Western Gold Exploration Appoints New CEO Tom Fraser
News related to:Western Gold Exploration Ltd · 2 min read
Western Gold Exploration Ltd. has appointed Tom Fraser as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 19, 2026. Fraser, who brings over 15 years of experience in mining finance and capital markets, will succeed Ross McLellan, who has led the company since its inception ten years ago.
Fraser's appointment comes at a pivotal stage for Western Gold Exploration, with the company focusing on its flagship Caledonian Gold Project and the Lorne Copper-Gold Porphyry Project. McLellan, who has been instrumental in building the company from a small exploration firm into a two-project explorer with a substantial Scottish land position, will remain with the company as Director of Operations to support the transition.
Fraser, who is based in Scotland and holds a degree from the University of Edinburgh, has a proven track record in managing capital raises and advising mining companies. He has been involved in notable transactions for mining and resource companies, including Rupert Resources, and has established strong relationships with institutional investors in the sector.
In a statement, Fraser expressed his excitement about joining Western Gold at this critical juncture.
Ross McLellan, who has led Western Gold through its formative years, commented on his departure.
Harry Dobson, the company's Chairman, expressed gratitude to McLellan for his decade of service.
To support Fraser's role, the company has granted him 500,000 stock options pursuant to its stock option plan. Each option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the company at a price of $0.13 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant. The options vest immediately.
Western Gold Exploration is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of gold, silver, and critical minerals in Scotland. In November 2025, the company formed the Glen Lyon Joint Venture with Acrux Gold Limited to explore for gold, silver, and critical minerals as part of the Caledonian Gold Project in central Scotland. The joint venture has applied for two Crown Estates Scotland Mines Royal Option Agreements across the Tyndrum Mineral District, specifically the Glen Orchy and Lyon areas, which form the Caledonian Gold Project. The company also operates the Lorne Copper-Gold Project, which includes the Lagalochan and Ardlochan prospects, located in the highly prospective Lorne Porphyry District of the wider Caledonian belt.