EX-99.2 3 exhibit99-2.htm MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR Exhibit 99.2
Exhibit 99.2

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

JUNE 24, 2025

 

 

DATED AS OF MAY 9, 2025

 

 

 

 

What’s Inside 

 
Letter to Shareholders 4
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS 6
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR 8
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND VOTING INSTRUCTIONS 8
Solicitation of Proxies 8
Appointment of Proxies 8
Voting of Proxies 9
Registered Shareholders 9
Non-Registered Holders 10
Voting at the Virtual Meeting 11
Record Date 12
Voting Shares 12
Quorum 13
Principal Shareholders 13
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES  IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON 13
Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting 13
Financial Statements 13
Election of Directors 14
Appointment of Auditor 25
Say on Pay Advisory Vote 25
Amendments to the Stock Option Plan 26
Amendments to the Restricted Share Unit Plan 30
Statement of Corporate Governance 31
The Board of Directors 32
Board Composition and Experience 33
Meetings of the Board 34
Independence of the Board 35
Chair of the Board 35
Chief Executive Officer 36
Other Reporting Issuer Directorships 36
Orientation and Continuing Education 36
Ethical Business Conduct 37
Board Committees 38
Assessment of Board Performance 40

  

  
 

TSX: OLA

NYSE AMERICAN: ORLA

 

 

Director Term Limits and Other Mechanisms of Board Renewal 40
Corporate Policies 41
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE 47
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 50
2024 Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis 50
Changes to 2025 Executive Compensation Program 67
Report on Director Compensation 69
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans 72
Stock Option Plan 73
Restricted Share Unit Plan 76
Deferred Share Unit Plan 80
Replacement Option Plan 82
Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers 84
Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions 84
Other Business 84
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS 84
Additional Information 84
Approval of Directors 85
SCHEDULE A MANDATE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS A-1
SCHEDULE B Change of Auditor Reporting Package B-1
SCHEDULE C STOCK OPTION PLAN AMENDMENTS C-1
SCHEDULE D RSU PLAN AMENDMENTS D-1

 

  
 

TSX: OLA

NYSE AMERICAN: ORLA

 

 

 

 

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

May 9, 2025,

 

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Orla Mining Ltd. (“Orla” or the “Company”), we invite you to attend our 2025 annual general and special meeting (the “Meeting”) of the holders of common shares of Orla, which will be held on June 24, 2025 at 8:00 am (PST) in virtual format via conference call.

 

2024: A Transformational Year

2024 marked a pivotal year for Orla. In November, we announced the acquisition of the Musselwhite Mine (“Musselwhite”) from Newmont Corporation, a transformational transaction that has more than doubled our annual gold production. The addition of Musselwhite positions Orla as a North American-focused, geographically diversified intermediate gold producer, with a multi-asset portfolio and a self-funded growth pipeline. Beyond this milestone, we are proud of the continued success demonstrated across the Company:

·Strong Operational Performance: Our Camino Rojo Oxide Mine in Zacatecas, Mexico, delivered strong results, achieving the high end of our increased 2024 production guidance at industry-leading costs.
·Health, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship: Operational achievements were delivered while prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of our workforce, safeguarding local communities, and upholding our strong environmental track record.
·Exploration and Growth: We advanced exploration and technical work across our large, prospective land packages in Mexico and Nevada, reinforcing our strategy to grow and diversify our operating platform.
·Sustainability: We continued to strengthen our sustainability framework, highlighted by the publication of our second annual Sustainability Report and enhanced ESG-related disclosures.

THE MEETING

 

The enclosed management information circular (the “Circular”) provides important information on the matters to be considered at the Meeting, including information about the nominated directors, our director and executive compensation programs and our governance practices. You will also be given the opportunity to vote on our approach to executive compensation. Your vote is advisory and will provide our Human Resources and Compensation Committee and the Board with important feedback. Finally, you will also be asked to approve certain amendments to Orla’s stock option plan and restricted share unit plan.

 

Your participation at the Meeting is important to us, regardless of the number of shares that you own. We encourage you to read the Circular and to exercise your right to vote on the items for consideration at the Meeting. If you are unable to attend the Meeting, we encourage you to complete and return your form of proxy

 

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or voting instruction form in accordance with the instructions in the Circular to ensure that your votes are counted.

 

LOOKING FORWARD

 

The closing of the Musselwhite acquisition in February 2025 marked a new chapter for Orla. Since then, our team has been actively focused on integrating the mine into our business, with early efforts directed towards reinforcing the team on-site and re-activating exploration work.

 

With Musselwhite now part of Orla, we are well positioned to capitalize on the strength of record gold prices, while maintaining our disciplined approach to operational excellence. At the same time, we remain committed to advancing our high-potential exploration and development pipeline, creating long-term value and supporting future growth across the business.

 

THANK YOU

 

On behalf of the Board, thank you for your continued support and engagement and we look forward to your participation at the Meeting.

 

Sincerely,

 

Charles Jeannes

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

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ORLA MINING LTD.

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

NOTICE is hereby given that the annual general and special meeting (the “Meeting”) of the holders of common shares (“Shareholders”) of Orla Mining Ltd. (the “Company”) will be held via conference call on the 24th day of June, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) for the following purposes:

 

(a)to receive the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, together with the report of the auditor thereon;

 

(b)to elect directors of the Company for the ensuing year;

 

(c)to appoint Deloitte LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorize the board of directors to fix the remuneration of the auditor;

 

(d)to consider a non-binding advisory resolution on the Company’s approach to executive compensation, as more fully described in the accompanying management information circular (the “Circular”);

 

(e)to consider, and if deemed advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to approve certain amendments to the Company’s stock option plan, as more particularly described in the accompanying Circular;

 

(f)to consider, and if deemed advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to approve certain amendments to the Company’s restricted share unit plan, as more particularly described in the accompanying Circular; and

 

(g)to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

The Meeting will be held in a virtual only format, which will be conducted via conference call and available for guests via live webcast, as follows:

 

Conference Call (Participant or Guest): 877-407-6184 (toll free)

Webcast (Guest Only): https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=VgR0vw57

 

Only registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to vote in real time and ask questions at the Meeting via conference call, provided they are connected to the call and comply with all of the requirements set out in the Circular. Once dialed in, instructions will be provided as to how Shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting may participate, vote and ask questions at the Meeting. Any person, including registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders, who participates at the Meeting via webcast will not be able to vote on matters put before the Meeting, ask questions, or otherwise participate at the Meeting and must vote in advance of the Meeting by using the voting instruction form or form of proxy mailed to them with the Circular. Non-registered Shareholders (being Shareholders who beneficially own shares that are registered in the name of an intermediary such as a bank, trust company, securities broker or other nominee, or in the name of a depository of which the intermediary is a participant) who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholder will be able to attend the Meeting via conference call or webcast as guests, but guests will not be able to vote, ask questions or otherwise participate at the Meeting.

 

The specific details of the foregoing matters to be put before the Meeting, as well as further information with respect to voting by proxy and detailed instructions about how to participate at the virtual Meeting are set forth in the Circular which accompanies, and is deemed to form a part of, this Notice of Meeting.

 

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Dated May 9, 2025.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

Jason Simpson

 

 Jason Simpson

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR

 

This management information circular (the “Circular”) is furnished in connection with the solicitation by management (“Management”) of Orla Mining Ltd. (the “Company” or “Orla”) of proxies to be used at the Company’s annual general and special meeting of the holders (“Shareholders”) of common shares of the Company (the “Common Shares”) to be held on June 24, 2025 (the “Meeting”) or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice of annual and special meeting (“Notice of Meeting”).

 

The Meeting will be held in a virtual only format, which will be conducted via conference call and available for guests via live webcast. Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders can attend the Meeting as follows:

 

Conference Call (Participant or Guest): 877-407-6184 (toll free)

Webcast (Guest Only): https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=VgR0vw57

 

Only registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to vote and ask questions in real time at the Meeting via conference call, provided they are connected to the call and comply with all of the requirements set out in this Circular. Once dialed in, instructions will be provided as to how Shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting may participate, vote and ask questions at the Meeting. Any person, including registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders, who participates at the Meeting via webcast only will not be able to vote on matters put before the Meeting, ask questions or otherwise participate at the Meeting and must vote in advance of the Meeting by using the voting instruction form or form of proxy mailed to them with the Circular. Shareholders will not be able to physically attend the Meeting. For a summary of how Shareholders may attend the Meeting via conference call, see “Voting at the Virtual Meeting” below.

 

Except as otherwise indicated, the information contained in this Circular is stated as at May 9, 2025. All dollar amounts referenced herein, unless otherwise indicated, are expressed in Canadian dollars.

 

 

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

 

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

 

It is anticipated that the solicitations will be made primarily by mail in relation to the delivery of the Circular. Proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers or employees of the Company at nominal cost. The cost of the solicitation will be borne by the Company. The Company has arranged for Intermediaries (as defined below) to forward the meeting materials to Non-Registered Shareholders (as defined below) and the Company will reimburse the Intermediaries for their reasonable fees and disbursements in that regard.

 

This solicitation of proxies and voting instruction forms involves securities of a Company located in Canada and is being effected in accordance with the applicable corporate and securities laws of Canada. The proxy solicitation rules under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are not applicable to the Company or this solicitation. Shareholders should be aware that disclosure and proxy solicitation requirements under the applicable securities laws of Canada and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) differ from the disclosure and proxy solicitation requirements under United States securities laws.

 

APPOINTMENT OF PROXIES

 

The person(s) designated by Management in the enclosed form of proxy are directors and/or officers of the Company (the “Management Proxyholders”). Each Shareholder has the right to appoint as proxyholder a person (who need not be a Shareholder) other than Management Proxyholders to represent the

 

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Shareholder at the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Such right may be exercised by striking out the names of the person(s) printed in the accompanying form of proxy and inserting the name of the person in the blank space provided in the enclosed form of proxy or by completing another suitable form of proxy and, in either case, delivering the completed and executed form of proxy as provided below.

 

If you are a Non-Registered Shareholder and wish to vote at the Meeting, you have to insert your own name in the blank space provided on the voting instruction form or form of proxy sent to you by your Intermediary and follow the applicable instructions provided by your Intermediary.

 

VOTING OF PROXIES

 

On any ballot that may be called for, the Common Shares represented by a properly executed proxy given in favour of the Management Proxyholders will be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with the instructions given on the ballot. If the Shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the Common Shares will be voted accordingly.

 

In the absence of any direction in the instrument of proxy, such Common Shares will be voted in favour of the matters set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting. The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein with respect to amendments or variations to matters identified in the accompanying Notice of Meeting, and with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. At the date of this Circular, Management is not aware of any such amendment, variation or other matter to come before the Meeting. However, if any amendments or variations to matters identified in the accompanying Notice of Meeting or any other matters which are not now known to Management should properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the Common Shares represented by properly executed proxies given in favour of the Management Proxyholders will be voted on such matters pursuant to such discretionary authority.

 

REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS

 

In the case of registered Shareholders (“Registered Shareholders”), the completed, signed and dated form of proxy should be sent in the addressed envelope enclosed to Computershare Investor Services Inc., Attn: Proxy Department, 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Yl, or via fax to 1-866-249-7775 (toll free North America) or 1-416-263-9524 (International). Alternatively, Registered Shareholders may vote by telephone by calling 1-866-732-8683 (toll free) or online via www.investorvote.com. To be effective, a proxy must be received not later than 8:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on June 20, 2025, or at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays and holidays), before the time for holding the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

A Registered Shareholder who has given a proxy may revoke it by depositing an instrument in writing, including another proxy bearing a later date, signed by the Registered Shareholder or by the Registered Shareholder’s attorney, who is authorized in writing, or by transmitting, by telephonic or electronic means, a revocation signed by electronic signature by the Registered Shareholder or by the Registered Shareholder’s attorney, who is authorized in writing, to the head office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting, or in the case of any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting, the last business day preceding the day of the adjournment or postponement, or by dialing into the Meeting via conference call and accepting the terms and conditions (see “Voting at the Virtual Meeting” below). A Registered Shareholder may also revoke a proxy in any other manner permitted by law. Only Registered Shareholders have the right to revoke a proxy. A Non-Registered Shareholder who wishes to change its vote must arrange for its Intermediary to revoke its proxy on its behalf.

 

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NON-REGISTERED HOLDERS

 

Only Registered Shareholders (or duly appointed proxyholders) are permitted to vote at the Meeting. However, in many cases, Shareholders are “non-registered” Shareholders because the Common Shares they own are not registered in their names, but are instead registered in the name of the brokerage firm, bank or trust company through which they purchased the Common Shares. More particularly, a person is not a Registered Shareholder in respect of Common Shares which are held on behalf of that person (a “Non-Registered Shareholder”), but which are registered either: (a) in the name of an intermediary (an “Intermediary”) that the Non-Registered Shareholder deals with in respect of the Common Shares (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust companies, securities dealers or brokers and trustees or administrators of self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans); or (b) in the name of a clearing agency (such as The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited) of which the Intermediary is a participant. Non-Registered Shareholders do not appear on the list of Shareholders maintained by the transfer agent.

 

Non-Registered Shareholders who have not objected to their Intermediary disclosing certain ownership information about themselves to the Company are referred to as Non-Objecting Beneficial Owners (“NOBOs”). Those Non-Registered Shareholders who have objected to their Intermediary disclosing ownership information about themselves to the Company are referred to as Objecting Beneficial Owners (“OBOs”).

 

Issuers can request and obtain a list of their NOBOs from Intermediaries via their transfer agents, pursuant to National Instrument 54-101— Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (“NI 54- 101”) and issuers can use this NOBO list for distribution of proxy-related materials directly to NOBOs. The Company has decided to take advantage of those provisions of NI 54-101 that allow it to directly deliver proxy-related materials to its NOBOs. As a result, NOBOs can expect to receive a voting instruction form from the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. (“Computershare”). These voting instruction forms are to be completed and returned to Computershare in the envelope provided or by facsimile. Computershare will tabulate the results of the voting instruction forms received from NOBOs and will provide appropriate instructions at the Meeting with respect to the Common Shares represented by voting instruction forms they receive. Alternatively, NOBOs may vote following the instructions on the voting instruction form, via the internet or by phone.

 

These securityholder materials are being sent to both registered and non-registered owners of the securities. If you are a non-registered owner, and the issuer or its agent has sent these materials directly to you, your name and address and information about your holdings of securities, have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the intermediary holding on your behalf.

 

By choosing to send these materials to you directly, the issuer (and not the intermediary holding on your behalf) has assumed responsibility for (i) delivering these materials to you, and (ii) executing your proper voting instructions. Please return your voting instructions as specified in the request for voting instructions.

 

With respect to OBOs, in accordance with applicable securities law requirements, the Company will have distributed copies of the Notice of Meeting, this Circular, the form of proxy or voting instruction form and the supplemental mailing list request card (collectively, the “Meeting Materials”) to the clearing agencies and Intermediaries for distribution to Non-Registered Shareholders. The Company intends to pay for Intermediaries to deliver the Meeting Materials to OBOs.

 

Intermediaries are required to forward the Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Shareholders unless a Non-Registered Shareholder has waived the right to receive them. Very often, Intermediaries will use service companies to forward the Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Shareholders. Generally, Non-Registered Shareholders who have not waived the right to receive the Meeting Materials will either:

 

(a)be given a form of proxy which has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature), which is restricted as to the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the Non-Registered Shareholder but which is otherwise not completed. Because the Intermediary has

 

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already signed the form of proxy, this form of proxy is not required to be signed by the Non-Registered Shareholder when submitting the proxy. If the Non-Registered Shareholder does not wish to attend and vote at the virtual Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the holder’s behalf), the Non-Registered Shareholder must complete the form of proxy and deposit it with the Company’s registrar and transfer agent, Computershare, as provided above; or

 

(b)be given a voting instruction form which is not signed by the Intermediary, and which, when properly completed and signed by the Non-Registered Shareholder and returned to the Intermediary or its service company, will constitute voting instructions (often called a “proxy authorization form”), which the Intermediary must follow. Typically, the proxy authorization form will consist of a one-page pre-printed form. Sometimes, instead of the one-page pre-printed form, the proxy authorization form will consist of a regular printed proxy form accompanied by a page of instructions, which contains a removable label containing a barcode and other information. In order for the form of proxy to validly constitute a proxy authorization form, the Non-Registered Shareholder must remove the label from the instructions and affix it to the form of proxy, properly complete and sign the form of proxy and return it to the Intermediary or its service company in accordance with the instructions of the Intermediary or its service company. If the Non-Registered Shareholder does not wish to attend and vote at the virtual Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the holder’s behalf), the voting instruction form must be completed, signed and returned in accordance with the directions on the form.

 

In either case, the purpose of this procedure is to permit a Non-Registered Shareholder to direct the voting of the Common Shares which they beneficially own. In addition, an Intermediary subject to the New York Stock Exchange rules and who has not received specific voting instructions from the Non-Registered Shareholder will not be able to vote the Common Shares on all or, as applicable, any matters at the Meeting. Non-Registered Shareholders should carefully follow the instructions of their Intermediary, including those regarding when and where the proxy or proxy authorization form is to be delivered. Only Registered Shareholders have the right to revoke a proxy. A Non-Registered Shareholder who wishes to change its vote must arrange for its Intermediary to revoke its proxy on its behalf.

 

VOTING AT THE VIRTUAL MEETING

 

The Company will hold its Meeting in a virtual only format, which will be conducted via conference call and available for guests via live webcast. The Company believes that hosting a virtual meeting will increase participation by its Shareholders, as it will enable Shareholders to more easily attend the Meeting regardless of their geographic location. Shareholders will not be able to physically attend the Meeting.

 

In order to streamline the Meeting process, the Company encourages Shareholders to vote in advance of the Meeting using the voting instruction form or the form of proxy mailed to them with the Meeting Materials. Shareholders wishing to attend the Meeting may continue to do so as follows:

 

Conference Call (Participant or Guest): 877-407-6184 (toll free)

Webcast (Guest Only): https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=VgR0vw57

 

Only Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to vote in real time at the Meeting via conference call, provided they are connected to the call and comply with all of the requirements set out in this Circular. Once dialed in, instructions will be provided as to how Shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting may participate, vote and ask questions at the Meeting. Any person, including Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders, who participates at the Meeting via webcast only will not be able to vote on matters put before the Meeting, ask questions or otherwise participate at the Meeting and must vote in advance of the Meeting by using the voting instruction form or form of proxy mailed to them with the Circular. If you attend the Meeting via conference call, it is important that you call in early and remain connected for the duration of the Meeting in order to vote when balloting commences. It is your responsibility to ensure that you remain connected. The Meeting will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on June 24, 2025,

 

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unless otherwise adjourned or postponed. You should allow ample time for the check-in procedures prior to the start of the Meeting.

 

Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders who participate in the Meeting via conference call may ask questions in accordance with the instructions provided at the Meeting. Questions will generally only be addressed during a question period at the end of the Meeting, however, questions regarding procedural matters or directly related to a specific motion may be addressed during the Meeting.

 

Non-Registered Shareholders who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholders may attend the Meeting as guests. Guests will be able to listen to the Meeting, but will not be able to vote, ask questions or otherwise participate at the Meeting. This is because the transfer agent, Computershare, does not have a record of the Non-Registered Shareholders and, as a result, will have no knowledge of shareholdings or entitlement to vote, unless the Non-Registered Shareholder appoints itself as proxyholder.

 

If you are a Non-Registered Shareholder and wish to vote at the Meeting, you must appoint yourself as proxyholder by inserting your own name in the space provided for appointing a proxyholder on the voting instruction form sent to you and follow all of the applicable instructions, including the deadline, provided by the Intermediary.

