources discovered the Wolverine polymetallic deposit, which was later sold to Expatriate Resources for $2 million and shares.
In 2000, DeLancey handed over the reins to David Watkins and returned to the bush for more prospecting.
Peter is survived by his wife of 24 years, Louise, and children Heather, Jill and Evan.
The family has asked that donations in Peter’s memory be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Centre for Integrated Healing in Vancouver.
9:47 A.M. E.S.T. 2/8/2015 ________ Must be related somehow. I found out about Peter DeLancey while investing in my ongoing search of the DeLancey name, in which I started mid summer of 2005. A great person he is.