David Anderson
General Manager

Dave has more than 30 years of experience in permitting, environmental monitoring, impact assessment, and regulatory affairs. Most recently, Dave was our Director of Environment and Permitting.  Previously,  he held the position of Director of Environment for Highland Copper’s Copperwood project and developed the project from exploration, through completion of feasibility and permitting.

Dave also brings years of legislative and government affairs experience in mining regulation and mining tax reform. He has served on numerous state, tribal and federal committees and worked with regional NGO’s in shaping conservation policy, protection of water resources and environmental remediation. Dave earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Northland College with an emphasis in policy and law.

Developing a world class gold/zinc mine takes a lot of time, but when Dave manages to squeeze in some free time, he loves to hunt and fish. Dave believes the U.P. is the best place in the world to raise a family.  Originally from Ontonagon, Michigan, Dave now calls Lake Township his home.

Dana Dziedzic  
Office Manager

Dana joined the Back Forty team as Community Coordinator in 2018.  In February of 2020, she was promoted to the role of Government-Community Relations Advisor. In October of 2021, Dana also assumed the duties of the Finance & Human Resources Manager. With the transition of the accounting and human resources departments to our corporate office, Dana now serves the company as the Office Manager for the Stephenson office.

Dana brings 15 years of experience as an educator of economics, American government, technology and world/American history. Prior to her teaching career, Dana worked in both the financial and healthcare fields. She currently serves on the Menominee County Intermediate School District Board as the Vice President.

Dana holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Dana also earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

In her free time, Dana enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, gardening, and has recently taken up pickleball. Dana grew up and has lived most of her life in Menominee County, Michigan.

Daniel Dziedzic 
Health & Safety / Security/ Facilities Director

Dan brings over 35 years of experience in emergency response, safety training, and maintenance to Back Forty.  Initially hired as our Facilities Manager, Dan’s role expanded after the completion of professional development coursework to become trained in MIOSHA regulations.  In the role of Health and Safety Director, Dan manages the development of occupational health and safety strategies, systems, and procedures to ensure they are in line with corporate and state requirements and consistent at each company location. He is also responsible for the development and implementation of health and safety best practices training sessions for all team members. Under his watch, Gold Resource Corporation-Aquila Resources USA, Inc. – Back Forty Mine has not had any reportable, or even recordable, loss time incidents. 

Dan has been a licensed Mechanical Contractor for more than 25 years  Dan also served in the United States Army’s Military Intelligence Corps for six years as an Electronic Warfare Intercept Repairer.  He has earned certifications in Firefighter Level I & II and Fire Officer Level I for the State of Michigan.

In Dan’s free time, he likes to hunt, go camping, ride motorcycle, make maple syrup, and garden.  When asked why he returned to the U.P. after serving in the military, Dan responded: “Even though there were not a lot of opportunities for work at the time, the U.P. is still a great place to raise a family.  The people who live here have a strong work ethic and will help out their community members when there is a need.  I am also not a fan of hot weather, so the U.P. is the place to be.”

Michael Foley 
Director of Environment & Infrastructure

Mike has 32 years of experience as a Civil Engineer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin. Over the last several years, he served as a Senior Project Manager for Coleman Engineering Company (“Coleman”), where he had been the lead contact for a number of mining, industrial, utility and municipal clients. With Coleman, Mike was instrumental in working with the mining consulting team on the Copperwood Mining Project to obtain a variety of regulatory permits for both Orvana Resources and Highland Copper.

Prior to being employed by Coleman, Mike worked on seeing numerous projects through to construction completion for local units of government and counties, as well as working as the Operations Manager for a hot mixed asphalt contractor. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, with an Environmental emphasis, from Michigan Technological University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in both Michigan and Wisconsin.

One of Mike’s passions includes field crop farming.  He raises and harvests hay, wheat, oats, and soybeans.  Mike also enjoys woodworking, metal fabricating, and like most Yoopers, hunting and fishing.