 

A summary of the information Shareholders will need to attend and vote at the virtual meeting is provided below.

 

·Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders must dial in prior to the start of the Meeting and, once dialed in, follow the instructions provided.

 

·Guests, including Non-Registered Shareholders who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholder can listen to the Meeting, but will not be able to vote, ask questions or otherwise participate at the Meeting. Log in online through the webcast or dial-in via conference call, and then complete the registration.

 

If you are dialing into the Meeting via conference call and you accept the terms and conditions, you will be revoking any and all previously submitted proxies. However, in such a case you will be provided the opportunity to vote by ballot on the matters put forth at the Meeting. If you DO NOT wish to revoke all previously submitted proxies: (i) do not accept the terms and conditions, in which case you can only enter the Meeting via conference call as a guest; or (ii) join the Meeting via webcast, in which case you will be able to listen to the Meeting, but, in both cases, you will not be able to vote, ask questions or otherwise participate at the Meeting.

 

RECORD DATE

 

The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) has fixed May 9, 2025 (the “Record Date”) as the record date for the purpose of determining holders of Common Shares entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting. In accordance with the provisions of the Canada Business Corporation Act (the “CBCA”), the Company or its transfer agent will prepare a list of holders of Common Shares on the Record Date. Each Shareholder named in the list or such Shareholder’s proxy will be entitled to vote the Common Shares shown opposite such Shareholder’s name on the list at the Meeting.

 

VOTING SHARES

 

The authorized voting securities of the Company consist of an unlimited number of Common Shares. As at Record Date, the Company had 325,124,256 Common Shares outstanding, each carrying the right to one vote. Except as otherwise noted in this Circular, a simple majority of the votes cast at the Meeting, whether in person, by proxy or otherwise, will constitute approval of any matter submitted to a vote.

 

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QUORUM

 

A quorum will be present at the Meeting if there are at least two persons present in person, each being a Shareholder entitled to vote thereat or a duly appointed proxy or proxyholder for an absent Shareholder so entitled, holding or representing in the aggregate not less than 25% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

To the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Company, as at the Record Date, no person beneficially owned, controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the voting rights attached to the outstanding Common Shares except the following:

 

 

Shareholder

Number of Common Shares % of Outstanding
Common Shares
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) 56,817,229(1) 17.5%
Newmont Corporation (“Newmont”) 43,245,294 13.3%
Pierre Lassonde 32,235,963(2) 9.9%
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (“Agnico Eagle”) 27,602,589(3) 8.5%

Notes:

  1.Fairfax also holds: (i) convertible notes exercisable into 26,582,278 Common Shares; and (ii) warrants to purchase 17,544,302 Common Shares, which, upon exercise of all such convertible notes and warrants and together with its Common Shares, represents approximately 27.3% of the Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

  2.Mr. Lassonde also holds: (i) convertible notes exercisable into 2,481,012 Common Shares; and (ii) warrants to purchase 6,837,468 Common Shares, which, upon exercise of all such convertible notes and warrants and together with his Common Shares, represents approximately 12.4% of the Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

  3.Agnico Eagle also holds warrants to purchase 10,400,000 Common Shares, which, upon exercise and together with its Common Shares, represents approximately 11.3% of the Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis.

 

 

INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES
IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON

 

Other than as disclosed in this Circular, no: (i) director or executive officer of the Company at any time since the beginning of the last completed financial year; (ii) proposed nominee for election as a director; or (iii) any associate of a person in (i) or (ii) has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting. Directors and executive officers may, however, be interested in the approval of certain amendments to the Stock Option Plan (as defined below) as detailed in “Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Amendments to the Stock Option Plan” and the approval of certain amendments to the RSU Plan (as defined below) as detailed in “Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Amendments to the Restricted Share Unit Plan”, as such persons are entitled to participate in the Stock Option Plan and RSU Plan, respectively.

 

 

PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE MEETING

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 and the report of the auditor thereon will be placed before the Shareholders at the Meeting, but no vote thereon is required. These

 

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documents are available upon request or they can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov or on its website at www.orlamining.com.

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Company’s Articles of Arrangement (the “Articles”) provide that the Board consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of ten directors. The Board currently consists of ten directors and the term of office of each of the present directors expires at the close of the Meeting. The Board has fixed the size of the Board for election at the Meeting at nine directors, as Mr. Tim Haldane will not be seeking re-election.

 

At the Meeting, the nine persons set out below will be proposed for election as directors of the Company (the “Nominees”). Each of the Nominees is currently a director. Each director elected will hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until such person’s successor is elected or appointed. Management does not contemplate that any of the Nominees will be unable to serve as a director, but if that should occur for any reason prior to the Meeting, it is intended that discretionary authority will be exercised by the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote the proxy for the election of any other person or persons in place of any Nominee or Nominees unable to serve. All Nominees have established their eligibility and willingness to serve as directors.

 

The Board recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the election of each of the Nominees. Unless authority is withheld, the Management Proxyholders intend to vote FOR the election of each of the Nominees.

 

In accordance with the requirements of the CBCA, directors stand for election each year at the annual meeting of Shareholders, and a separate vote of Shareholders is taken with respect to each candidate nominated for director. If there is only one candidate nominated for each position available on the Board (an uncontested election), each candidate is elected only if the number of votes cast in their favor represents a majority of the votes cast for and against them by the Shareholders who are present in person or represented by proxy. If an incumbent director is not re-elected in an uncontested election, the director may continue in office until the earlier of the 90th day after the day of the election and the day on which their successor is appointed or elected. Majority voting will not apply in the case of a contested election of directors, in which case the directors will be elected by a plurality of votes of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the meeting and voted on the election of directors.

 

The following tables set forth information with respect to each Nominee and is based upon information furnished by the respective proposed Nominee. Except as indicated below, each of the proposed Nominees has held the principal occupation shown beside the Nominee’s name in the table below or another executive office with the same or a related company, for the last five years.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Bank]

 

Page 14

 

 

 

CHARLES JEANNES Principal Occupation    
    Corporate Director  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting Attendance  
    Board of Directors (Chair) 100%  
    Human Resources and Compensation Committee 100%  
    Audit Committee 100%  
    Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 100%  
  Nevada, USA      
  Age, 66   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since June 2017   Common
Shares
Options Warrants DSUs Ownership Requirement  
Independent
  Diversity Factors: N/A   3,096,372(1) 69,019 520,000 256,344 Satisfied  
                 
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Against   Pan American Silver Corp. (Director)  
  2024 98.32% 1.68%   Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (Director)  
  2023 99.15% 0.85%      
  2022 82.78% 17.22%      
             
  Biography  
  Mr. Jeannes served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Goldcorp Inc. (“Goldcorp”) from 2009 until April 2016, and Executive Vice President, Corporate Development from 2006 until 2008. From 1999 until the acquisition of Glamis Gold Ltd. (“Glamis”) by Goldcorp, he was Executive Vice President, Administration, General Counsel and Secretary of Glamis. Prior to joining Glamis, Mr. Jeannes worked for Placer Dome Inc., most recently as Vice President of Placer Dome North America. He is also currently a Director of Pan American Silver Corp. and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (formerly Silver Wheaton Corp.) and serves as a Trustee of the Wolf Pack Athletic Association of the University of Nevada (a non-profit Board). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Nevada - Reno and graduated from the University of Arizona School of Law with honours in 1983. He practiced law from 1983 until 1994 and has broad experience in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, public and private financing, and international operations.  
                       

Note:

1.In addition, Mr. Jeannes is entitled to 500,000 Bonus Shares (as defined herein). The Bonus Shares will become issuable on the date Mr. Jeannes ceases to act as a director. See “Report on Director Compensation”.

 

Page 15

 

 

 

JASON SIMPSON Principal Occupation    
    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting Attendance  
    Board of Directors 100%  
    Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety Committee 100%  
         
  Ontario, Canada      
  Age, 52   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since November 2018   Common
Shares
Options RSUs PSUs Warrants Ownership
Requirement
 
Not Independent
  Diversity Factors: N/A   1,923,248 682,469 249,041 272,331 NIL Satisfied  
                   
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   None  
  2024 99.97% 0.03%      
  2023 99.97% 0.03%      
  2022 91.28% 8.72%      
             
  Biography  
  Mr. Simpson was appointed the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective November 12, 2018. In addition to the role of President and CEO, Mr. Simpson also serves as a director of the Company. Mr. Simpson is a mining executive with over 27 years of experience in operations leadership, mining engineering and project construction. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer of Torex Gold Resources (“Torex”) where, over his nearly six-year tenure, he oversaw the successful construction and operation of the ELG Mine in Mexico. Prior to Torex, Mr. Simpson spent 11 years at Vale in various roles of increasing responsibility ending his tenure as General Manager of the Labrador Operations (Voisey’s Bay) in 2013. Mr. Simpson also worked at McIntosh Redpath Engineering on mining studies for companies including Barrick, Freeport McMoran, CVRD, Rio Tinto and Falconbridge, among others, where he gained global multi-commodity experience and perspective. Mr. Simpson is currently a director on the Laurentian University – School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board. Mr. Simpson holds dual degrees in Mining Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and in Physics from Dalhousie University.  
     
                         

 

Page 16

 

 

 

JEAN ROBITAILLE Principal Occupation    
    Executive Vice-President, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Agnico Eagle  
     
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting
Attendance
 
    Board of Directors 89%  
    Human Resources and Compensation Committee (Chair) 100%  
    Technical Committee 100%  
  Ontario, Canada      
  Age, 63   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since December 2016   Common Shares Options Warrants DSUs Ownership
Requirement
 
Independent
  Diversity Factors: N/A   1,500,000 37,503 NIL 145,431 Satisfied  
                 
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   None  
  2024 93.29% 6.71%      
  2023 94.27% 5.73%      
  2022 83.00% 17.00%      
             
  Biography  
  Mr. Robitaille joined the Board in December 2016, upon closing of the Company’s acquisition of Pershimco Resources Inc. Mr. Robitaille is Executive Vice-President, Chief Strategy & Technology Officer at Agnico Eagle. Prior to this nomination and since 1988, he served Agnico Eagle in various senior executive roles for Corporate Development, Business Strategy, Technical Services, Project Development and Operations. Before joining Agnico Eagle, Mr. Robitaille worked as a metallurgist with Teck Mining Group and served as a Director of Pershimco Resources Inc. (2011 to 2016). Mr. Robitaille is a mining graduate of the College de l’Abitibi Témiscamingue with a specialty in mineral processing.  
     
                       

 

Page 17

 

 

 

DAVID STEPHENS Principal Occupation    
    Partner at Agentis Capital Mining Partners  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting
Attendance
 
    Board of Directors 100%  
    Audit Committee 100%  
    Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (Chair) 100%  
  Ontario, Canada      
  Age, 43   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since March 2018   Common Shares Options Warrants DSUs Ownership
Requirement
 
Independent
  Diversity Factors: N/A   12,500 17,962 65,000 132,554 Satisfied  
                 
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   None  
  2024 98.46% 1.54%      
  2023 99.16% 0.84%      
  2022 82.77% 17.23%      
             
  Biography  
  Mr. Stephens is a partner at Agentis Capital Mining Partners, which provides capital markets advisory services. Mr. Stephens is also VP, Marketing and a director of San Cristobal Mining Inc. He also provides consulting services in the mining and technology industries through his private consulting company. He was the Vice President, Corporate Development and Marketing at Goldcorp until its acquisition by Newmont, having previously served as Vice President and Treasurer. Prior to joining Goldcorp, Mr. Stephens spent ten years working in investment banking and equity research at various organizations including Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. and Orion Securities. Mr. Stephens holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Harvard University.  
     
                       

 

Page 18

 

 

 

ELIZABETH McGREGOR Principal Occupation    
    Finance professional/Corporate Director  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting Attendance  
    Board of Directors 100%  
    Audit Committee (Chair) 100%  
    Human Resources and Compensation Committee 100%  
  British Columbia, Canada      
  Age, 48   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since June 2019   Common
Shares
Options Warrants DSUs Ownership Requirement  
Independent
  Diversity Factors: Female, Indigenous   24,400 37,503 65,000 115,768 Satisfied  
           
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   Kinross Gold Corporation (Director)  
  2024 99.02% 0.98%    
  2023 99.87% 0.13%      
  2022 82.97% 17.03%      
             
  Biography  
  Ms. McGregor served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tahoe Resources Inc. from August 9, 2016 until the acquisition by Pan American Silver Corp. on February 22, 2019. Ms. McGregor is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and, prior to her role as Chief Financial Officer, served as Tahoe Resources Inc.’s VP Treasurer. She directed financial planning, corporate liquidity, financial reporting and risk management. Prior to joining Tahoe Resources Inc., she worked at Goldcorp from 2007 to 2013 where she held various financial roles including Director of Project Finance and Cost Control; Administration Manager at the Peñasquito mine; and Director of Risk. Ms. McGregor has also served as a director of Kinross Gold Corporation since November 6, 2019. Ms. McGregor began her career at KPMG as Audit Manager. She holds a B.A. (Hons) from Queen’s University in Kingston.  
                       

 

Page 19

 

 

 

TAMARA BROWN Principal Occupation    
    Corporate Director  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting Attendance  
    Board of Directors 100%  
    Human Resources and Compensation Committee 100%  
   

Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety Committee (Chair)

100%

 

 

  Ontario, Canada   Technical Committee 100%  
  Age, 52   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since June 2022   Common Shares Options Warrants DSUs Ownership Requirement  
Independent
  Diversity Factors: Female   4,400 26,580 NIL 59,346 N/A  
                 
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   Lithium Royalty Corp. (Director)  
  2024 99.02% 0.98%   29Metals Limited (Director)  
  2023

99.29%

0.71%    
  2022 99.84% 0.16%      
           
  Biography  
  Ms. Brown is a mining industry professional with over 25 years of experience in the mining and capital markets sectors. She is currently a partner of Oberon Capital Corp., an investment services provider, and was the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Superior Gold Inc., a gold producer, from 2020 to 2021. Ms. Brown is currently an Independent Director of Lithium Royalty Corp. (TSX) and 29Metals Limited (ASX) and was previously a Non-Executive Director for Lundin Gold Inc., Eastmain Resources Inc. and Superior Gold Inc. Her previous executive roles include Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development (Americas) for Newcrest Mining, Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations for Primero Mining Corp., and Director of Investor Relations for IAMGOLD Corp. Ms. Brown was also a professional engineer in the mining industry. She has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Curtin University in Australia and has completed the Chartered Business Valuator course at York University.  
     
                       

 

Page 20

 

 

 

ANA SOFÍA RÍOS

Principal Occupation    
    Partner, Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting Attendance  
    Board of Directors 100%  
   

Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety

Committee

100%  
   

Corporate Governance and Nominating

Committee

100%  
 

Mexico City, Mexico

     
  Age, 39   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since June 2023   Common
Shares
Options Warrants DSUs Ownership Requirement  
Independent
 

Diversity Factors: Female,

Visible Minority

  NIL NIL NIL 51,035 N/A  
                 
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   None  
  2024 99.56% 0.44%    
  2023 99.87% 0.13%    
  2022 - -      
  Biography  
 

Ms. Ríos is a partner with the Mexican law firm of Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa. Her practice focuses on corporate law, banking and finance, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, as well as advising clients and family offices on wealth management matters. In addition, Ms. Ríos advises public and private companies on corporate governance and regulatory compliance matters. She is currently an alternate independent board member of Grupo Corporativo Cever, S.A. de C.V. (a private Mexican corporate group that manages vehicle dealerships and restaurant brands). Ms. Ríos is also the Vice-president Legal Committee, Banking Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce - Mexico (ICC Mexico) and a Member of the Mexican Bar Association, College of Attorneys-at-Law. She has a law degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana (UIA) and a Master’s Degree in Corporate Law from New York University School of Law.

 
     
                       

 

Page 21

 

 

 

ROB KRCMAROV

Principal Occupation  
    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Hecla Mining Company  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting Attendance(1)  
    Board of Directors 78%  
    Technical Committee

80%

 
         
  Ontario, Canada      
 

Age, 60

  Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since November 2023   Common Shares Options Warrants DSUs Ownership Requirement  
Independent
  Diversity Factors: N/A   7,273 NIL NIL 59,346 N/A  
                 
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   Hecla Mining Company  
  2024 99.96% 0.04%      
  2023 - -      
  2022 - -      
  Biography  
  Mr. Krcmarov is a geologist and an experienced international mining executive who has held mine site, regional and corporate leadership roles in his 35-year career in the natural resources sector. Mr. Krcmarov is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Hecla Mining. Previously he served as a technical advisor to Barrick Gold Corporation, having served as an executive with that company for 13 years, most recently as Executive Vice President Exploration and Growth. In these various roles, he led exploration teams which have discovered, drilled and delineated multiple value adding orebodies, including several world class greenfield discoveries. Mr. Krcmarov’s international experience spans many countries in five continents, and he has a strong track record running efficient and safe operations, conducting effective community relations, and engaging in constructive dialogue with institutional investors, financial markets, board members, government officials and other stakeholders. Mr. Krcmarov holds a Master of Economic Geology from the University of Tasmania and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Adelaide.  
     
                       

Note:

1.

2024 represented Mr. Kcrmarov’s first full year on the Board of Directors.

 

Page 22

 

 

 

SCOTT LANGLEY (1) Principal Occupation    
    Vice President, Corporate Development, Newmont Corporation  
       
    Board and Board Committees 2024 Meeting Attendance  
    Board of Directors 100%  
         
         
  Ontario, Canada      
  Age, 50   Securities Holdings as at May 9, 2025  
  Director since June 2022   Common Shares Options Warrants DSUs Ownership Requirement  
Not Independent
  Diversity Factors: N/A   NIL NIL NIL NIL N/A  
                 
  Historical Voting Results   Other Reporting Issuer Board Memberships  
  Year For Withhold   None  
  2024

99.85%

0.15%      
  2023 93.55%

6.45%

     
  2022 87.71% 12.29%      
             
  Biography  
  Mr. Langley is Vice President, Corporate Development at Newmont. Prior to joining Newmont in 2022, he spent over 15 years working in investment banking, at both National Bank Financial and Bank of America, and was most recently Managing Director, Head of North American Metals & Mining for Bank of America. Mr. Langley has worked on numerous equity and debt capital markets transactions as well as M&A transactions, including acting as financial advisor to Agnico Eagle on its 2021 merger transaction with Kirkland Lake Gold. Mr. Langley holds a Master of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Queens University.  
     
                       

Notes:

1.

Mr. Langley is the director nominee of Newmont. See “Investor Rights Agreement” below. Accordingly, Mr. Langley will waive his annual base retainer and will not be subject to share ownership requirements.

 

 

Page 23

 

 

 

CEASE TRADE ORDERS, BANKRUPTCIES, PENALTIES OR SANCTION

 

No director or proposed director of the Company is, as at the date of this Circular, or has been, within the 10 years preceding the date of this Circular, a director, chief executive officer and chief financial officer of any company (including the Company) that:

 

(a)while that person was acting in that capacity, was the subject of a cease trade, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, in each case that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days (each, an “Order”);

 

(b)was subject to an Order that was issued after the proposed director ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or

 

(c)while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.

 

No director or proposed director of the Company has, within the 10 years before the date of this Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of such director or proposed director.

 

To the knowledge of the Company, as of the date hereof, no proposed director has been subject to: (a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or (b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable security holder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.

