Petrov was at FQM between 2011 and 2016. In 16 years as an exploration geologist he has also worked at Dundee Precious Metals, Newmont Mining and Ivanhoe Mines.

"We believe Nikolay's extensive experience, network and skillset will prove invaluable to our efforts moving forward," said Black Sea president and CEO, Vince Sorace.

"Black Sea has an excellent technical team capable of generating and evaluating good projects for potential acquisition and will be selective in ultimately pursuing the opportunities we believe will return the highest shareholder value."

Sorace said Black Sea had completed a structural mapping, soil and rock sampling program at its Kalabak project in the fall of 2017, and was currently compiling new field program data and historical information. The company was also working with the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy to finalise its Zlatusha project licence.

Black Sea Copper & Gold has been working for the past four years in Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey and Romania.