Gunter spent more than 40 years in the mining industry, including eight years with Phelps Dodge and 14 years with the RTZ Corporation. During his time at RTZ, he led the discovery and evaluation of the Omagh gold deposits in Northern Ireland, which Galantas is currently developing.

He founded Omagh Minerals, which acquired the gold deposits, steering it through its initial phase of development and the public enquiry which led to the granting of planning consent for the development of the Omagh mine.

Galantas said, while Gunter had not actively engaged in management for many years, his contribution to the company over the years, in addition to his guidance and support as a director and chairman, was much appreciated by his colleagues.

"He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends in the natural resources and wider community," the company said.

It added the board would appoint a chairman in due course.