 

ADVANCE NOTICE PROVISIONS

 

The Company’s amended and restated by-law No 1. (the “By-Laws”) contains an advance-notice provision for director nominations. Shareholders who wish to nominate candidates for election as directors must provide written notice of their intention to the Corporate Secretary (via personal delivery to 1010-1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3C9, or via email at info@orlamining.com) and include certain information as set out in Part Four of the By-Laws. The notice must be made not less than 30 days prior to the date of our next annual meeting, in compliance with Part Four. If you wish to submit a director nomination to be presented at the Meeting, the required information must be sent to our Corporate Secretary by May 23, 2025. A copy of the By-Laws is available on the Company’s website and was filed on May 20, 2022 under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ and EDGAR at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively.

 

INVESTOR RIGHTS AGREEMENTS

 

Newmont Corporation

 

In accordance with the terms of the investor rights agreement dated November 7, 2017 between Goldcorp (now Newmont) and Orla (the “Newmont Agreement”), Newmont has, among other rights, the right to nominate an individual for election to the Board. In the event the number of directors on the Board is increased to more than ten directors, Newmont shall be entitled to designate an additional nominee, provided that at the time of such increase in the size of the Board it holds at least 10% of the Common Shares. Newmont’s current nominee to the Board is Mr. Scott Langley.

 

Page 24

 

 

Under the terms of the Newmont Agreement, Newmont has agreed to vote its Common Shares in accordance with the recommendations of the Board or Management on all matters to be submitted to Shareholders, including for the Management nominee’s for directors, except in the case of voting in respect of: (i) any issuer bid, insider bid, related party transaction or business combination; (ii) any amendment to the constating documents of the Company, other than immaterial or administrative changes; (iii) any matter in relation to which a recognized proxy advisor is recommending against Management or the Board on any resolution for Shareholders; (iv) any disposition of assets for consideration equal or greater than 50% of the market capitalization immediately prior to the entering into of such transaction; (v) any proposed distribution of securities where the number of Common Shares issued or issuable thereunder is greater than 25% of the Common Shares which are outstanding prior to closing; and (vi) in any circumstances where the Company or its directors or officers are not in compliance with the Newmont Agreement or applicable laws, in which case Newmont is entitled to vote its Common Shares in its discretion. Any nominee of Newmont on the Board will not be required to vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board and Management but will exercise his or her fiduciary responsibilities as a director by voting as he or she sees fit.

Pursuant to the Newmont Agreement, Newmont has been granted certain participation rights to maintain its pro rata interest in future offerings for as long as it maintains ownership of at least 10% of the Common Shares.

 

Agnico Eagle

 

Similarly, in accordance with an amended and restated investor rights agreement dated December 17, 2019 (the “Agnico Agreement”) between Agnico Eagle and the Company, Agnico Eagle has, among other rights, the right to nominate an individual for election to the Board, provided it holds at least 5% of the Common Shares. As of the date hereof, Agnico Eagle has not exercised its right to nominate an individual for election to the Board.

Pursuant to the Agnico Agreement, Agnico Eagle has been granted certain participation rights to maintain its pro rata interest in future offerings for as long as it maintains ownership of at least 5% of the Common Shares.

Copies of the Newmont Agreement and the Agnico Agreement are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ and EDGAR at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov, respectively.

 

APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

On March 26, 2025, Deloitte LLP (“Deloitte”) was appointed as the auditor of Orla, replacing Ernst & Young LLP. Management is recommending the re-appointment of Deloitte as auditor for the Company, to hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Shareholders at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board. A notice of change of auditor, and confirmation letters from each of the former and successor auditors of the Company are attached to this Circular as Schedule “B”, pursuant to the requirements of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”).

 

The Board recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the re-appointment of Deloitte. Unless authority is withheld, the Management Proxyholders intend to vote FOR the re-appointment of Deloitte as the auditor of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting of Shareholders or until a successor is appointed and the Board is authorized to fix their remuneration.

 

SAY ON PAY ADVISORY VOTE

 

The Board has adopted a non-binding Shareholder advisory vote on the Company’s approach to executive compensation, also known as “Say-on-Pay”. This advisory vote allows Shareholders a formal opportunity to provide their views on the Company’s executive compensation program as set forth in this Circular under the heading “Statement of Executive Compensation” beginning on page 50. In 2024, 98.8% of Shareholders voted FOR the resolution.

   

 

Page 25

 

 

 

The Company will disclose the results of this year’s vote as part of its report on the voting results for the Meeting. The advisory vote is non-binding on the Company and it remains the duty of the Board to develop and implement appropriate executive compensation policies. However, the Board will take the results into account when considering the executive compensation plans and policies of the Company for future periods. In the event that a significant number of Shareholders oppose the resolution, the Board will endeavour to consult with its Shareholders as appropriate (particularly those who are known to have voted against it) to understand their concerns and will review the Company’s approach to compensation in the context of those concerns. The Board will consider disclosing to Shareholders as soon as is practicable, and no later than in the management information circular for its next annual meeting, a summary of any comments received from Shareholders in the engagement process and any changes to the compensation plans made or to be made by the Board (or why no changes will be made).

 

At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider a non-binding advisory resolution on executive compensation, known as “Say on Pay”, as follows (the “Say on Pay Advisory Resolution”):

 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, on an advisory basis and not to diminish the role and responsibilities of the Board of Directors, the Shareholders of the Company accept the approach to executive compensation disclosed in the Company’s Management Information Circular dated May 9, 2025, with respect to the Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders.”

 

The Board recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the Say on Pay Advisory Resolution to approve the Company’s approach to executive compensation. Unless otherwise instructed, the Management Proxyholders intend to vote FOR the Say on Pay Advisory Resolution.

 

Amendments to the Stock Option Plan

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Company’s existing 10% rolling stock option plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) was implemented to provide effective incentives to senior officers, directors, employees (including management company employees) or consultants of the Company or its subsidiaries (the “Eligible Persons”) and to enable the Company to attract, retain and motivate experienced and qualified individuals in those positions by providing such individuals with the opportunity to acquire, through Common Share options, an increased proprietary interest in the Company.

 

The Stock Option Plan was last approved by Shareholders at the annual and special meeting of the Company held on June 20, 2024. A description of the Stock Option Plan prior to the adoption of the amendments described below is set out below under the heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans –Stock Option Plan”. A copy of the Stock Option Plan was filed on SEDAR+ on July 24, 2019, and on EDGAR on December 4, 2020 as Exhibit 99.64 to the Company’s Form 40-F.

 

The following table sets out the burn rate of stock options under the Stock Option Plan for the three most recently completed financial years:

 

 

Year

Stock Options Granted Weighted Average Number of
Common Shares Outstanding
Burn Rate(1)
2024    651,955 333,910,093 0.1%
2023    457,260 311,482,000 0.1%
2022 1,278,264 272,202,000 0.5%

Notes:

1.The “burn rate” is defined as the number of stock options granted in a fiscal year divided by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding in that year. The weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding is the number of Common Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period, adjusted by the number of Common Shares bought back or issued during the period multiplied

 

Page 26

 

 

 

by a time-weighting factor. Time-weighting factor is the number of days that the Common Shares are outstanding as a proportion of the total number of days in the period.

 

Proposed Amendments

 

Effective May 9, 2025, the Board, following receipt of the unanimous recommendation of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, unanimously approved certain amendments to the Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan Amendments”), with certain of such amendments being subject to receipt of Shareholder approval at the Meeting. A blacklined copy of the Stock Option Plan showing the proposed Option Plan Amendments is attached to this Circular as Schedule “C”. The proposed Option Plan Amendments are summarized below.

 

Amendment

Summary Rationale
Fixed Reserve

●    The Stock Option Plan will be converted from a rolling, evergreen plan to a fixed reserve plan by amending the number of Common Shares issuable under the Stock Option Plan from 10% of the total number of Common Shares issued and outstanding from time to time to a fixed maximum of 7,000,000 Common Shares (representing 2.2% of the outstanding Common Shares as of the date hereof).

 

●    In connection with this amendment, the global plan maximum will also be removed from the Stock Option Plan.

●    Aligns the Stock Option Plan with market practice for companies of similar size and scope as the Company.

●    Reduces Common Shares reserved under the plan and potential dilution to Shareholders.

Option Term

●    The maximum term for stock options granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan will be reduced from 10 years to seven years.

●    The Company’s practice has been to issue options for a term of up to approximately five years, rendering a 10-year term unnecessary.

●    Seven years has been selected to provide the Board with flexibility for future grants.

Eligibility for Blackout Period Extension  ●   If a stock option expires within 10 business days of a self-imposed trading blackout period, rather than within 48 hours of such blackout period as set forth in the existing Stock Option Plan, then the expiry date for such stock option will be automatically extended to the 10th business day following the end of the blackout period.

●    The existing Stock Option Plan’s blackout extension provision does not provide sufficient flexibility, leading to scenarios where a significant number of stock options expire within a limited number of trading days.

●    The existing provision creates potential significant and arbitrary stock price volatility as stock option holders sell Common Shares to cover exercise price and withholding obligations.

Net Exercise

 ●   Subject to the Company’s approval, participants will now be able to exercise their stock options by means of a “net exercise”, where the participant shall not be required to deliver payment of the exercise price in respect of the stock options being exercised. Instead, on exercise of such stock options, the participant will receive Common Shares equal to (i) the market price of

●     Provides additional flexibility.

●     Potentially lowers Common Share dilution.

 

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Amendment

Summary Rationale
 

the Common Shares issuable on exercise of such stock options less (ii) the aggregate exercise price of such stock options and any applicable withholding taxes (the “In-the-Money Amount”). The formula for determining the number of Common Shares a participant will receive pursuant to a net exercise of stock options is as follows:

a = b x ((c-d)/c)

where:

a = the number of Common Shares to be issued to the participant

b = the number of Common Shares under the stock options being exercised

c = the market price of the Common Shares as of the date of exercise

d = the exercise price of the stock option being exercised and any applicable withholding taxes

 
Stock Appreciation Rights ●    The Board will now be able to provide a stock appreciation right (a “Right”) in tandem with a stock option granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, which such a Right will permit a participant, when entitled to exercise a stock option, to, in lieu of receiving Common Shares upon the exercise of such stock options, receive instead the net value of such stock option settled in cash.

●    Provides additional flexibility.

●    Potentially lowers Common Share dilution.

●    Any future Rights issuances will be detailed in the Company’s Statement of Executive Compensation.

Standard Vesting Provisions ●    Unless otherwise determined by the Board, stock options issued under the Stock Option Plan will vest equally over a three-year period, with one-third of the stock options granted vesting and becoming exercisable on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the date of grant, respectively.  ●   Memorializes the Company’s standard practice of stock option vesting.
Definitions and Housekeeping Changes ●    In addition to the changes described above, the Option Plan Amendments also includes (a) amendments to certain of the definitions set out in the Stock Option Plan to provide clarity on the operation of the Stock Option Plan, (b) amendments to provide that if a participant exercises a Right, or elects a net exercise of their stock options, to the extent such participant would be entitled to a deduction in respect of such exercise if the election described in section 110(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) were made, the Company will cause such election to be made, (c) amendments to clarify that the Option Plan and awards granted to U.S. taxpayers thereunder are intended to be exempt from the application of section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code,  and (d)  other changes of a housekeeping nature, all as reflected in the blacklined copy of the Stock Option Plan attached to this Circular as Schedule “C”.  ●   Ensure consistency among plan and employment documents, ensure tax compliance, and best practices.

 

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OPTION PLAN RESOLUTION

 

At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed appropriate, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution as set forth below approving the Option Plan Amendments (the “Option Plan Resolution”), subject to such amendments, variation or additions as may be approved at the Meeting.

 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

 

(a)the stock option plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) of Orla Mining Ltd. (the “Company”), as amended by the board of directors (the “Board”) and substantially in the form presented to the shareholders (the “Shareholders”) of the Company (the “Amended Stock Option Plan”) is hereby approved;

 

(b)the Board be authorized on behalf of the Company to make any further amendments to the Amended Stock Option Plan as may be required by regulatory authorities, without further approval of the Shareholders, in order to ensure adoption of the Amended Stock Option Plan;

 

(c)the approval of the Amended Stock Option Plan by the Board is hereby ratified and confirmed and any one director or officer of the Company is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the Company to execute all documents and to do all such other acts and things as such director or officer may determine to be necessary or advisable to give effect to the foregoing provisions of this resolution; and

 

(d)notwithstanding that this resolution has been duly passed by Shareholders of the Company, the directors of the Company are hereby authorized and empowered, if they decide not to proceed with the aforementioned resolution, to revoke this resolution at any time prior to giving effect thereto, without further notice to, or approval of, the Shareholders of the Company.”

 

The Board recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the Option Plan Resolution to approve the Option Plan Amendments. Unless authority is withheld, the Management Proxyholders intend to vote FOR the Option Plan Resolution.

 

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Amendments to the Restricted Share Unit Plan

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Company’s existing restricted share unit plan (the “RSU Plan”) was implemented to provide for a wide range of incentive plans to attract, retain and encourage eligible employees, directors and consultants of the Company due to the opportunity offered to them to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and to secure for the Company and Shareholders the benefits inherent in the ownership of Common Shares by such persons. Each restricted share unit (“RSU”) granted, subject to the terms of the RSU Plan, entitles such holder to receive one Common Share.

 

The RSU Plan was last approved by Shareholders at the annual and special meeting of the Company held on May 13, 2020. A description of the RSU Plan prior to the adoption of the amendments described below is set out below under the heading “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans – Restricted Share Unit Plan”. A copy of the RSU Plan was filed on SEDAR+ on June 11, 2020, and on EDGAR on December 4, 2020 as Exhibit 99.65 to the Company’s Form 40-F.

 

The following table sets out the burn rate of RSUs for the three most recently completed financial years:

 

 

Year

RSUs Granted Weighted Average Number
of Common Shares
Outstanding
Burn Rate
2024 409,014 333,910,093 0.1%
2023 295,429 311,482,000 0.1%
2022 172,301 272,202,000 0.1%

 

Proposed Amendments

 

Effective May 9, 2025, the Board, following receipt of the unanimous recommendation of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, unanimously approved certain amendments to the RSU Plan (the “RSU Plan Amendments”), with certain of such amendments being subject to Shareholder approval at the Meeting. A blacklined copy of the RSU Plan showing the proposed RSU Plan Amendments is attached to this Circular as Schedule “D”. The proposed RSU Plan Amendments are summarized below.

 

 Amendment

Summary Rationale
Increase in Plan Maximum

●    The maximum number of Common Shares issuable under the RSU Plan will be increased from 2,514,118 to 3,500,000 (representing 1.1% of the outstanding Common Shares as of the date hereof).

●    In connection with this amendment, the global plan maximum will also be removed from the RSU Plan.

●    Support normal course RSU issuances and additional grants following the acquisition of Musselwhite.
Definitions and Housekeeping Changes ●    In addition to the changes described above, the RSU Plan Amendments also includes (a) amendments to certain of the definitions set out in the RSU Plan to provide clarity on the operation of the RSU Plan, (b) amendments to clarify that the RSU Plan and awards granted to U.S. taxpayers thereunder are intended to comply with the provisions of section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and (c)  other changes of a housekeeping nature, all as reflected in the blacklined copy of the RSU Plan attached to this Circular as Schedule “D”. ●    Ensure consistency among plan and employment documents, ensure tax compliance, and best practices.

 

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RSU PLAN RESOLUTION

 

At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed appropriate, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution as set forth below approving the RSU Plan Amendments (the “RSU Plan Resolution”), subject to such amendments, variation or additions as may be approved at the Meeting.

 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

 

(a)the restricted share unit plan (the “RSU Plan”) of Orla Mining Ltd. (the “Company”), as amended by the board of directors (the “Board”) and substantially in the form presented to the shareholders (the “Shareholders”) of the Company (the “Amended RSU Plan”) is hereby approved;

 

(b)the Board be authorized on behalf of the Company to make any further amendments to the Amended RSU Plan as may be required by regulatory authorities, without further approval of the Shareholders, in order to ensure adoption of the Amended RSU Plan;

 

(c)the approval of the Amended RSU Plan by the Board is hereby ratified and confirmed and any one director or officer of the Company is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the Company to execute all documents and to do all such other acts and things as such director or officer may determine to be necessary or advisable to give effect to the foregoing provisions of this resolution; and

 

(d)notwithstanding that this resolution has been duly passed by Shareholders of the Company, the directors of the Company are hereby authorized and empowered, if they decide not to proceed with the aforementioned resolution, to revoke this resolution at any time prior to giving effect thereto, without further notice to, or approval of, the Shareholders of the Company.”

 

The Board recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the RSU Plan Resolution to approve the RSU Plan Amendments. Unless authority is withheld, the Management Proxyholders intend to vote FOR the RSU Plan Resolution.

 

 

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company and the Board recognize the importance of corporate governance to the effective management of the Company and to safeguard its employees, Shareholders and other stakeholders. The Company’s approach to significant issues of corporate governance is designed with a view to ensuring that the business and affairs of the Company are effectively managed to enhance stakeholder value. The Company’s corporate governance practices are intended to comply with the applicable rules under applicable Canadian securities laws, the TSX and the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”). The Company continues to monitor developments in Canada, the United States and other jurisdictions in which it operates, with a view to further revising and improving its governance policies and practices, if appropriate. A list of ways in which the Company’s corporate governance practices differ from those required of U.S. domestic companies under the rules of the NYSE American can be found on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com.

National Policy 58-201 – Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (the “Governance Disclosure Rule”) have been adopted by the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. The Guidelines deal with matters such as the constitution and independence of corporate boards, their functions, the effectiveness and education of Board members and other items dealing with sound corporate governance practices. The Governance Disclosure Rule requires that, if management of an issuer solicits proxies from its security holders for the purpose of electing directors, specified disclosure of its corporate governance practices must be included in its management information circular. As

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required by the Governance Disclosure Rule and other applicable regulatory instruments, the following disclosure describes the Company’s corporate governance policies and initiatives.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board discharges its responsibility for overseeing the management of the Company’s business by delegating to the Company’s senior officers the responsibility for day-to-day management of the Company. The Board discharges its responsibilities both directly and through its standing committees; namely, the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee (also referred to herein as the “CGNC”), the Environmental, Sustainability, Health & Safety Committee, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (also referred to herein as the “HRCC”) and the Technical Committee. In addition to these regular committees, the Board may appoint ad hoc committees periodically to address issues of a more short-term nature. The Board’s primary roles are overseeing corporate performance and providing quality, depth and continuity of management to meet Orla’s strategic objectives. A copy of the mandate of the Board is attached hereto as Schedule A and is available on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com.

The Board is responsible for, among other things:

 

appointment of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and other senior officers, as well as the oversight of succession planning;

 

board organization, including managing its own affairs, composition, size, new candidates, committee appointments and committee mandates;

 

strategic planning, including developing, reviewing and approving the business objectives and goals of the Company, reviewing the business, financial and strategic plans by which it is proposed that Orla may reach those goals, providing input to management on emerging trends and issues, and considering alternate strategies for possible change of control transactions;

 

monitoring financial performance and other financial reporting matters, including enhancing congruence between shareholder expectations, corporate objectives and management performance, monitoring progress toward strategic and operational goals, revising direction to management in light of changing circumstances, taking action when performance falls short of goals, reviewing and approving the financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis, as well as Orla’s management information circular and annual information form, and reviewing and approving transactions outside the ordinary course of business;

 

risk management, including identifying the principal risks of the Company’s business and ensuring the implementation of appropriate systems to effectively monitor and manage those risks with a view to the long-term viability of the Company and achieving a proper balance between the risks incurred and the potential return to Orla’s shareholders;

 

environmental oversight, including ensuring the implementation of appropriate environmental stewardship and health and safety management systems, which are sufficient within the terms and practices of the mining industry, to ensure compliance with applicable laws;

 

policies and procedures, including approving and monitoring compliance with all significant policies and procedures; and

 

communications and reporting, including overseeing the accurate reporting of the financial performance on a timely and regular basis, taking steps to enhance the timely disclosure of any other developments that have a significant and material impact, reporting annually to shareholders on its stewardship for the preceding year, and overseeing Orla’s implementation of systems to accommodate feedback from shareholders.

