Our Story

A Legacy Waiting to Be Unearthed

ABOUT VERUNA MINERALS

The story of Veruna begins with the story of La Ciénega—one of North America’s earliest gold rushes, now reborn as one of its most promising modern rediscoveries.

For more than 250 years, miners followed the glint of surface gold, recovering a million ounces from desert riverbeds. 

Yet the true prize always lay deeper. 

Without capital, technology, or lasting security, generations chased what they could see and left untouched what they could only imagine.

Today, that story is changing. 

Veruna Minerals begins where history left off—revealing a vast, multi-layered gold system that connects La Ciénega to the great Caborca Gold Belt, one of the richest yet least-developed regions in North America.

While La Ciénega anchors Veruna’s future, it’s part of a broader portfolio that includes La Cobota (copper-silver-cobalt) and Dos Kilos (high-grade silver), together unlocking the next generation of opportunity in northern Sonora.

For centuries, instability kept La Ciénega’s true value locked away. In 2024, that changed decisively. Working with the Sonora Public Security Secretariat, Mexican Navy (Marina), National Guard, and other federal agencies, Veruna supported a coordinated operation that removed illegal cartel activity and restored lawful control.  [READ MORE] with link to Media page

Today, there is a 50-kilometer secure corridor with state and federal patrols, a 20-member on-site police force, and Veruna’s own private security team. This stability has not only safeguarded Veruna’s operations—it has allowed local families to return to their homes and ranches, renewing safety, trust, and life in the region.

Security Restored, Stability Achieved

Technology Driving Discovery

Early miners couldn’t reach the finer gold hidden deep within the rock. 

Veruna can.

Using AI-driven exploration, 3-D geological modeling, and advanced sensing technologies, Veruna maps mineral systems with precision. On-site assay labs and closed-loop extraction plants recover fine gold while recycling up to 95 % of water, minimizing impact and cost.

These innovations enable efficient, responsible operations in the desert and unlock valuable secondary elements—copper, silver, cobalt, and iridium—that strengthen both sustainability and returns.

Our Team

  • Jonathan Cooper

    CEO

    Jon started his career in strategy and consulting at Accenture and Level 3 Communications.  Since then, he has gone on to found multiple start-ups including ebbu, a poly-pharma company that he led and exited in 2018 for over $400 million.

  • Salim Martínez

    Head of Exploration, Mexico

    With 25 years of geological exploration experience in Sonora, Mexico and over a decade exploring La Ciénega, Salim brings deep experience managing multiple exploration teams with significant excavation operations.

  • Joel Lozano González

    General Counsel, Mexico

    With 20 years of legal experience and deep connections in the region, Joel served as Federal Prosecutor for the State of Sonora Attorney General’s Office. Prior he worked in the private sector for law firm Cervantes y Asociados.

  • Alejandro Sánchez

    Head of Security

    Originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Alejandro brings deep connections with military and government in the region and in the US, where he studied and worked for nearly 4 decades.  Alejandro also serves as the Legal Representative for RM Esperanza

  • Greg Ferdock

    Exploration Advisor

    Bringing 36 years of invaluable mining exploration experience, Greg’s notable contributions include the discovery of over 3 million ounces of gold hosted at Goldstrike Stock and the development of the first model of the hydrothermal system.