Douglas Kirwin, a professional geologist with more than 40 years in the mineral exploration industry, collected a staggering 22,000 ores and minerals while on his world travels. Many of his pieces are from mines that have since closed or are otherwise inaccessible due to access restrictions.“My extensive collection of international ores and minerals represents my life’s work and passion,” says Kirwin. “I’ve chosen to leave my legacy at the ROM where it will be cared for and shared with future generations.”
Kirwin’s wish is set to become a reality, thanks to a Love the ROM Campaign gift from Yamana Gold Inc.—a Canadian-based gold producer. Yamana’s generous investment in ROM Earth & Space will help to support the costs associated with cataloguing, digitization, storage and analysis of this exceptional collection for students and professionals. “By acquiring this collection, the ROM will become a serious international resource for mining companies and educators who wish to teach their staff and students both the fundamentals and the fine points of ore deposits, refining future mining exploration in Canada and abroad,” says Kim Tait, Curator of Mineralogy at the ROM.
Yamana takes an active interest in the well-being of the communities surrounding its operations and provides various sustainable economic development programs. “We are proud to support the Museum’s Kirwin Collection initiative and help create the next century at the ROM,” says Peter Marrone, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Yamana Gold. “We look forward to working with the Museum to bring some its specimens and artifacts to the communities in which we operate where they can also be enjoyed.