 

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BOARD COMPOSITION AND EXPERIENCE

 

The Board of Directors and the CGNC review the experience, qualifications and skills of the Company’s directors each year to ensure that the composition of the Board of Directors and committees and the competencies and skills of the members are in line with the evolving needs of the Company.

The Board maintains a skills matrix to identify and evaluate the competencies and skills of the members based on the individual experience and background of each director. The skills matrix was instituted in 2022 and is reviewed and updated each year based on:

a self-assessment by each director pursuant to which each director is asked to provide feedback on their own expertise, skills and background

an overall review conducted by the CGNC in light of the responses of each director to the self-assessment

 

This information is compiled into a matrix representing the primary expertise, skills and background of the directors in areas prioritized by the Board. This matrix is maintained to identify areas for strengthening the Board, if any, and address them through the recruitment of new members. The skills matrix is also used by the CGNC to evaluate the Board’s diversity and tenure. Such information is used in the annual review of the Board’s composition and will be used by the CGNC when filling Board vacancies and changing its composition, as further discussed below.

The following skills matrix outlines the primary expertise, skills and background, as well as the composition of the Nominees for election at the Meeting. Additional information with respect to each Nominee is contained in their biography, starting on page 15 of this Circular.

 

      Charles
Jeannes
Jason
Simpson
Jean
Robitaille
David
Stephens
Elizabeth
McGregor
Tamara
Brown
Scott
Langley
Ana
Sofía
Ríos
Rob
Krcmarov
 Total /
Average
(n=9)
Relevant Industry Skills Mining Industry 9
Operations         5
Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability       6
Geology and Exploration           4
General Business Skills Financial Literacy       6
Compensation / HR       6
Governance   8
Senior Executive   8
Risk Management   8
Legal               2
International Markets 9
Capital Markets   8
Mergers and Acquisitions   8

 

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      Charles
Jeannes
Jason
Simpson
Jean
Robitaille
David
Stephens
Elizabeth
McGregor
Tamara
Brown
Scott
Langley
Ana
Sofía
Ríos
Rob
Krcmarov
 Total /
Average
(n=9)
Composition Residence   USA CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN MX CAN -
Age   66 52 63 43 48 52 50 39 60 51.6
Gender Male       6
Female             3
Tenure (Years)   7.8 6.4 8.4 7.1 5.9 2.8 2.8 1.8 1.4 4.9
Diverse Directors           (1)(2) (1)   (1)(3)   3
Independent       7
Other Public Board Positions 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0.7

Notes:

1.Diversity Factor: Female

2.Diversity Factor: Métis

3.Diversity Factor: Visible Minority

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

 

The Board fulfills its mandate at regularly scheduled meetings or as required. The directors are kept informed of the Company’s operations at these meetings as well as through reports and discussions with Management throughout the year. The frequency of the meetings and the nature of the meeting agendas are dependent upon the nature of the business and affairs which the Company faces from time to time. The Board’s practice is that, at the end of each meeting of the Board, directors meet in the absence of Management and non-independent directors to hold an open and candid discussion. For the financial year ended December 31, 2024, all Board and committee meetings were accompanied by an in-camera session where Management was not in attendance.

 

The majority of directors in office constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business and a quorum of directors may exercise all the powers of directors at a meeting. Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board and the committees upon which they serve, to come to such meetings fully prepared (including full review of all documentation sent prior to the meeting), and to remain in attendance for the duration of the meeting.

 

In certain circumstances, non-directors will be permitted to attend Board and committee meetings to provide information and opinions to assist the directors in their deliberations. The Board, through the Chair, will determine non-director attendees for a meeting, and no non-directors will be permitted to table material at the Board meeting without the prior approval of the Chair (in the case of the Board) or committee chair (in the case of a committee of the Board).

 

The following table sets forth the Board and committee meeting attendance for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

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Meeting   Number of Meetings in 2024   Meeting Attendance
Board   9   97%
Audit   4   100%
HRCC   7   100%
CGNC   4   100%
ESH&S   4   100%
Technical   5   95%

 

INDEPENDENCE OF THE BOARD

 

The Governance Disclosure Rule defines an “independent” director with reference to the definition of independence under National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“NI 52-110”), being a director who has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. A “material relationship” is in turn defined as a relationship which could, in the view of the Board, be reasonably expected to interfere with such member’s independent judgment.

 

The Board is currently comprised of ten directors. The Board has determined that eight out of the ten current members are “independent” directors within the meaning of NI 52-110 and under the applicable rules of the NYSE American. Mr. Jason Simpson is not considered “independent” as a result of his role as an executive officer, and Mr. Scott Langley, Newmont’s director nominee, is not considered “independent” as a result of Orla’s transactional relationship with Newmont. Charles Jeannes, Jean Robitaille, Tim Haldane (who is not seeking re-election at the Meeting), David Stephens, Elizabeth McGregor, Tamara Brown, Ana Sofía Ríos and Rob Krcmarov are each considered to be “independent” directors of the Company under NI 52-110 and under the applicable rules of the NYSE American. Following the Meeting, the Board is expected to consist of nine directors, seven of whom will be considered “independent”.

 

The Board has adopted an Independent Director Policy that requires the CGNC to assess and determine director independence on an annual basis in connection with the approval of the Company’s management information circular and, in doing so, consider applicable securities laws and the rules of the NYSE American, as well as other matters the CGNC considers relevant, including investor and proxy voting guidelines. The CGNC will make a recommendation to the Board regarding its determination and the Board, as a whole, will do the same, in each case, with any non-independent directors abstaining from voting. The policy also requires new directors to advise the CGNC of any potential relationship that may compromise their independence, as well as requiring existing directors to advise the CGNC of any new information or changes regarding their independence on an ongoing basis. Finally, the policy prohibits independent directors of the Company from participating as a lender in the Company’s banking syndicate, as certain proxy advisory firms may consider such director to no longer be independent due to a transactional relationship with the Company.

 

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

 

The current Chair of the Board is Mr. Charles Jeannes. Mr. Jeannes is considered independent. The Chair’s role and responsibilities include providing leadership to the Board, assisting the Board in satisfying its oversight responsibilities, managing Board meetings, promoting the delivery of information to the directors of the Company on a timely basis such that directors are fully apprised of all matters which are material to directors, presiding over Shareholder meetings and such other functions as may be ancillary to the duties and responsibilities and as may be delegated to the Chair by the Board from time to time. The Role Statement for Non-Executive Chair is available on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com.

 

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Company is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the Company within the corporate policies and mandates and authority limitations established by the Board from time to time. The Role Statement for the Chief Executive Officer is available on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com.

 

OTHER REPORTING ISSUER DIRECTORSHIPS

 

The following table sets forth the directors of the Company who currently hold directorships in other reporting issuers:

 

Name   Name of Reporting Issuer   Exchange   Term
Charles Jeannes   Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.   TSX, NYSE   2016 to Present
  Pan American Silver Corp.   TSX, NASDAQ   2019 to Present
Elizabeth McGregor   Kinross Gold Corporation   TSX, NYSE   2019 to Present
Tamara Brown   Lithium Royalty Corp.   TSX   2023 to Present
  29Metals Limited   ASX   2023 to Present
Rob Krcmarov   Hecla Mining Company   NYSE   2024 to Present

 

ORIENTATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

 

New directors of the Company are provided with an orientation program following their initial election or appointment to the Board that is facilitated by the Company’s Vice President, Legal. New directors are provided with written information about the business, documents and minutes from recent Board meetings and governance policies, as well as a presentation from senior officers of the Company. In addition, directors are encouraged to visit and meet with Management on a regular basis and are provided the opportunity to independently consult with legal counsel to the Company to understand their legal obligations as directors.

 

The Company also encourages continuing education of its directors and officers where appropriate in order to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet their respective obligations to the Company. To facilitate ongoing education, the CGNC will: (a) periodically canvass the directors to determine their training and education needs and interests; (b) arrange for directors to visit the Company’s development and operating sites; (c) encourage directors to attend seminars, industry conferences such as the Denver Gold Forum and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference, and other professional development events; and (d) encourage and facilitate presentations by outside experts to the Board and committees on matters of particular importance or emerging significance. The Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety Committee and Technical Committee also coordinate visits to the Company’s project sites for the directors, with the last such visit being to Camino Rojo in June 2024. A site visit to Musselwhite is planned for 2025.

 

At each quarterly Board meeting, Management makes a presentation to the Board regarding various elements of the Company’s business, including investor relations, operational matters, exploration, sustainability, health and safety, regulatory matters, legal updates, corporate development, cybersecurity, as well as a comprehensive overview of the Company’s financial performance, anticipated future financial results and market trends. In addition, together with the Company’s Vice President, Legal, the Chair of the Board and the Chair of the CGNC continually review the latest securities rules and policies and best practices in corporate governance. Any changes or new requirements will then be brought to the attention of the Company’s directors. Board members are encouraged to communicate with Management, auditors, legal counsel and technical consultants, to keep themselves current with industry trends and developments and changes in legislation with Management’s

 

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assistance and to attend related industry seminars and visit the Company’s projects. Board members have full access to the Company’s records.

 

ETHICAL BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

The Board expects Management to operate the business of the Company in a manner that enhances shareholder value and is consistent with the highest level of integrity. Management is expected to execute the Company’s business plan and to meet performance goals and objectives according to the highest ethical standards. To this end, the Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) for its directors, officers and employees.

 

Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations is essential to the conduct of the Company’s business and is the foundation on which the Company’s ethical standards are built. Employees, officers, the Board, consultants and contractors have a responsibility to meet and exceed the standards contemplated in the laws and regulations of each country in which the Company operates. If any such individual has any questions regarding the best course of action to take in a particular situation or suspects a possible violation of a law, regulation or of the Code, then such person should promptly contact the Chief Financial Officer who, depending on the issue raised will convey any concern to the Chair of the Audit Committee or to the Chief Executive Officer as the case may require. Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure the confidentiality of those furnishing information. Concerns which regard the Chief Financial Officer are to be addressed to the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Company encourages its representatives to raise possible ethical issues and will not tolerate retaliatory action against any individual for raising legitimate concerns or questions regarding ethics matters or for reporting suspected violations in good faith.

 

The Company expects its representatives to take all responsible steps to prevent a violation of the Code. Any representative who observes or otherwise becomes aware of any illegal or unethical behaviour shall report the violation as soon as reasonably possible in accordance with the Company’s Whistleblower Policy. Representatives are encouraged to talk to supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel when in doubt about the best course of action to take in a particular situation. Representatives may also contact a member of senior management or the Chair of the Audit Committee if appropriate. The Company has also put in place an independent and confidential alternative reporting channel. The Whistleblower Policy provides that concerns and/or complaints will be kept confidential and may be communicated anonymously if desired. Following the receipt of any complaints submitted hereunder, the Chair of the Audit Committee shall promptly investigate each matter so reported.

 

A copy of the Code and the Whistleblower Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com and a copy of the Code has also been filed on SEDAR+ and may be accessed under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and in the U.S. on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

 

The Board monitors compliance with the Code and Management provides an annual report to the Board regarding issues, if any, arising under the Code and the Company’s corporate governance policies. The Board and Management are also required to review and certify that they have read the Code on an annual basis.

 

In addition, as some of the directors of the Company also serve as directors and officers of other companies engaged in similar activities, the Board must comply with the conflict of interest provisions of the CBCA, as well as the relevant securities regulatory instruments, in order to ensure that directors exercise independent judgment in considering transactions and agreements in respect of which a director or officer has a material interest. Each director is required to declare the nature and extent of his or her interest and is not entitled to vote at meetings which involve such conflict.

 

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BOARD COMMITTEES

 

The following chart outlines the Company’s Board committees and their respective members. Additional information on each committee is provided below.

 

Committee Charles Jeannes Jason Simpson Jean Robitaille Tim
Haldane (2)
David Stephens Elizabeth McGregor Tamara Brown Scott Langley Ana Sofía Ríos Rob Krcmarov
Audit       (1)        
Human Resources and Compensation   (1)          
Governance and Nominating       (1)        
Environmental, Sustainability, Health & Safety         (1)    
Technical     (1)        

Notes: 

1.Chair of Committee

2.Mr. Haldane will not be seeking re-election at the Meeting.

 

HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee or HRCC is currently comprised of four independent directors, being Messrs. Robitaille (Chair) and Jeannes and Mss. McGregor and Brown, each of whom is considered to be independent within the meaning of NI 52-110 and under the applicable rules of the NYSE American.

 

The HRCC has adopted a written mandate and is responsible for the review and approval of the philosophy and design of the Company’s compensation programs and the compensation of the Company’s executives, members of the Board and employees and for submitting recommendations to the Board in this regard. In addition, the HRCC is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board, as appropriate, in connection with the Company’s succession planning with respect to the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executive officers and ensuring that the structure, design and application of the Company’s material compensation programs meet the Company’s principles, objectives and risk profile and do not encourage excessive risk taking.

 

See “Statement of Executive Compensation – Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis” below for details regarding the Company’s objectives and philosophy regarding executive compensation and the application of this philosophy to the Company’s executive compensation arrangements. During the financial year ended December 31, 2024, the HRCC met seven times.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or CGNC is currently comprised of three independent directors, being Messrs. Stephens (Chair) and Jeannes and Ms. Ríos, each of whom is considered to be independent within the meaning of NI 52-110 and under the applicable rules of the NYSE American.

 

The CGNC is in place to provide a focus on governance that will enhance the Company’s performance, to monitor compliance to the Code, to assess and make recommendations regarding the Board’s effectiveness and to establish and lead the process for identifying, recruiting, appointing, re-appointing, evaluating and providing ongoing development for directors. The full text of the CGNC’s charter is available on the Company’s website at

 

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www.orlamining.com. During the financial year ended December 31, 2024, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met four times.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

The Audit Committee is currently comprised of three independent directors, being Ms. McGregor (Chair) and Messrs. Stephens and Jeannes. All members of the Audit Committee are considered to be (i) independent within the meaning of NI 52-110 and within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and the applicable rules of the NYSE American; and (ii) considered to be financially literate within the meaning of NI 52-110 and the applicable rules of the NYSE American. The Board has determined that each of Ms. McGregor and Messrs. Stephens and Jeannes is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the applicable U.S. securities laws.

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for the Company’s financial reporting process and the quality of its financial reporting. The Audit Committee is charged with the mandate of providing independent review and oversight of the Company’s financial reporting process, the system of internal control and management of financial risks and the audit process, including the selection, oversight and compensation of the Company’s external auditors. The Audit Committee also assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in reviewing the Company’s process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations, receives quarterly reports from Management on the Company’s cybersecurity program and annually reviews the Company’s insurance policies. In performing its duties, the Audit Committee maintains effective working relationships with the Board, Management and the external auditors and monitors the performance and independence of those auditors. The full text of the Audit Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com. During the financial year ended December 31, 2024, the Audit Committee met four times.

 

The aggregate fees billed by the Company’s external auditors in each of the last two financial years are as follows:

 

Financial Year Ended Audit Fees (1) Audit-Related Fees (2) Tax Fees (3) All Other Fees (4)
December 31, 2024 $1,660,300 $34,500 $133,700 $36,600
December 31, 2023 $1,802,000 NIL $90,500 NIL
Notes:        
(1)Fees billed for professional services rendered by the Company’s external auditor for the audit and review of the financial statements or services that are normally provided by the external auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
(2)Fees billed by the Company’s external auditor for assurance-related services that are not included in “audit fees”.

(3)Fees for professional services rendered by the Company’s external auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
(4)Fees for products and services provided by the Company’s external auditor, other than services reported under the table headings “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” or “Tax Fees”.

 

Additional information with respect to the Audit Committee can be found in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form, available on Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov or on its website at www.orlamining.com.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL, SUSTAINABILITY, HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

 

The Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety Committee is currently comprised of four directors, being Mss. Brown and Ríos and Mr. Haldane, each of whom is considered to be independent within the meaning of NI 52-110 and under the applicable rules of the NYSE American, and Mr. Simpson, who is not considered to be independent.

 

The purpose of the Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety Committee is to monitor and review the health, safety, environmental and sustainable development policies, principals, practices and processes of the Company and monitor and review the regulatory issues related to health, safety, the environment and sustainable development (including climate change and water management). The Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety Committee has the authority to engage independent counsel or other experts and conduct any

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investigation that it considers appropriate. It is responsible for amongst other things, reviewing and approving annual disclosure relating to the Company’s sustainability, health, safety and environment policies and activities, reviewing sustainability, environmental and health and safety reports and identifying the principal health, safety and environmental risks and impacts of the Company.

 

During the financial year ended December 31, 2024, the Environmental, Sustainability, Health and Safety Committee met four times.

 

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

 

The Technical Committee was established in 2023 and is currently comprised of four independent directors, being Messrs. Haldane (Chair), Robitaille and Krcmarov and Ms. Brown, each of whom is considered to be independent within the meaning of NI 52-110 and under the applicable rules of the NYSE American.

 

The Technical Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the reporting of the quantity and quality of the Company’s mineral resources and reserves, the operating activities of the Company’s material mines, the Company’s technical activities relating to its material exploration, operational efficiency opportunities, life of mine plans and development projects and the Company’s process for identifying and managing technical risks.

 

The Technical Committee met five times during the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

 

ASSESSMENT OF BOARD PERFORMANCE

 

Led by the independent Chair of the CGNC, the Board as a whole is expected to evaluate the effectiveness of the Board, its committees, and individual directors on an annual basis. The Board has adopted a questionnaire that asks the directors to assess the effectiveness of the Board and its committees in respect of: structure and composition; roles and responsibilities; operations; effectiveness; committee meetings’ operations and effectiveness; and individual director performance. The Board evaluation process was designed to provide directors with an opportunity each year to examine how the Board is operating and to make suggestions for improvement. The Chair of the CGNC is responsible for ensuring the questionnaire covers all necessary topics of discussion and, in conjunction with the Chair of the Board, for gathering the feedback from other directors or the Company.

 

DIRECTOR TERM LIMITS AND OTHER MECHANISMS OF BOARD RENEWAL

 

The Company has not adopted term limits for the directors on the Board or other mechanisms of Board renewal at this time. Term limits are not considered necessary, as the Board believes it has adopted sufficient practices and mechanisms for renewal. In particular, the Board has appointed the CGNC comprised solely of independent directors to provide a focus on governance that will enhance the Company’s performance; to assess and make recommendations regarding the Board’s effectiveness; and to establish and lead the process for identifying, recruiting, appointing, re-appointing and providing ongoing development for directors. The CGNC will complete annual reviews of the Board’s relationship with Management to ensure the Board is able to, and in fact does, function independently of Management. The CGNC will also develop, and annually update and recommend to the Board for approval, a long-term plan for Board composition that takes into consideration, among other matters, the current strengths, skills and experience represented by each director, as they affect Board dynamics as well as retirement dates. The Board believes that the perspective of longer service directors with industry experience is of benefit to the Board. In addition, the Board believes that the experience and diversity of the current Board would be very difficult to replicate and that regular evaluation of Board skills and experience, rather than arbitrary term limits, will result in better Board performance.

