Altamira, advancing a portfolio of properties on Brazil's prospective Juruena gold belt, is looking to expand its presence in the country through further deals and possibly mine development.

"We are extremely pleased that Andrei has agreed to join our board. His energy, legal background and depth of experience with gold mining operations in Brazil will provide Altamira with invaluable experience as we continue to explore small-scale production opportunities and seek joint-venture partners for our extensive portfolio in the emerging Alta Floresta/Juruena belt," said Altamira CEO Mike Bennett.

A lawyer for more than 18 years, Santos is an executive director at Brazil gold producer Salinas Gold Mineracao, said to have brought a number of small mines into production. He started his career in the administrative side of the federal and judicial courts of Brazil, before moving on to Veirano Advogados Associados, one of the largest law firms in South America.

Santos is a former director of Ashburton Minerals and Cleveland Mining Company, and also serves as director of Phoenix Intermediacoes Financeiras.