"I don't work there".  What an odd thing to say. Telling?  Let's blame VP, and move along to the original straightforward question:

"Who is our principal in-house geology expert and what are his/her credentials with regard to mineral exploration, discovery and documentation of mining feasibility?"

Seems like a reasonable question. Should be easy to answer by someone not "inside", with easily referenced public info.  It's a lot like the owner of an NFL team being unable, in the preseason, to say who his coach and quarterback are likely to be - a state of affairs that can't even be contemplated outside of injury or tragedy -  wouldn't inspire much interest from the bettors, or anyone else, except perhaps sports media for speculative gossip purposes. Fans would be (rightfully) disgusted - "this is not how you win".

Tracy would take a call for an answer (or explanation as to why there is no answer).  I suppose I will get around to it, but having her explanation won't change 'appearances'.

It just occurred to me that one man's odor is another man's stench -  and I can see it happening before my eyes. It could make for an epic story though.