 

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CORPORATE POLICIES

 

The Company’s corporate policies play a crucial role in promoting responsible mining practices, ensuring best practice in environmental, sustainability, health and safety, regulatory compliance, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and various other factors that drive long-term value for the Company and its stakeholders.

  

Corporate policies are approved by the Board and provide high-level guidance on the Company’s expectations and standards with respect to the subject matter of the applicable policy. Based on the corporate policies, Management of the Company develops corporate standards, which are shorter documents aimed at more specific areas of the Company’s operations. Based on the corporate standards, Management and the Company’s site teams then develop corporate guidelines, which are longer documents that provide specific guidance to the Company’s employees and contractors on the implementation of the Company’s corporate policies and standards. All of the Company’s corporate policies, standards and guidelines are available to employees and contractors in both English and Spanish.

 

 

The following sections provide a summary of the Company’s current corporate policies. The full text of each policy and standard is available on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com.

 

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

 

For a summary of the Code, see “Corporate Governance – Ethical Business Conduct” above.

 

ANTI-CORRUPTION AND ANTI-BRIBERY POLICY

 

Further to the Code and the Company’s commitment to conducting its business with the highest ethical standards, the Company has adopted the Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy. The purpose of this policy is to reiterate the Company’s commitment to compliance with Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct and Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, rules and regulations of any country in which the Company may operate. The policy enforces a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption, mandates regular employee training, outlines reporting mechanisms for potential violations and requires accurate recording keeping. These measures reflect the Company’s dedication to maintaining integrity and transparency in all its business dealings.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY, HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

 

The Company is committed to meeting or surpassing regulatory requirements in all of its exploration and development activities while working to protect the environment both within and beyond the Company’s operational boundaries. In keeping with this commitment, Orla has adopted an Environmental, Sustainability and Health & Safety Policy. The Company is committed to conducting all of its operations in a manner that ensures full compliance with its Environmental, Sustainability and Health & Safety Policy, applicable legislation and government requirements. The aim of this policy is to protect the surroundings in which the Company operates, to minimize and manage environmental risk and to enhance sustainable environmental practices. Orla is committed to ensuring that all of its activities are conducted in an environmentally safe and responsible manner and will ensure that its contractors adhere to the same high environmental standards.

 

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY POLICY

 

The Company is committed to conducting its business in a responsible manner at all times. In keeping with this commitment, Orla has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy which sets out the guidelines by which the Company will (i) endeavour to respect the health and safety of its employees, (ii) protect the environment, (iii) respect the human rights of its employees and the residents in the communities in which the Company operates and (iv) contribute to the sustainable development of those communities.

 

SHARE OWNERSHIP POLICY

 

The Company has adopted a Share Ownership Policy in order to align the interests of certain officers and the directors of the Company with those of the Company’s Shareholders by requiring such persons to own a significant number of Common Shares. Such individuals are required to hold Common Shares equal to the following multiples of base cash retainer in the case of directors and annual salary in the case of officers:

 

Position   Multiple
Non-Executive Director   Three (3) times annual base retainer
President and CEO   Three (3) times base salary
COO, CFO, CSO, SVP   Two (2) times base salary

 

The ownership guidelines will be deemed to be satisfied following the date on which the price paid by the director or officer for Common Shares or the fair market value of the Common Shares equals or exceeds the ownership threshold. For the purpose of calculating the value of the Common Shares held, restricted share units (“RSUs”), deferred share units (“DSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”), whether vested or not vested, are included; provided, however, that only 50% of the value of PSUs is included in the calculation. Unexercised stock options (whether vested or not vested) and Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of share purchase warrants or any other convertible securities of the Company are not counted toward the ownership guidelines set out in the Share Ownership Policy.

 

Individuals are required to comply with this policy by the fifth anniversary of the later of: (i) the individual’s date of hire or appointment; (ii) the date of any increase to the individual’s ownership multiple under the policy. If a participant fails to comply with the policy, a retention ratio requirement would apply to the participant on future vesting of stock options or RSUs. The full text of the Share Ownership Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com.

 

The following table shows each director and officer’s holdings as of December 31, 2024 and whether they have met the requirement under the Share Ownership Policy.

 

Name and Position   Number of
Common
Shares
  Number of
RSUs and
PSUs or
DSUs
  Value of
Common
Shares, RSUs,
PSUs and
DSUs(1)
  Share
Ownership
Requirement
  Requirement
Met? /
Compliance
Deadline

Officers

 

                   
Jason Simpson
President and CEO
 

1,923,248

 

427,813

 

$17,896,297

 

$1,965,000

  Yes
Etienne Morin
CFO
  224,275  

206,626

  $3,016,295   $800,000   Yes

Andrew Cormier
COO

 

82,200

 

154,865

  $1,452,226   $840,000  

Yes

 

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Name and Position   Number of
Common
Shares
  Number of
RSUs and
PSUs or
DSUs
  Value of
Common
Shares, RSUs,
PSUs and
DSUs(1)
  Share
Ownership
Requirement
  Requirement
Met? /
Compliance
Deadline
Silvana Costa
CSO
        $650,000  

N/A / 2030(2)

Sylvain Guerard
SVP Exploration
 

14,481

 

71,968

  $535,776   $630,000   No / 2029(2)

 

Non-Executive Directors

 

                   
Charles Jeannes  

3,480,583

 

244,894

  $29,654,797   $510,000   Yes
Tim Haldane  

 

143,347

  $1,141,042   $240,000   Yes
Elizabeth McGregor  

24,400

106,608

  $1,042,824   $240,000   Yes
Jean Robitaille  

1,809,950

 

136,271

  $15,491,919   $240,000   Yes
David Stephens  

12,500

 

123,394

 

$1,081,716

  $240,000   Yes
Tamara Brown  

4,400

 

50,186

 

$434,505

  $240,000  

Yes

Ana Sofía Ríos    

41,875

 

$333,325

  $240,000  

Yes

Rob Krcmarov   7,273   48,328  

$442,584

 

$240,000

 

Yes

Scott Langley           N/A(3)

Notes:

1.Calculated as at December 31, 2024 using the greater of: (i) $7.96 (the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on the last trading day of the most recently completed financial year); (ii) the average price at which the individual acquired his or her Common Shares or, in the case of the RSUs, DSUs and PSUs, the value attributed to such RSUs, DSUs and PSUs on the award date, provided that, in accordance with the Share Ownership Policy, only 50% of the value of PSUs is included in the share ownership calculation.
2.Ms. Costa was appointed as Chief Sustainability Officer effective January 13, 2025. She will have five years from such date to satisfy the share ownership requirements. Mr. Guerard’s ownership requirements were increased from one to two times his annual base salary effective December 4, 2024. He will have five years from such date to satisfy the share ownership requirements.

3.Mr. Langley acts as Newmont’s nominee and, accordingly, he waived his annual base retainer in 2024 and is not subject to the share ownership requirements.

 

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE POLICY

 

The Company has adopted a Corporate Disclosure Policy to outline the required process for the timely disclosure of all material information relating to the Company’s business, including both written and verbal disclosure, and to provide guidance and assistance to the Board, officers and employees in complying with their obligations under the provisions of securities laws and stock exchange rules to preserve the confidentiality of the Company’s non-public material information.

 

INSIDER TRADING POLICY

 

The Company has adopted an Insider Trading Policy. Canadian securities laws and regulations prohibit “insider trading” and impose restrictions on trading securities while in possession of material undisclosed information. The rules and procedures detailed in the Company’s Insider Trading Policy have been implemented in order to prevent improper trading of the Company’s securities or of companies with which the Company may have a business relationship.

 

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WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY

 

For a summary of the Company’s Whistleblower Policy see “Corporate Governance – Ethical Business Conduct” above.

 

CLAWBACK POLICY

 

The Company has adopted a Clawback Policy in order to maintain a culture of focused, diligent and responsible management which discourages conduct detrimental to the growth of the Company, to ensure that incentive-based compensation paid by the Company is based upon accurate financial data and to ensure that erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation is recovered by the Company. The Clawback Policy applies in the event of a material restatement of the Company’s financial results as a result of material non-compliance with financial reporting requirements.

 

ANTI-HEDGING POLICY

 

The Company has adopted a formal Anti-Hedging Policy, the objective of which is to prohibit individuals who are subject to the policy from directly or indirectly engaging in hedging against future declines in the market value of any securities of the Company through the purchase of financial instruments designed to offset such risk. The Board believes that it is inappropriate for directors, officers or employees of the Company or its respective subsidiary entities or, to the extent practicable, any other person (or their associates) in a special relationship with the Company, to hedge or monetize transactions to lock in the value of holdings in the securities of the Company. Such transactions, while allowing the holder to own the Company’s securities without the full risks and rewards of ownership, potentially separate the holder’s interests from those of other stakeholders and, particularly in the case of equity securities, from the public shareholders of the Company.

 

HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY

 

The Company is committed to respecting the human rights of all individuals impacted by its operations, including local communities and Indigenous peoples and the Company’s employees, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders. In support of this commitment, the Company has adopted a Human Rights Policy, which sets out the Company’s commitment to human rights and seeks to integrate human rights best practices into the Company’s management, business relationships, governance structures and programs.

 

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES POLICY

 

Further to its Human Rights Policy, the Company also recognizes that it operates within the traditional territories and along-side the communities of a diversity of Indigenous peoples. The Company has therefor adopted an Indigenous Peoples Policy, which confirms the Company’s recognition of the importance of reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and broader society. The Indigenous Peoples Policy reiterates the Company’s commitment to building positive and sustainable relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on trust and respect, and focused on finding common goals through open dialogue. The Company also recognizes the importance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Labour Organization Convention 169.

 

CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY

 

The Company has adopted the Climate Change Policy, which reaffirms the Company’s commitment to including the risks and opportunities of climate change on its business activities, integrating climate change factors into the Company’s long-term strategic planning and risk management and developing short-term tactical climate change action plans. The Climate Change Policy also provides that Company will continue to align its approach to climate change factors and climate-related disclosure with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, as well as evolving industry practice, enhancing alignment over time. The policy also

 

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outlines the Company’s focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable resource use and implementing environmentally responsible practices throughout the Company’s operations.

 

DIVERSITY POLICY AND POLICIES REGARDING DESIGNATED GROUPS

 

The Company is committed to creating and maintaining a culture of workplace diversity. In keeping with this commitment, the Company has established a Diversity Policy. “Diversity” is any dimension which can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another and it means the respect for and appreciation of the differences in gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, education, sexual orientation, political belief or disability, amongst other things. The Company recognizes the benefits arising from employee and Board diversity, including a broader pool of high-quality employees, improving employee retention, accessing different perspectives and ideas and benefiting from all available talent. The Company respects and values the perspectives, experiences, cultures and differences that employees possess.

 

In accordance with the Diversity Policy, the CGNC will strive for inclusion of diverse groups, knowledge and viewpoints on the Board and in executive officer positions. In conjunction with its consideration of the qualifications and experience of potential directors and executive officers, as well as the skills, expertise, experience and independence which the Board requires to be effective, the CGNC will consider the level of diversity (including the representation of (i) women, (ii) Indigenous peoples, (iii) persons with disabilities or (iv) members of visible minorities (collectively, “members of designated groups”)) on the Board when identifying and nominating candidates for election or re-election to the Board, and will consider the level of diversity (including the representation of members of designated groups) in executive officer positions when the Board makes executive officer appointments. The CGNC will be responsible for recommending qualified persons for Board nominations and in doing so, it will consider the benefits of all aspects of diversity on the Board and develop recruitment protocols that seek to include diverse candidates, including proactively searching for diverse candidates in the recruitment process.

 

Policies Regarding the Representation of Members of Designated Groups on the Board

 

As noted above, the Company has established a Diversity Policy, which sets out guidelines by which the Company will endeavour to promote, foster and support diversity, such as gender diversity, throughout the Company, including at the Board level, and applies to executive and non-executive directors, full-time, part-time and casual employees, contractors, consultants and advisors of Orla. Along with the adoption of the Diversity Policy, the Board also adopted guidelines by which the CGNC is to consider the diversity of the Board in its recommendations to the Board of nominees for election to the Board and long-term plan for Board composition. The Board will proactively monitor the Company’s performance in meeting the standards outlined in the Diversity Policy. This will include an annual review of any diversity initiatives established by Management and the Board, and progress in achieving them. All directors and senior executive officers are required to acknowledge that they have read the Diversity Policy annually.

 

Consideration of the Representation of Members of Designated Groups in the Director Identification and Selection Process

 

Pursuant to the Diversity Policy, the Board will consider diversity, such as members of designated groups, in the selection criteria of new Board members. The CGNC will follow its charter and, with the assistance of the Board skills matrix discussed above under “Board Composition and Experience”, consider the diversity of the Board in its recommendations to the Board of nominees for election to the Board and long-term plan for Board composition. The CGNC will also consider the following with respect to recommending nominees for election to the Board:

 

competencies and skills each nominee will bring to the Board;

 

past business experience;

 

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integrity;

 

industry knowledge;

 

ability to contribute to the success of the Company;

 

past experience of directors or Management with potential candidates;

 

expected contribution to achieving an overall Board which can function as a high-performance team with sound judgment and proven leadership;

 

whether the nominee can devote sufficient time and resources to his or her duties as a Board member; and

 

any other factors as may be considered appropriate.

 

Consideration Given to the Representation of Members of Designated Groups in Executive Officer Appointments

 

Pursuant to the Diversity Policy, the Board will consider diversity, such as members of designated groups, in the selection criteria of new senior executive officer appointments. Management is responsible for recruiting and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. Management will promote a work environment that values and utilizes the contributions of women and men and of members of designated groups equally, with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives through awareness of the benefits of workforce diversity and successful management of diversity.

 

Targets and Number of Members of Designated Groups on the Board and in Executive Officer Positions

 

The Company has not established targets regarding the representation of members of designated groups on the Board or executive officer positions at this time, as it believes it has adopted sufficient practices and mechanisms for ensuring diversity. Further to its Diversity Policy, the Company will continue to consider appropriate methods of achieving enhanced diversity at the Board level.

 

Representation of Designated Groups

 

The following table sets forth the representation of designated groups among the Board and Management as of the date of this Circular. As of the date of this Circular, there are ten members of the Board (including Jason Simpson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company) and eight members of Management (not including Mr. Simpson). Following the Meeting, and assuming all Nominees are elected to the Board, the Board will consist of nine members.

 

    Board Current   Board Post-Meeting   Management
  (n=10)   (n=9)   (n=8)
Designated Group   Number   Percentage   Number   Percentage   Number   Percentage
Women   3   30%   3   33%   1   13%
Indigenous Peoples   1   10%   1   11%   NIL   0%
Members of Visible Minorities   1   10%   1   11%   3   38%
Persons with Disabilities   NIL   NIL   NIL   NIL   NIL   0%
Number of Individuals that are Members of more than one Designated Group   2   20%   2   22%   1   14%

  

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (or HRCC) of Orla Mining Ltd. (Orla), thank you for your continued support.

 

2024 was a transformational year for Orla. In November, we announced the acquisition of the Musselwhite Mine (Musselwhite) from Newmont Corporation, a significant milestone that more than doubled our annual production and established our operating presence in Ontario, Canada, one of the world’s premier mining jurisdictions. Alongside this acquisition, we continued to deliver strong operational performance at our Camino Rojo Oxide Mine (Camino Rojo) located in Zacatecas, Mexico. We operated Camino Rojo at industry leading all-in sustaining cost and achieved the high end of our increased 2024 annual production guidance.

 

We achieved this operational success while upholding a strong environmental record, prioritizing the health and safety of our workforce and maintaining constructive relationships with our host communities. We also advanced key growth initiatives, including meaningful exploration programs at both Camino Rojo and the South Carlin Complex in Nevada. On the corporate side, we strengthened our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, including the release of our second annual Sustainability Report.

 

As Orla has transitioned from a developer to a multi-asset gold producer, our executive compensation philosophy has similarly evolved. As outlined in last year’s circular and described in further detail below, we undertook substantial updates to our executive compensation program in 2024 to reflect the Company’s growth and maturity. With the closing of the Musselwhite acquisition, additional enhancements were made to recognize the scale and strategic importance of this transaction.

 

I am pleased to discuss how our accomplishments and challenges informed the compensation outcomes for 2024, as well as the committee’s activities and processes.

 

PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR 2024

 

Our approach to executive compensation reflects a “pay-for-performance” philosophy. We believe this approach has translated effectively into value for our shareholders, with our share price having increased approximately 337% for the five year period ended May 9, 2025.

 

To this end, on an annual basis under our short-term incentive plan (STIP), we establish corporate objectives and targets for our executives based on strategic priorities that drive our long-term growth and success. The corporate objectives for 2024 were focused on ESG performance, production and cost at Camino Rojo, and certain strategic objectives. Using the same methodology, personal objectives were also set based on each executive’s role. A summary of the corporate objectives and the Chief Executive Officer’s individual objectives is set out under the heading “Statement of Executive Compensation – 2024 Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Short – Term Incentive Plan” below. At the end of the 2024 financial year, the HRCC reviewed the corporate and individual objectives and considered the relative difficulty of the objectives and the macro circumstances of the achievements.

 

Overall, we exceeded or far exceeded expectations across nearly all corporate objectives. In particular, the HRCC placed significant emphasis on the successful completion of the Musselwhite acquisition. As a result, the Company achieved a STIP corporate performance score of 150% of target for 2024, with an additional 30%

 

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adjustment for employees who were directly involved in executing the transaction, for a total STIP score of 180% of target for those individuals.

 

Key achievements in 2024 include the following:

 

Musselwhite: As discussed above, Musselwhite transforms Orla into a North American-centred, geographically diversified intermediate gold producer with multiple gold-producing assets and a self-funded growth portfolio. In addition to providing Orla with exposure to Ontario, one of the premier mining jurisdictions, Musselwhite more than doubles our annual gold production.

 

Environmental Protection: No category 4 or 5 (serious through catastrophic) incidents as defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency during a full year of operations at Camino Rojo.

 

Social License: We continued to maintain our social license to operate at Camino Rojo, with no disruptions to operations. We also continued our successful local engagement and strengthened our relationships in the communities where we operate.

 

Production: We achieved the high end of our increased production guidance, while being on budget in terms of operating and capital costs.

 

Debt Repayment: In 2024 and prior to the acquisition of Musselwhite, we repaid the entirety of the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility through our continued financial discipline coupled with increasing gold prices.

 

Exploration: We continued to advance exploration and study work in Mexico and Nevada, which included the completion of drilling programs at both projects.

 

2024 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

The HRCC undertook a comprehensive review of our executive compensation programs and related governance practices for the 2024 compensation year. Initiatives included the following:

 

Independent Advisor: We continued our engagement of Southlea Group LP (Southlea) as the HRCC’s independent compensation advisor. Since 2021, Southlea has continued to support the HRCC with the review and update of our executive compensation program to ensure that we maintain alignment with our peer group and industry best practices.

 

Peer Group: We completed our annual review and update of our peer group to ensure that the comparators reflect the stage, size and complexity of our producing mining company.

 

Benchmark Pay: We benchmarked compensation levels for our Named Executive Officers relative to our peer group. This benchmarking looked at the elements of target total direct compensation, including salary, target short-term incentives and long-term incentives, with our philosophy being to target the 50th percentile of our industry for expected levels of performance.

 

Pay-For-Performance: Following their introduction in 2023, we continued our practice of issuing performance share units (PSUs) as part of the c-suite compensation structure. PSUs constituted 50% of the long-term incentive plan awards for 2024, which aligns with our philosophy of “pay-for-performance” and evolving market practice.

