Mr. Duane Nelson reports
RZOLV ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF CO-FOUNDER, HONORARY CHAIRMAN AND MINING LEGEND - CHESTER MILLAR
Rzolv Technologies Inc.'s Chester Ferguson Millar, Canadian Mining Hall of Fame inductee, pioneering mining entrepreneur, and beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend to many, has died. Mr. Millar passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the age of 98.
Duane Nelson, president and chief executive officer, commented: "Our hearts are heavy today with the passing of Chester Ferguson Millar. Chester was a pioneer, entrepreneur, mentor, and friend whose contributions to the mining industry cannot be overstated. His vision, determination and commitment to innovation helped shape modern mining, and his legacy, will remain an enduring source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him. On behalf of the Rzolv team, we extend our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Chester's entire family."
Mr. Millar was born in Powell River, B.C., to Dr. Delbert Ferguson Millar and Paulina Johnston, and was raised in North Vancouver. He married the love of his life, Edna Mae Brash, and together they raised their two children, Susan and Michael, in West Vancouver.
Mr. Millar attended the University of British Columbia, graduating with a degree in mining engineering. He began his career in drilling and blasting before becoming the true pioneer of heap-leach gold mining, the field that defined much of his extraordinary career. In 1970, alongside his son Michael, he discovered the Afton mine near Kamloops, B.C., which became one of Canada's most successful copper mines. He went on to found and lead several successful mining companies, including Alamos Gold and Glamis Gold, and later continued his lifelong commitment to innovation in mining through his involvement with the UBC Faculty of Applied Science and his leadership at Rzolv.
Mr. Millar was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the mining industry in 2008. His leadership, ingenuity, integrity and entrepreneurial spirit played a pivotal role in advancing mining in Canada and internationally, and he will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people he mentored throughout his life.
Mr. Millar was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Edna and his son Michael. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Susan; his daughter-in-law Allison Clokie; his grandchildren Taylor, Kerry and Charlotte and her husband Ben; and his great-grandchildren, James and Emma.
Those wishing to honour Mr. Millar are invited to leave a flower at the Nine O'clock Gun at English Bay in Vancouver, whose restoration he made possible, helping to preserve this beloved Vancouver tradition for generations to come. His obituary may be viewed on The Vancouver Sun and Vancouver Province's on-line obituary website.
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