Biography
Catherine McLeod-Seltzer is one of Canada’s most influential figures in the international mining and exploration industry, having built a remarkable career defined by vision, leadership and results.
McLeod-Seltzer was born in 1960 in Vancouver into a multi-generational mining family where she was immersed in the industry from an early age, living in mining communities such as Stewart, British Columbia, and Pine Point, N.W.T. After completing high school in West Vancouver, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Trinity Western University in 1984, setting the foundation for what would become a pioneering path in mining finance, making her mark in what was a male-dominated industry.
She began her career at Yorkton Securities, quickly establishing herself as a standout in capital markets. In 1991, she took an opening at Yorkton’s office in Santiago, Chile—a move that began her long-standing involvement in South American mining projects. It was there she met geologist David Lowell, and together they founded Arequipa Resources, with McLeod-Seltzer as CEO at age 32. Under her leadership, the company was publicly listed and went on to discover the Pierina gold deposit in Peru, later sold to Barrick Gold for $1.1 billion in 1996.
Over the course of her career, Catherine has raised more than $750 million in exploration capital and played key roles in building and selling companies valued at over $4 billion. Her influence can be seen in the success of Francisco Gold, Peru Copper, and Miramar Mining. With partner Eira Thomas she moved on to diamonds, creating Stornoway Diamond Corporation, which developed Quebec’s first diamond mine. Catherine and Eira went on to start Lucara Diamond Corporation with Lukas Lundin. Lucara’s Karowe Mine in Botswana has produced some of the world’s largest diamonds.
Since 1999, McLeod-Seltzer has held numerous board positions and served as Chair of Bear Creek Mining, leading community-forward projects in Peru and Mexico. She joined the board of Kinross Gold in 2005, becoming Independent Chair in 2019. She went on to become a director of Teck Corporation, one of Canada’s biggest resource companies.
McLeod-Seltzer’s commitment to philanthropy is evident in her support and participation on boards for organizations like the Union Gospel Mission, The Fraser Institute, and BC Children’s Hospital.
She has consistently combined strong business acumen with a deep commitment to sustainability, governance and social impact. Her leadership has championed local community partnerships, Indigenous engagement, and created empowerment initiatives for women in mining.
A recipient of numerous accolades, including being named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, Mining Person of the Year by The Northern Miner, one of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining, and the Award for Significant Board Contribution by the Association of Women in Finance, McLeod-Seltzer remains a role model and mentor for future generations. Her legacy is defined not only by financial success but by raising the standard for leadership in mining—a standard built on integrity and inclusion.
exploration innovators