 

Say-on-Pay: In 2023 and 2024 we introduced a non-binding “Say-on-Pay” vote. The first- and second-year results were overwhelmingly positive, with 97.5% and 98.8% of Shareholders accepting the Company’s approach to executive compensation, respectively. In 2025, Shareholders will again be asked to consider the “Say-on-Pay” vote. The HRCC’s goal is to design an executive compensation program that maximizes stakeholder value. As one of our key stakeholders, this vote provides Shareholders with an opportunity to express their views on our executive compensation program. We will take the results into

 

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consideration when considering our 2026 executive compensation program and, if deemed appropriate, we will consult with Shareholders to understand any concerns.

 

Additional details on these initiatives and the 2024 executive compensation program are discussed below under “Statement of Executive Compensation –2024 Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis”.

 

CONCLUSION

 

With the improvements made in 2024, the HRCC believes that our executive compensation program continues to achieve the objectives of aligning executives’ interests with those of our Shareholders, encouraging and motivating outstanding performance and linking compensation outcomes with short- and long-term objectives. However, compensation programs are not static. We will continue to review and consider ways to align our programs and policies and related governance practices with our compensation philosophy and evolving market practices.

 

On behalf of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee,

 

(signed) “Jean Robitaille

 

Jean Robitaille

Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee

 

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STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

2024 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

In accordance with the requirements of applicable securities legislation in Canada, the following executive compensation disclosure is provided in respect of each person who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer during the financial year ended December 31, 2024 and each of the three other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, whose annual aggregate compensation exceeded $150,000 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers” or “NEOs”).

 

The Named Executive Officers for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 were:

 

(a)Jason Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”);

 

(b)Etienne Morin, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”);

 

(c)Andrew Cormier, Chief Operating Officer (“COO”);

 

(d)Chafika Eddine, Former Chief Sustainability Officer (“CSO”); and

 

(e)Sylvain Guerard, Senior Vice-President, Exploration (“SVP Exploration”).

 

Ms. Eddine ceased acting as Chief Sustainability Officer effective December 6, 2024. Her successor, Ms. Costa, was formally appointed on January 13, 2025 and was therefore not considered an NEO for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Circular sets out the Company’s objectives and philosophy regarding executive compensation and the application of this philosophy to the Company’s executive compensation arrangements. It also provides an analysis of the Company’s compensation design, and the decisions the HRCC made in and subsequent to the financial year ended December 31, 2024, with respect to the Named Executive Officers.

 

APPROACH TO COMPENSATION

 

Overview

 

The following table summarizes Orla’s approach to executive compensation.

 

What Orla does:   What Orla does NOT do:

☑   Pay for performance, aligning the interests of executives and
stakeholders

☑   Regularly reviews compensation levels and design vs. industry peers, with support from Southlea Group LP (“Southlea”), the
HRCC’s independent compensation advisor

☑   Positions target compensation around the median of industry
peers for expected levels of performance

   Balances focus on short-term and longer-term incentive plans

☑   Sets performance goals that are mindful of all stakeholders

☑   Stress-tests incentive compensation programs and payouts

☑   Caps the payout value of the short-term incentive and the
vesting score of PSUs at 200% of target

☑   Uses informed judgement in the evaluation of performance and
pay decisions

 

☒   Does not guarantee pay

   Does not provide automatic base salary increases

   Does not make pay decisions solely based on formulaic performance results

   Does not re-price outstanding equity without Shareholder approval

   Does not provide employee loans or provide tax gross ups

   Does not vest PSUs if total shareholder returns (TSR) are below the 25th percentile of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index

 

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What Orla does:   What Orla does NOT do:

☑   Requires executives to achieve and maintain minimum share
ownership levels (as part of the Share Ownership Policy)

   Provides employment agreements to senior executives with contract terms and severance provisions aligned with market practice

☑   Provides employment agreements that include a double-trigger requirement (change of control event AND termination of employment) upon a change of control for additional severance payments and accelerated vesting of equity award

☑   Recoups compensation paid (Clawback Policy) following a material restatement of financial results due to material non-compliance with reporting requirements

 

constituents, and caps vesting at
100% of target if total Shareholder
returns are negative after three
years

   Does not permit insider trading (as
part of the Insider Trading Policy)
or hedging of equity-based
compensation (as part of the Anti-
Hedging Policy
)

 

 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

 

The Board and the HRCC consider many factors when reviewing and making recommendations for compensation arrangements for the Named Executive Officers, such as pre-defined corporate and individual objectives, the relative complexity of the executive’s role within the organization, the executive’s performance and potential for future advancement, as well as the compensation paid by a group of comparable companies, as further discussed under “2024 Peer Group” below.

 

When determining the compensation arrangements for the Named Executive Officers, the HRCC considers the following objectives:

 

retaining executives who are critical to the success of the Company and the enhancement of Shareholder value

 

providing fair and competitive compensation that targets the 50th percentile of our industry per group for expected levels of performance

 

aligning the interests of Management and Shareholders

 

rewarding performance, both on an individual basis and with respect to the business in general

 

Pay for Performance

 

The Company operates in a cyclical and capital-intensive industry, and it takes a long-term view of building value for stakeholders. The Company’s pay-for-performance philosophy is reinforced by executive compensation weighted heavily towards variable “at-risk” incentive compensation tied to short-, medium- and long-term performance.

 

Key elements of the Company’s pay-for-performance program are:

 

a large portion of compensation is longer-term in nature, which discourages short-term risk-taking behaviour and directly aligns pay outcomes with the experience of Shareholders

 

incentivizing short-term results that drive both near-term and long-term value creation

 

compensation increases or decreases as a result of success or failure in realizing corporate, operational, financial and strategic performance objectives

 

emphasizing equity-based compensation allows those most accountable for the Company’s long-term success to acquire and hold Common Shares

 

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the inclusion of PSUs, which made up 50% of the long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) grant value for the named executive officers.

 

The HRCC continually monitors the alignment of the compensation programs with the Company’s pay-for-performance philosophy. The following illustrates the portion of the Named Executive Officers’ pay that was “at-risk” for the year ended December 31, 2024, other than in respect of Ms. Eddine.

 

The portion of the Named Executive Officers’ pay that was “at-risk” for the year ended December 31, 2024 (other than Ms. Eddine)

 

 

THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

The HRCC is comprised of four independent directors, being Messrs. Robitaille (Chair) and Jeannes and Mss. McGregor and Brown. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the HRCC held seven committee meetings, plus two additional committee meetings in the first quarter of 2025. The primary goal of these meetings was to ensure that the compensation provided to the Named Executive Officers was determined with regard to the Company’s business strategies and objectives, such that the interests of the executive officers were aligned with the interests of Shareholders, and to ensure that their compensation was fair and reasonable and sufficient to attract and retain qualified and experienced executives. The HRCC has adopted a written mandate that governs its practices. See “Role of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and the Board” below and “Statement of Corporate Governance – Corporate Governance – Human Resources and Compensation Committee”.

 

The Board considers the past experience of each director in determining the composition of the HRCC and strives to include a range of skills and experiences when making appointments to ensure that the HRCC is comprised of directors that act independently and think analytically about the Company’s compensation practices and alignment with performance objectives. Each of the members of the HRCC have direct experience and skills relevant to their responsibilities in executive compensation, including with respect to enabling such directors in making informed decisions on the suitability of the Company’s compensation policies and practices. Each of these directors have experience on the board of directors and related committees of other public companies, as described under “Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Election of Directors.”

 

ROLE OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD

 

The HRCC assists the Board in monitoring the Company’s guidelines and practices with respect to compensation and benefits and ensures that the Company’s compensation program is competitive and fair. With respect to compensation, the HRCC’s responsibilities include, among other things:

 

reviewing and submitting to the Board recommendations concerning executive compensation and compensation plan matters

 

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providing periodic reports to the Board on compensation matters that review and assess the design and competitiveness of the Company’s compensation and benefits programs generally, while considering the implications of any risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices

 

reviewing and making recommendations, in consultation with the Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, to the Board with respect to implementing or varying share option, share purchase, compensation and other incentive plans

 

reviewing and making recommendations to the Board regarding the Company’s executive succession planning in support of sustainable operations and long-term value for Shareholders

 

In addition, the HRCC reviews and recommends compensation policies and processes, and any new incentive compensation and equity compensation plans or changes to such plans. The Board makes final decisions on overall executive compensation after receiving advice and recommendations from the HRCC.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS OF MANAGEMENT

 

For the financial year ended December 31, 2024, the HRCC consulted with the Chief Executive Officer regarding the Company’s annual business objectives and achievements. In addition, the HRCC consulted with the Chief Executive Officer regarding executive officer target short-term incentive awards and actual payouts, and long-term incentive grants, which the HRCC then considered and recommended to the Board, as appropriate. The Chief Executive Officer did not make any recommendations with respect to his own compensation package, which was determined by the HRCC with the assistance of the Company’s independent compensation consultant, Southlea, and recommended to the Board for approval.

 

The HRCC retains full decision-making authority and can exercise discretion in modifying any of the recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer prior to making recommendations to the Board.

 

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY’S COMPENSATION POLICIES AND PRACTICES

 

In February 2024, the HRCC, with support from its independent compensation consultant, Southlea, completed a review of the risks that could arise from the executive compensation program. This included a review of the overall executive compensation framework, incentive plan designs and the processes for making various compensation decisions, to assess whether they collectively provide a balanced approach to risk management.

 

Supported by the results of the risk review, the HRCC is satisfied that the Company’s key business risks and performance measures are appropriately captured in its executive compensation program. The HRCC did not identify any compensation policies or practices that could motivate executives to take actions that would have a significant negative impact on the Company. The HRCC intends to complete an updated risk review as part of the 2026 executive compensation cycle.

 

POLICY ON PURCHASE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Board has adopted a policy that prohibits the purchase by Named Executive Officers or Directors of financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by the Named Executive Officer or director. See “Statement of Corporate Governance – Corporate Policies – Anti-Hedging Policy”.

 

INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION CONSULTANT

 

Since 2021, the HRCC has retained Southlea as the Company’s independent compensation consultant. In 2024 and through the first portion of 2025, Southlea supported the HRCC with the following items:

 

attended and participated in HRCC meetings during the year

 

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reviewed the Circular with disclosure of pay decisions made for 2024 and changes made to the executive compensation program for 2025

 

reviewed the Company’s current approach to selecting its peer group of companies and assisted with the HRCC’s annual review of the peer group

 

benchmarked pay levels for the Company’s executive officers relative to the approved peer group, as well as reviewing target total direct compensation, including salary, short-term incentive plan (“STIP”) and LTIP

 

reviewed industry practices and trends, with comparison to the Company’s compensation programs and recommend changes, as appropriate

 

benchmarked pay levels for the Company’s independent directors relative to the same peer group used to benchmark executive officers

 

The following table details the aggregate fees incurred on behalf of the HRCC in consideration of the services provided by Southlea:

 

Southlea Group LP   2023             2024          
Executive compensation-related fees   $132,238             $170,232          
All other fees   Nil             Nil          
Total Fees   $132,238             $170,232          

 

2024 PEER GROUP

The selection of companies that make up the compensation peer group are intended to reflect a market with which the Company competes for executive officers. For compensation relating to the financial year ended December 31, 2024, the HRCC, in consultation with Southlea, completed a review of the Company’s peer group (the “2024 Peer Group”) to ensure that the comparators reflected the stage, size and complexity of the Company. In selecting the 2024 Peer Group, the HRCC considered the following:

 

Country and Industry   Company Size   Other Considerations

●   Canadian or U.S. headquarters

 

●   Publicly traded

 

●   “Gold”, “Silver”, or “Precious
Metals and Minerals”, with a
majority of gold mining peers

 

●   Direct mining operations

 

 

●   Comparable size based on market
capitalization and assets

 

●   Producing company or late-stage
development

 

●   Focus on mining operations in the
Americas

 

●   Similar complexity as measured
by the number and stage of
operating mines and
development projects

 

●   Part of the S&P Global Gold
Index

 

●   Cross-listed on multiple
stock exchanges

 

●   Availability of relevant
benchmarks, robust
disclosure of executive and
board of director
compensation levels

 

●   Companies in proxy
advisory peer groups

At the end of 2023 and based on the foregoing criteria, the HRCC and Board determined that there were no changes required to the 2024 Peer Group compared to the 2023 peer group. Based on relevant size and scope

 

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indicators, the Company remained generally positioned at the 50th percentile of the 2024 Peer Group. The following companies made up the 2024 Peer Group:

 

Argonaut Gold Inc. New Gold Inc.
Calibre Mining Corp. Silvercrest Metals Inc.
Dundee Precious Metals Inc. Torex Gold Resources Inc.
Endeavour Silver Corp. Victoria Gold Corp.
Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.
Lundin Gold Inc.

 

The HRCC, in consultation with Southlea, reviewed market data for the 2024 Peer Group to determine the appropriate level of base salaries, target STIP, grant levels of LTIP and total compensation for the Named Executive Officers for 2024. The Company undertook a formal benchmarking and adopted a compensation philosophy to target the 50th percentile within the 2024 Peer Group. However, the HRCC retained discretion for setting Named Executive Officer compensation to appropriately reflect each executive’s value and their contributions, as well as the executive’s leadership, commitment to the Company’s values, contribution to Company culture and potential for advancement.

 

ELEMENTS OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

The compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers consisted of four primary components:

 

  Element Purpose of Element
FIXED Base Salary Base salaries are fixed and therefore provide a level of certainty for Named Executive Officers. They are also used to ensure the Company’s compensation programs remain competitive in the mining industry and to determine other compensation elements and benefits that are linked to salary levels. It is critical in attracting and retaining executives in the markets in which the Company competes for talent. Base salary also recognizes the value of an individual to the Company based on his or her role, skills, performance, contributions, leadership and potential.
     
AT RISK Short-term Incentive Plan (STIP) The STIP is an annual cash award designed to reward Named Executive Officers for the achievement of annual corporate and individual objectives. These objectives are set by the HRCC and approved by the Board on an annual basis. Although the STIP is based on a one-year performance period, the HRCC sets challenging operating, financial and strategic objectives designed to build long-term stakeholder value. The combination of the STIP and LTIP, described below, is intended to motivate the executives to be committed to achieving current year STIP targets without taking excessive risks or compromising future performance.

 

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  Element Purpose of Element
  Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP) The purpose of the LTIP is to attract and retain Named Executive Officers who are expected to significantly contribute to the long-term success of the Company, motivate them to perform at a high level and reward the achievement of creating long-term Shareholder value. The LTIP aligns the experience of the Company’s executives with that of its Shareholders by tying a significant portion of their total compensation to the long-term performance of the Common Shares. The LTIP encourages the Company’s executives to focus on the long-term impact of their decisions and actions and to provide rewards in the event their efforts result in long-term value creation.
     
FIXED Benefit Plans The Company provides a group benefit plan to the employees of the Company in which the Named Executive Officers participate. The terms of the group benefit plan are customary. The Company does not provide any post-retirement benefits to any of the Named Executive Officers of the Company and the Named Executive Officers do not participate in any defined benefit pension plan, defined contribution plan or deferred compensation plan.

In 2023, the Company initiated a 6% RRSP matching program for its employees, which the Named Executive Officers also participate in, subject to Canada Revenue Agency limits.

 

The key features of the three primary components of compensation (base salary, STIP and LTIP) are described below.

 

Base Salary

Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers are reviewed annually. Any change in base salary of a Named Executive Officer will generally be determined by an assessment of such executive’s performance, a review of competitive compensation levels at companies similar to the Company (in particular, the peer group described above) and a review of the performance of the Company as a whole and the role the executive officer played in such corporate performance.

 

Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 were as follows.

 

Name and Position   2024 Base Salary   Increase from 2023
Jason Simpson, President and CEO   $655,000   5%
Etienne Morin, CFO   $400,000   5%
Andrew Cormier, COO   $420,000   5%
Chafika Eddine, Former CSO   US$234,253   5%
Sylvain Guerard, SVP Exploration   $315,000   5%

 

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Short-term Incentive Plan (STIP)

Each of the Named Executive Officers has a defined target STIP, expressed as a percentage of base salary. For the financial year ended December 31, 2024, STIP awards were determined and awarded based on an assessment by the HRCC of corporate and individual objectives calculated as follows:

 

 

 

The table below shows the 2024 target STIP and the relative weight on individual and corporate performance for each of the Named Executive Officers.

 

Name and Position

 

 

Target STIP

  Corporate
Objectives
  Individual
Objectives
Jason Simpson, President and CEO   100%   80%   20%
Etienne Morin, CFO   70%   70%   30%
Andrew Cormier, COO   70%   70%   30%
Chafika Eddine, Former CSO   70%   70%   30%
Sylvain Guerard, SVP, Exploration   70%   60%   40%

Corporate Objectives

For the financial year ended December 31, 2024, corporate objectives were developed by the HRCC based on discussions with Management. These corporate objectives were adopted and recommended by the HRCC and approved by the Board and were developed based on matters deemed to be critical to advancing the Company’s overall strategic goals and objectives. Performance against the corporate objectives was assessed by the HRCC at the end of the 2024 financial year based on its review of the relative achievement of the objective. The HRCC then considered the relative difficulty of the objective and the macro circumstances of the achievement. An overall score in the range of 0% to 200% was then applied. The following table describes the corporate objectives set for the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

 

2024 Corporate Objectives   Weight   Result   Criteria / Discussion

ESG:

●    Lost time injury rates

●    Sustainability

●    Environmental incidents

●    Sustained operations

 

  25%   Exceeded Expectations  

●   Lost Time Injury Frequency of 2.59 during a full operational year

●   Completed multi-stakeholder partnership projects

●   No category 4 or 5 incidents as defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency during a full construction year

 

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2024 Corporate Objectives   Weight   Result   Criteria / Discussion

            ●   No disruptions to operations and maintenance of community relations

Production:

●   Gold poured versus guidance

  25%   Far Exceeded
Expectations
  ●   136,748 oz of gold poured versus original guidance of 110,000 to 120,000 oz

Expenditure:

●   Operating and capital cost versus budget

  25%   Exceeded Expectations  

●    Operating costs at low end of updated guidance and capital costs slightly below guidance

 

Strategic Objectives:

●    Exploration

●    Project Development

●    Corporate Development

●    Improved Balance Sheet

  25%   Exceeded Expectations

●    Drilling programs completed

●    Protracted permitting timelines in Mexico and Nevada

●    Acquisition of Musselwhite

●    Disciplined debt repayment

Corporate Performance Score       150%    
Musselwhite Adjustment       +30%    
Adjusted Performance Score       180%    

 

Overall Corporate Performance Score

 

For 2024, the HRCC determined that the corporate objectives either exceeded or far expectations. During the year, the Company maintained a strong health and safety record, maintained support of the local communities in which it operates, achieved the high end of its revised production guidance at industry leading cost, continued exploration and study work at each project and repaid all amounts under its credit facility. Conversely, the Company experienced minor setbacks, which included the protracted permitting timelines in Mexico and Nevada. As a result, the HRCC recommended, and the Board approved, an overall corporate performance score of 150% for the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Musselwhite Adjustment

 

To recognize and reward NEOs and certain employees for the Company’s acquisition of Musselwhite from Newmont, the HRCC and the Board approved a one-time increase of the corporate performance score by 30% to a total score of 180% of target. Together with other pay elements, this award was intended to recognize extraordinary contributions in 2024, encourage focus on successful integration of Musselwhite into the Company’s portfolio and reinforce continuity and stability of the leadership team during a critical period.

 

Individual Objectives

 

At the start of the year, each Named Executive Officer developed individual objectives for 2024, which were reviewed and recommended by the HRCC and approved by the Board. At the end of the financial year, the HRCC, with input from the Chief Executive Officer for his direct reports, assessed individual performance and assigned an overall performance score according to the executive’s rate of success using the same methodology as the corporate objectives described above. The following table provides an overview of the Chief Executive Officer’s individual objectives for the 2024 financial year, and the score applied by the HRCC. For 2024, the HRCC determined that Mr. Simpson met or exceeded expectations, except in relation to ESG matters, which did not meet expectations. As noted above under “Musselwhite Adjustment”, the HRCC also applied a one-time award of 30%, resulting in an overall score of 180%.

 

2024 Individual Objectives - CEO   Weight   Score   Criteria / Discussion

Company Finances

●   Monitor financial performance (revenues and spending) within the 2024 approved budget

●   Remediate ICFR deficiencies

  20%   Met
Expectations
 

●  Operating and capital costs on budget

●   ICFR deficiencies remediated

 

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2024 Individual Objectives - CEO   Weight   Result Criteria / Discussion

Company Operations

●   Produce gold safely consistent with budget

●   Advance Camino Rojo sulphide development

  20%   Met
Expectations

   Production at high end of revised guidance

●   Excellent health and safety record

●   Sulphides advanced

Company ESG

●   Oversee the Company’s delivery of ESG strategy

●   Obtain government permits in Mexico, and Nevada

  20%   Did Not Meet
Expectations

●   Second sustainability report released, ESG strategy progressing

●   Protracted permitting timelines;

Corporate Development

●   Evaluate and present, if reasonable, new growth opportunities

  20%   Exceeded
Expectations
 ●   Musselwhite transaction completed

Corporate Representation

●   Performance as the key spokesperson for the company with all stakeholders 

  20%   Exceeded
Expectations
●   Strong corporate representation
Overall Performance Score       180%  

 

STIP Summary

Based on the foregoing, on the recommendation of the HRCC and as approved by the Board, short-term incentives awarded for the Named Executive Officers for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, were determined and awarded as follows:

Name and Position(1) Target STIP
(% of Base
Salary)
Corporate
Score
Individual
Score
Overall
Weighted
Score
Actual
STIP
Actual STIP
(% of Base
Salary)

Jason Simpson

President and CEO

100% 180% 180% 180% $1,179,000 180%

Etienne Morin

CFO

70% 180% 180% 180% $504,000 126%

Andrew Cormier

COO

70% 180% 180% 180% $529,200 126%

Sylvain Guerard

SVP Exploration 

70% 180% 180% 180% $396,900 126%

Notes:

1.Ms. Eddine ceased acting as Chief Sustainability Officer effective December 6, 2024 and was therefore not eligible under the 2024 STIP.

Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Each Named Executive Officer has a target grant level for LTIP, expressed as a percentage of base salary. For 2024, LTIP was granted in PSUs, stock options and RSUs, with a relative mix as set forth below. Additional detail on each type of award is also provided below.

 

Name and Position Target LTIP
(% of Base Salary)
    Stock Options RSUs
PSUs  
Jason Simpson
President and CEO
185% 50%   30% 20%
Etienne Morin
CFO
150% 50%   30% 20%

 

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Name and Position Target LTIP
(% of Base Salary)
    Stock Options RSUs
PSUs  
Andrew Cormier
COO
150% 50%   30% 20%
Chafika Eddine
Former CSO
120% 50%   30% 20%
Sylvain Guerard
SVP Exploration
120% 50%   30% 20%

 

On the recommendation of the HRCC, as approved by the Board, PSU, stock option and RSU grants for the Named Executive Officers for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, were determined and awarded as follows:

 

Name and Position   PSUs
Awarded(1)
  Value of
PSUs
Awarded(1)
  Stock
Options
Awarded(2)
  Value of
Stock
Options
Awarded(2)
  RSUs
Awarded(3)
  Value of
RSUs
Awarded(3)
Jason Simpson
President and CEO
  122,718   $605,900   149,518   $363,600   47,241   $242,300
Etienne Morin
CFO
  60,764   $300,000   74,034   $180,000   23,391   $120,000
Andrew Cormier
CPP
  63,802   $315,000   77,736   $189,000   24,561   $126,000
Chafika Eddine
Former CSO
  38,574   $190,400   46,998   $114,300   14,849   $76,200
Sylvain Guerard
SVP Exploration
  38,281   $189,000   46,641   $113,400   14,736   $75,600

Notes:

1.The PSUs issued reflect the annual grant in 2024. The values were calculated using the market value at grant, calculated based on the five-day weighted average volume price of the Company common shares, being $4.9371, consistent with the approach used in the Company’s audited financial statements.

2.The stock options issued reflect the annual grant in 2024. The grant date fair value of stock options was calculated using the Black-Scholes methodology. These options are exercisable at a price of $5.13 until March 30, 2029. The key assumptions used under the Black-Scholes model that were used for the share option awards in the table above were: risk-free interest rate 3.50%; expected life five years; expected annualized volatility 50%; expected dividend rate nil. The Company chose to use the Black-Scholes model as the basis for calculating fair value of the options granted as this methodology is commonly accepted by issuers. The values presented are consistent with the accounting values used in the Company’s audited financial statements.

3.The RSUs issued reflect the annual grant in 2024. The values were calculated using the market value at grant date being $5.13, consistent with the approach used in the Company’s audited financial statements.

 

PSUs

 

For 2024, PSUs formed part of the LTIP for Named Executive Officers, with 50% weight. The purpose of PSUs is to align the executive’s interest with those of the Shareholders and motivate share price growth and total Shareholder return, relative to the Company’s industry peers.

 

PSUs are settled in cash and cliff-vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The ultimate payout value of the PSUs is determined by a vesting multiplier called the “Performance Percentage” and the Company’s share price at settlement, calculated as follows:

 

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The Performance Percentage is calculated based on the Company’s total shareholder returns (“TSR”) relative to a peer group (the “PSU Peer Group”). The Company’s percentile ranking within the PSU Peer Group determines the Performance Percentage applied, as follows:

 

Percentile Rank of Company
in PSU Peer Group
Performance Percentage
<25% 0%
≥25% to 50% Linear Interpolation
50% 100%
50% to 100% Linear Interpolation
100% 200%

 

TSR is calculated over a three year “Payment Criteria Period”, which commences on January 1 of the year of grant and ends on December 31 of the year prior to vesting. Share prices for TSR are calculated using the 20-day volume weighted average price at the beginning and end of the Payment Criteria Period, plus cumulative dividends.

 

Regardless of relative performance against the PSU Peer Group, if the Company has a negative TSR in any Payment Criteria Period, the Performance Percentage for those PSUs is capped at 100%.

 

For the Company’s 2024 LTIP grants, the PSU Peer Group consisted of the constituents of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index (other than the Company) at the commencement of the Payment Criteria Period, which is from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026. The PSU Peer Group is fixed and will not be adjusted, provided that, if a company in the PSU Peer Group is not publicly traded at the end of the Payment Criteria Period due to merger, amalgamation, statutory arrangement or other business combination transaction, that company shall be removed from the PSU Peer Group.

 

Stock Options

 

Stock options are granted under the Stock Option Plan. All stock options granted by the Company to date have had a term of approximately five years. Prior to LTIP grants in 2022, options were issued with vesting conditions being one-third on the date of the grant, one-third on the first anniversary and one-third on the second anniversary of the grant. Commencing with LTIP grants in 2022 and onwards, options were issued with vesting conditions being one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, one-third on the second anniversary of the date of grant and one-third on the third anniversary of the date of grant. See “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans” for a summary of the unamended Stock Option Plan. At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider, and if deemed advisable, approve certain amendments to the

 

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Stock Option Plan. See “Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Amendments to the Stock Option Plan” above for more details on the proposed amendments to the Stock Option Plan.

 

RSUs

 

RSUs are granted under the Company’s RSU Plan. Each RSU granted, subject to the terms of the RSU Plan, entitles such holder to receive one Common Share upon vesting. RSUs vest one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the date of grant. See “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans” for a summary of the unamended RSU Plan. At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider, and if deemed advisable, approve certain amendments to the RSU Plan. See “Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Amendments to the Restricted Share Unit Plan” above for more details on the proposed amendments to the RSU Plan.

 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

The following table and graph compare the cumulative total shareholder return of $100 invested in Common Shares of the Company from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2024 against the cumulative total shareholder return of each of the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index for the same period.

 

 

 

  December
2020
December
2021
December
2022
December
2023
December
2024
Orla Mining Ltd. $343 $242 $274 $216 $398
S&P/TSX Composite Index $102 $124 $114 $123 $145
S&P/TSX Global Gold Index $121 $112 $106 $109 $129

 

During the periods indicated, the total return to shareholders has outperformed both the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index. Over the same period, Orla saw an increase in the scope and complexity of its operations as it completed various acquisitions and transitioned to a producing company. Consequently, the disclosed value of total compensation awarded to Named Executive Officers has increased since 2019 (refer to the Summary Compensation Table below), and the actual realized, and realizable value of total compensation has also increased in a manner generally aligned with share price performance and the total return to Shareholders. The HRCC considers the increases to be appropriate given the increase in scope and complexity of the Company’s operations and the operating, financial and strategic achievements made during this time.

 

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

The following table summarizes the compensation paid to or earned by the Named Executive Officers during the financial years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.

 

Name and Principal
Position of Named
Executive Officer
Year (1) Salary
($)
Share-based
awards (2)
($)
Option-
based
awards (3)
($)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation (4)
All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
Total
Compensation
($)
Annual
Incentive
Plans ($)
Long-
Term
Incentive
Plans ($)
Jason Simpson
President and CEO (6)
2024 $ 655,000 $ 848,200 $ 363,600 $ 1,179,000 Nil $ 15,780 $ 3,061,580
2023 $ 625,000 $ 766,000 $ 330,000 $ 781,250 Nil $ 15,390 $ 2,517,640
2022 $ 525,088 $ 315,000 $ 472,570 $ 840,140 Nil Nil $ 2,152,798
Etienne Morin
CFO
2024 $ 400,000 $ 420,000 $ 180,000 $ 504,000 Nil $ 15,780 $ 1,519,780
2023 $ 380,000 $ 399,000 $ 172,000 $ 328,510 Nil $ 15,390 $ 1,294,900
2022 $ 317,125 $ 153,000 $ 228,326 $ 348,520 Nil Nil $ 1,046,971
Andrew Cormier
COO
2024 $ 420,000 $ 441,000 $ 189,000 $ 529,200 Nil $ 15,780 $ 1,594,980
2023 $ 400,000 $ 420,000 $ 181,000 $ 350,000 Nil $ 14,714 1,365,714
2022 $ 332,500 $ 159,000 $ 239,400 $ 365,418 Nil Nil $ 1,096,318

Chafika Eddine

Former CSO (7)

2024 $ 320,930 $ 266,600 $ 114,300 Nil Nil $ 602,140(9) $ 1,303,970
2023 $ 300,904(8) $ 252,000 $ 108,600 $ 253,890(8) Nil Nil 915,394
2022 $ 237,500 Nil $ 597,579 $ 237,498 Nil Nil $ 1,072,577
Sylvain Guerard
SVP Exploration
2024 $ 315,000 $ 264,600 $ 113,400 $ 396,900 Nil $ 15,780 $1,104,780
2023 $ 300,000 $ 157,500 $ 67,900 $ 225,000 Nil $ 14,921 $ 765,321
2022 $ 275,000 $ 54,000 $ 53,709 $ 195,250 Nil Nil $ 571,509

Notes:

1.Financial years ended December 31.

2.Reflects award date value of RSUs and PSUs granted.

3.The fair value of stock options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The assumptions used for the grants in 2024 are presented on page 60.

4.The figures presented are for amounts earned in respect of the year, which for all Named Executive Officers were paid in the subsequent year.

5.Other than in respect of Ms. Eddine, all other compensation amounts relate to the Company’s contributions to the RRSP matching program.

6.Mr. Simpson is also a director of the Company and does not receive any additional compensation for that role.

7.Ms. Eddine was appointed Chief Sustainability Officer of the Company on March 1, 2022 and ceased acting as Chief Sustainability Officer effective December 6, 2024.

8.Ms. Eddine was paid in Canadian dollars until September 30, 2023, and in US dollars after October 1, 2023. The amounts paid to Ms. Eddine in US dollars during the period October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 have been translated to Canadian dollars at the average exchange rate of 1.3609 CAD/USD prevailing during such period. The salary amounts paid to Ms. Eddine in US dollars during the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 have been translated to Canadian dollars at the average exchange rate of 1.3700 CAD/USD prevailing during the year.

9.Consists of amounts in respect of severance payments paid in US dollars in December 2024, which have been translated to Canadian dollars at the exchange rate of 1.4254 CAD/USD then prevailing.

 

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NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS – OUTSTANDING OPTION- AND SHARE-BASED AWARDS

 

The table below reflects the incentive plan awards outstanding for the Named Executive Officers as at December 31, 2024.

 

  Option-Based Awards Share-Based Awards
Name and Position

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(1)

(#)

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

Option Expiry
Date

Value of
Unexercised
In- the-
Money
Options
(2)

($)

Number of
shares or units
of shares that
have not
vested
(#)
(3)
Market or
payout value
of share-based
awards that
have not
vested
($)
(3)
Market or
payout value
of vested
share-based
awards not
paid out or
distributed
($)
(4)
Jason Simpson
President and CEO

318,192

148,542

188,628

107,573

149,518

$2.21

$4.80

$5.98

$6.58

$5.13

Mar 25, 2025

Mar 24, 2026

Mar 24, 2027

Mar 27, 2028

Mar 30, 2029

$1,829,604

$469,393

$373,483

$148,451

$423,136

292,530 $2,328,539 $1,076,853
Etienne Morin
CFO

88,570

60,891

91,137

56,061

74,034

$2.21

$4.80

$5.98

$6.58

$5.13

Mar 25, 2025

Mar 24, 2026

Mar 24, 2027

Mar 27, 2028

Mar 30, 2029

$509,278

$192,416

$180,451

$77,364

$209,516

147,365 $1,173,025 $471,718
Andrew Cormier
COO

30,000

64,096

95,556

59,011

77,736

$2.39

$4.80

$5.98

$6.58

$5.13

Apr 16, 2025

Mar 24, 2026

Mar 24, 2027

Mar 27, 2028

Mar 30, 2029

$167,100

$202,543

$189,201

$81,435

$219,993

154,865 $1,232,725 Nil
Sylvain Guerard
SVP, Exploration

200,000

21,365

21,438

22,129

46,641

$6.03

$4.80

$5.98

$6.58

$5.13

Aug 24, 2025

Mar 24, 2026

Mar 24, 2027

Mar 27, 2028

Mar 30, 2029

$386,000

$67,513

$42,447

$30,538

$131,994

71,968 $572,865 Nil

Notes:

1.Each option entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share.

2.Calculated using the closing market price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2024 of $7.96 and subtracting the exercise price of in-the-money stock options. These stock options have not been, and may never be, exercised and actual gains, if any, on exercise will depend on the value of the Common Shares on the date of exercise.

3.Includes unvested RSUs and PSUs, the value of which was determined by multiplying the number of share units held on December 31, 2024, by the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2024 of $7.96. For the purposes of this table, the value of PSUs has been calculated assuming a Performance Percentage of 100%. The RSUs vest as to one third each on the first, second, and third anniversary dates of award. The PSUs cliff-vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

4.These RSUs (the “Deferred RSUs”) were originally scheduled to vest before December 31, 2024, but the applicable participant elected to defer receipt of the Common Shares underlying the Deferred RSUs until a Deferred Payment Date (as defined below) that was subsequent to such date, as permitted under the RSU Plan. See “Securities Authorized For Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans – RSU Plan” for additional information. For the purposes of this table, the value of the Deferred RSUs has been calculated by multiplying the number of Deferred RSUs held on December 31, 2024, by the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2024 of $7.96.

5.Ms. Eddine ceased acting as Chief Sustainability Officer on December 6, 2024 and therefore has not been included in the table.

 

The Company did not re-price any stock options during the year ended December 31, 2024, or at any time prior to then.

 

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NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS – INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN – VALUE VESTED OR EARNED DURING THE YEAR

 

The following table provides information concerning the value vested or earned under incentive award plans of the Company with respect to each Named Executive Officer during the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

 

 

Name and Position

Option-Based
Awards – Value
Vested During the
Year (1)

($)

Share-Based
Awards – Value
Vested During the
Year (2)

($)

Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation -
Value Earned
During the Year (4)

($)

Jason Simpson
President and CEO
Nil $287,300(3) $1,179,000
Etienne Morin
CFO
Nil $130,300(3) $504,000
Andrew Cormier
COO
Nil $137,000 $529,200

Chafika Eddine(5)

Former CSO

$104,200 $191,300 Nil

Sylvain Guerard

Senior Vice-President, Exploration

Nil $75,700 $396,900

Notes:

1.“Value vested during the year” means the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the options under the option-based award had been exercised on the vesting date. This amount is calculated using the closing market prices of the Common Shares on the TSX on the dates on which stock options vested during the year, and subtracting the exercise price of in-the-money stock options.

2.“Value vested during the year” means the aggregate dollar value of the Common Shares that are issued on the vesting of the RSUs. This amount is calculated using the closing market price of the Common Shares on the dates on which the Restricted Period of the RSUs expired during the year ended December 31, 2024. No PSUs vested during the year ended December 31, 2024.

3.For the year ended December 31, 2024, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Morin elected to defer receipt of the Common Shares underlying all their respective RSUs until a Deferred Payment Date subsequent to such date, as permitted by the RSU Plan. See “Securities Authorized For Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans – RSU Plan” for additional information.

4.Reflects the annual STIP bonus paid to each Named Executive Officer. These amounts were paid in 2025 in respect of 2024 performance, other than Ms. Eddine (see note 5 below).

5.Ms. Eddine ceased acting as Chief Sustainability Officer effective December 6, 2024. Her outstanding option-based awards vested on that date and she was not eligible under the Company’s 2024 STIP.

 

 

TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFITS

 

Employment Agreements

 

The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of the NEOs that contain substantially similar provisions in the event of termination and change of control.

 

The employment agreements provide that, in the event that the NEO is terminated without cause (as defined in the employment agreement), the NEO is terminated for good reason (as defined in the employment agreement) or, in the event the Company does not have disability insurance and the NEO’s employment is terminated as a result of a disability (as defined in the employment agreement), the NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to (i) 12 months of their base salary; plus (ii) the bonus they would have earned through that 12-month period based on the greater of (a) the annual bonus received by the NEO in the year immediately preceding the termination of employment; and (b) the annual bonus target for the year in which employment is terminated. The NEO will also continue to participate in the Company’s benefits programs through such 12-month period to the maximum

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extent permitted under applicable plan terms. In addition, any unvested stock options shall immediately vest upon notification of termination.

 

If there is a change of control (as defined in the applicable employment agreement), and within 12 months of such change of control, there is a termination of the NEO by the Company without cause or termination by the NEO for good reason, the NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to: (i) the compensation and benefits set forth in the paragraph immediately above, except that the applicable period will be 24 months rather than 12 months; plus (ii) the NEO’s pro rata bonus calculated from the beginning of the year of termination to the date of termination based on the greater of (a) the annual bonus received by the NEO in the year immediately preceding the termination of employment; and (b) the annual bonus target for the year in which employment is terminated. In addition, notwithstanding any contrary terms in the RSU Plan, the RSUs held by the NEO will immediately vest, notwithstanding any stated vesting period.

 

The employment agreements also contain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions.

 

Treatment of Equity Awards

 

The following table summarizes the treatment of stock options, RSUs and PSUs in connection with certain termination events under the terms of the applicable plan or employment agreement.

 

Equity Award  

Termination without Cause or Resignation
for Good Reason

 

Termination without Cause or Resignation
for Good Reason
+
Change of Control

Stock Options

  Immediate vesting, 90 days to exercise options following termination   Immediate vesting, 90 days to exercise options following termination
RSUs   Immediate vesting and settlement upon termination   Immediate vesting and settlement upon termination
PSUs  

Settled on the original vesting date, subject to the Performance Percentage, with the payout amount pro rated based on the termination date(1)

 

Immediate full vesting and settlement on termination with the Performance Percentage deemed to be 100%(1)

Notes:

1.The Board retains discretion to determine that special circumstances exist that reasonably justify an adjustment to the amount which would otherwise be payable.

 

Estimated Incremental Payments on Termination or Change of Control

 

Pursuant to the applicable employment agreements, if a severance payment triggering event had occurred on December 31, 2024, the severance payments that would be payable to each of the Named Executive Officers would have been as follows:

 

Name and Position

Termination without
Cause or Resignation
for Good Reason

($)

Termination without
Cause or Resignation
for Good Reason
+
Change of Control

($)

Jason Simpson, President and CEO $1,406,250 $3,593,750
Etienne Morin, CFO $728,510 $1,785,530
Andrew Cormier, COO $770,000 $1,890,000

 

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Name and Position

Termination without
Cause or Resignation
for Good Reason

($)

Termination without
Cause or Resignation
for Good Reason
+
Change of Control

($)

Silvana Costa, CSO(1)  $595,000 $1,435,000
Sylvain Guerard, SVP, Exploration  $540,000 $1,305,000
Total: $4,039,760 $10,009,280

Notes:

1.Ms. Costa was appointed as Chief Sustainability Officer effective January 13, 2025. The disclosure is provided on the basis that she had been employed as of December 31, 2024 and is based on her 2025 base salary and target STIP.

 

The accelerated value of the aforementioned NEO’s existing stock options, RSUs and PSUs as of December 31, 2024 is detailed under “Named Executive Officers – Outstanding Option- and Share-Based Awards” in this Circular.

 

CHANGES TO 2025 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

Over the course of late 2024 and early 2025, the HRCC completed its annual review of the Company’s executive compensation program with support from Southlea. This section describes the HRCC’s review process and the approved changes for 2025. Other than as described below, there were no material changes to the Company’s executive compensation practices since the end of the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

2025 Peer Group

 

In consultation with Southlea, the HRCC completed a review and update of the Company’s peer group for 2025 (the “2025 Peer Group”). In selecting the 2025 Peer Group, the HRCC applied the same criteria as the 2024 Peer Group, as discussed above. The HRCC also considered the impact of the acquisition of Musselwhite, which increased the size and scope of the Company post-transaction. Based on these criteria, the HRCC and Board approved the following members of the 2025 Peer Group (new members are denoted in italics):

 

Aris Mining Corporation

Calibre Mining Corp.
Centerra Gold Inc. Coeur Mining, Inc.
Dundee Precious Metals Inc. Eldorado Gold Corporation
Fortuna Mining Corp. IAMGOLD Corporation
Lundin Gold Inc. New Gold Inc.
SSR Mining Inc. Torex Gold Resources Inc.
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.  

 

Argonaut Gold Inc., Silvercrest Metals Inc., Endeavour Silver Corp. and Victoria Gold Corp were removed from the 2025 Peer Group. The Company is generally positioned at the 50th percentile of the various size and scope indicators.

 

MARKET REVIEW

 

The HRCC, in consultation with Southlea, reviewed market data for the 2025 Peer Group to determine the appropriate level of base salaries, target STIP, grant levels of LTIP and total compensation for the Named

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Executive Officers for 2025. The Company undertook a formal benchmarking and applied a compensation philosophy to target the 50th percentile within the 2025 Peer Group. However, the HRCC retained discretion for setting Named Executive Officer compensation to appropriately reflect each executive’s value and their contributions, as well as the executive’s leadership, commitment to the Company’s values, contribution to Company culture and potential for advancement.

 

As a result of the transformational change in size and scope of the Company’s operations following the acquisition of Musselwhite, increases to CEO and NEO pay for 2025 were higher than past years, appropriately aligned with the increase in size and scope of the Company’s operations, the increased scope of each senior executive’s role, and the new 2025 Peer Group, representing direct industry peers of a similar size. When comparing to market, CEO and NEO target pay levels were set to align with the 50th percentile of peers, consistent with past practice.

 

The following sections provide an overview of changes to elements of executive compensation for 2025. See “Elements of Named Executive Officer Compensation” above for additional explanation and the purpose of each such element.

 

Base Salary

 

Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers for the financial year ending December 31, 2025, are as follows

 

Name and Position 2025 Base Salary Increase from 2024
Jason Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer $780,000 19%
Etienne Morin, Chief Financial Officer $510,000 28%
Andrew Cormier, Chief Operating Officer $555,000 32%
Silvana Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer $350,000 N/A
Sylvain Guerard, Senior Vice-President, Exploration $375,000 19%

 

Short-term Incentive Plan (STIP)

 

The following table presents the target short-term incentive awards as a percentage of base salary. For the financial year ended December 31, 2025, the short-term incentive award target for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer were increased as a result of the market review discussed above. There were no changes to the relative weight between corporate and individual objectives for any of the executives.

 

  Target STIP Corporate
Objectives
Individual
Objectives
2024 2025
Jason Simpson, President and CEO 100% 115% 80% 20%
Etienne Morin, CFO 70% 80% 70% 30%
Andrew Cormier, COO 70% 80% 70% 30%
Silvana Costa, CSO N/A 70% 70% 30%
Sylvain Guerard, SVP, Exploration 70% 70% 60% 40%

 

Corporate Objectives

 

The following table describes the Company objectives for the financial year ended December 31, 2025 and the relevant weight of each objective.

 

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2025 Corporate Objectives Weight   Weight

ESG 

●         Long term injury frequency rate

●         Sustainability 

●         Environmental Incidents

●         Operational Continuity

20%

Strategic Objectives 

●         Exploration

●         Project development 

●         Corporate development

●         Improve financial strength 

35%

Production

●         Gold poured

25%

Expenditure

●         Operating cost

●         Capital cost

20%

 

Individual Objectives

 

The following table provides an overview of the Chief Executive Officer’s individual objectives for the 2024 financial year and the relevant weight of each objective.

 

2025 Individual Objectives – CEO Weight   Weight
Company Finances 20% Company Operations 20%
Company ESG 20% Corporate Development 20%
Corporate Representation 20%    

 

Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

 

Other than in respect of Mr. Simpson, there were no changes to LTIP targets for the Named Executive Officers and no material changes to the LTIP design for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Mr. Simpson’s LTIP target has been increased from 185% to 225% as a result of the market review discussed above.

 

 

REPORT ON DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The objective of the Company’s compensation program for directors is to attract and retain members of the Board of a quality and nature that will enhance the performance and growth of the Company. Director compensation is intended to provide an appropriate level of remuneration considering the experience, responsibilities, time requirements and accountability of their roles. In addition, in order to appropriately align the interests of members of the Board with those of Shareholders, the Board has implemented a director share ownership policy. See “Statement of Corporate Governance – Corporate Governance Policies – Share Ownership Policy.”

 

2024 Market Review

 

In 2024, the HRCC completed its biannual review of the compensation program for directors, which indicated that a gap to the 50th percentile of total compensation. To reduce this gap, the Board approved a one-year increase effective for 2024 compensation and no further increase for 2025 compensation. The changes to the Company’s compensation program for directors were intended to better align the Company’s practices with the 2024 Peer Group and to reflect an appropriate level of remuneration given the Company’s evolution into a producing mining company. In light of the Company’s development and industry trends, the equity retainer issued to independent directors for 2024 and 2025 consisted solely of DSUs.

 

The following table sets forth the 2024 and 2025 compensation program for directors of the Company, as recommended by the HRCC and approved by the Board.

 

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        2024 / 2025  
  Chairman

Cash Retainer

Equity Retainer (1)

$170,000

$150,000

 
  Total Compensation   $320,000  
  Base Cash Retainer
Equity Retainer (1)

$80,000

$120,000

 
  Non-Chairman Total Base Compensation   $200,000  
    Additional Cash Retainer for
Committee Chairs

Audit

HRCC

Other Committees

$20,000

$20,000

$15,000

 

Notes:

1.Equity retainer awards are comprised solely of DSUs.

 

Looking Forward

 

Consistent with its previous practice, the HRCC expects to complete a biannual review of director compensation in 2025, with any changes taking effect in 2026.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets out certain information respecting the compensation paid to non-executive directors (being those directors of the Company who were not Named Executive Officers) during the financial year ended December 31, 2024:

 

 

Director’s Name

Fees
earned ($)
Share-based
awards
(DSUs) ($)(1)
Option-
based
awards
(Options)
($)
Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
($)
All other
compensation
($)
Total
($)
Charles Jeannes $170,000 $150,000 Nil Nil Nil $320,000
Tim Haldane $95,000 $120,000 Nil Nil Nil $215,000
Elizabeth McGregor $100,000 $120,000 Nil Nil Nil $220,000
Jean Robitaille $100,000 $120,000 Nil Nil Nil $220,000
David Stephens $95,000 $120,000 Nil Nil Nil $215,000
Tamara Brown $95,000 $120,000 Nil Nil Nil $215,000
Ana Sofía Ríos $80,000 $120,000 Nil Nil Nil $200,000
Rob Krcmarov $80,000 $120,000 Nil Nil Nil $200,000
Scott Langley(2) Nil  Nil  Nil  Nil  Nil  Nil 

Notes:

1.Share-based awards are comprised solely of DSUs. Reflects award date value of DSUs granted.

2.Mr. Langley is the director nominee of Newmont and, accordingly, has voluntarily waived all compensation entitlements in 2024.

 

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DIRECTORS – OPTION-BASED AND SHARE-BASED AWARDS

 

The table below reflects the incentive plan awards for each non-executive director outstanding as at December 31, 2024.

 

    Option-Based Awards   Share-Based Awards  
                        Market or              
                        Payout   Market or          
                        Value of   Payout          
                    Number   Share-   Value of          
    Number of           Value of   of Shares   Based   Vested          
    Securities           Unexercised   or Units   Awards   Share-Based       Market  
    Underlying   Option       In- the-   That   That Have   Awards not       Value of  
    Unexercised   Exercise       Money   Have Not   Not   Paid Out or   Number   Unvested  
    Options   Price   Option Expiry   Options (1)     Vested     Vested (2)     Distributed     of DSUs (3)     DSUs(3)    
Name   (#)   ($)   Date   ($)     (#)     ($)     ($)     (#)     ($)    
Charles   85,812   $2.21   Mar 25, 2025   $493,419            
Jeannes   39,083   $4.80   Mar 24, 2026   $123,502    500,000(4)    $3,980,000    Nil   244,894    $1,949,356  
    29,936   $5.98   Mar 24, 2027   $59,273                      
Tim Haldane    17,962   $5.98   Mar 24, 2027   $35,565   Nil   Nil   Nil   143,347    $1,141,042  
  42,906   $2.21   Mar 25, 2025   $246,710                      
Elizabeth   19,541   $4.80   Mar 24, 2026   $61,750   Nil   Nil   Nil   106,608   $848,600  
McGregor   17,962   $5.98   Mar 24, 2027   $35,565                      
  42,906   $2.21   Mar 25, 2025   $246,710                      
Jean Robitaille   19,541   $4.80   Mar 24, 2026   $61,750   Nil   Nil   Nil   136,271   $1,084,717  
    17,962   $5.98   Mar 24, 2027   $35,565                      
David   19,541   $4.80   Mar 24, 2026   $61,750   Nil   Nil   Nil   123,394   $982,216  
Stephens   17,962   $5.98   Mar 24, 2027   $35,565                      
Tamara Brown   26,580   $3.88   Jun 23, 2027   $108,446   Nil   Nil   Nil   50,186   $399,481  
Ana Sofía Ríos   Nil   N/A   N/A   Nil   Nil   Nil   Nil   41,875   $333,325  
Rob Krcmarov   Nil   N/A   N/A   Nil   Nil   Nil   Nil   48,328   $384,691  
Scott Langley   Nil   N/A   N/A   Nil   Nil   Nil   Nil   Nil   Nil  

Notes:

1.Calculated using the closing market price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2024 of $7.96 and subtracting the exercise price of in-the-money stock options. These stock options have not been, and may never be, exercised and actual gains, if any, on exercise will depend on the value of the Common Shares on the date of exercise.

2.Calculated using market price at December 31, 2024 of $7.96.

3.DSU awards vest immediately upon award. However, DSUs can only be redeemed when the DSU holder ceases to be a director of the Company. For more meaningful disclosure, information is provided on unredeemed DSUs rather than unvested DSUs (as there are no unvested DSUs). The unredeemed value of DSUs is calculated using the closing market price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2024 of $7.96.

4.Upon the recommendation of the HRCC, the Board approved a one-time award of 500,000 Common Shares (the “Bonus Shares”) to Mr. Jeannes at a deemed issue price of $1.39 per Bonus Share (the “Issue Price”) in consideration for Mr. Jeannes acting as Chairman of the Board. The Issue Price is equal to the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on June 23, 2017. The Bonus Shares will become issuable on the date Mr. Jeannes ceases to act as a director.

 

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DIRECTORS – INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS – VALUE VESTED OR EARNED DURING THE YEAR

 

The following table provides information concerning the value vested or earned under incentive award plans of the Company with respect to each non-executive director of the Company during the financial year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Name of Director   Option-Based Awards -
Value Vested During the
Year (1)
($)
  Share-Based Awards –
Value Vested During
the Year (2)
($)
  Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation - Value
Earned During the Year
($)
Charles Jeannes   Nil   $170,000   Nil
Tim Haldane   Nil   $120,000   Nil
Elizabeth McGregor   Nil   $120,000   Nil
Jean Robitaille   Nil   $120,000   Nil
David Stephens   Nil   $120,000   Nil
Tamara Brown   $12,900   $120,000   Nil
Ana Sofía Ríos   Nil   $120,000   Nil
Rob Krcmarov   Nil   $120,000   Nil
Scott Langley   Nil   Nil   Nil

Notes:

1.“Value vested during the year” means the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the options under the option-based award had been exercised on the vesting date. This amount is calculated using the closing market prices of the Common Shares on the TSX on the dates on which stock options vested during the year, and subtracting the exercise price of in-the-money stock options.

2.“Value vested during the year” for share-based awards means the aggregate dollar value of the Common Shares that would be issued on the vesting of the DSUs. This amount is calculated using the closing market price of the Common Shares on the TSX on the dates on which the DSUs were awarded.

 

DEFERRED SHARE UNITS

 

DSUs are issued pursuant to the Company’s deferred share unit plan (the “DSU Plan”). Each DSU granted, subject to the terms of the DSU Plan, entitles such holder to receive upon redemption, at the discretion of the Board, one Common Share, the cash equivalent thereof or a mix of both. DSUs vest immediately upon award; however, DSUs can only be redeemed when the DSU holder ceases to be a director of the Company. See “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans” for additional information on the DSU Plan.

 

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

 

The following table sets forth aggregated information as at December 31, 2024, with respect to the compensation plan of the Company under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

 

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Plan Category Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
(a)
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights (b)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
under Equity
Compensation Plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders Stock options 3,536,022(1) $4.94 26,881,351(1)
RSUs 821,040 N/A 1,437,100(2)
DSUs 894,903 N/A 993,263(3)
Replacement Options 34,449(4) $6.82 NIL
Total 5,286,414 N/A 29,311,714
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders    
Bonus shares(5) 500,000 N/A Nil
Total:   5,786,414   29,311,714

Notes:

1.The aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance in respect of all outstanding stock options granted under the Stock Option Plan and all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company cannot exceed 10% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis).

2.The aggregate maximum number of Common Shares available for issuance under the RSU Plan shall not exceed 2,514,118 Common Shares. In addition, the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to RSUs, together with Common Shares issuable under all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, shall not exceed 10% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis).

3.The aggregate maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued under the DSU Plan shall not exceed 2,000,000 Common Shares. In addition, the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to DSUs, together with Common Shares issuable under all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, shall not exceed 10% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis).

4.The Company completed the acquisition of Gold Standard Ventures Corp. (“Gold Standard”) on August 12, 2022. Gold Standard stock options (“GSV Options”) that were outstanding at such time were exchanged for stock options to acquire Common Shares (the “Replacement Options”) based on an exchange ratio of 0.1193 of one Common Shares for each Gold Standard share.

5.Upon the recommendation of the HRCC, the Board approved a one-time award of 500,000 Bonus Shares to Charles Jeannes at a deemed Issue Price of $1.39 per Bonus Share in consideration for Mr. Jeannes acting as Chairman of the Board. The Issue Price is equal to the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on June 23, 2017. The Bonus Shares will become issuable on the date Mr. Jeannes ceases to act as a director.

 

STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider, and if deemed advisable, approve the Option Plan Amendments. See “Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Amendments to the Stock Option Plan” above. The following provides a summary of the Stock Option Plan prior to the adoption of the Option Plan Amendments.

 

The below summary is qualified in its entirely by the full text of the Stock Option Plan, a copy of which was filed on SEDAR+ on July 24, 2019, and on EDGAR on December 4, 2020, as Exhibit 99.64 to the Company’s Form 40-F.

 

The Stock Option Plan was implemented to provide effective incentives to Eligible Persons, namely senior officers, directors, employees (including management company employees) or consultants of the Company or its subsidiaries and to enable the Company to attract, retain and motivate experienced and qualified individuals in those positions by providing such individuals with the opportunity to acquire, through Common Share options,

 

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an increased proprietary interest in the Company. Upon exercise of an option, subject to the terms of the Stock Option Plan, such holder is entitled to receive one Common Share.

 

The Stock Option Plan provides that the aggregate number of Common Shares of the Company which may be available for issuance under the Stock Option Plan, together with Common Shares issuable under all security based compensation arrangements of the Company (which, for purposes of this summary, excludes the 500,000 Common Shares issuable to the Company’s Chairperson as “bonus shares”), will not exceed 10% of the total number of Common Shares of the Company issued and outstanding from time to time. As at December 31, 2024, there were 3,536,022 options outstanding under the Stock Option Plan, representing 1.1% of the outstanding Common Shares and 26,881,351 options remained available for grant (after taking into account the outstanding RSUs, DSUs and Replacement Options), representing 8.4% of the outstanding Common Shares. As at May 9, 2025, there were 2,408,011 options outstanding under the Stock Option Plan, representing 0.7% of the outstanding Common Shares and 28,140,116 options remain available for grant (after taking into account the outstanding RSUs, DSUs and Replacement Options), representing 8.7% of the outstanding Common Shares.

 

The total number of options which may be granted to any one person under the Stock Option Plan within any 12 month period, together with all other security based compensation arrangements of the Company , shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. The maximum number of Common Shares which may be issuable to insiders (as a group) under the Stock Option Plan, together with any other security based compensation arrangements of the Company, shall be 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the time of grant. Accordingly, as of May 9, 2025, a maximum of 28,140,116 options remain available for grant to insiders (representing 8.7% of the outstanding Common Shares) and as of December 31, 2024, a maximum of 26,881,351 options remained available for grant to insiders (representing 8.4% of the outstanding Common Shares). The maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued within any one-year period to insiders (as a group) under the Stock Option Plan, or together with any other security based compensation arrangements of the Company, shall be 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

 

The maximum equity value that may be granted to each non-employee director under the Stock Option Plan, together with all security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, shall not exceed $150,000 in any fiscal year, of which not more than $100,000 may be in the form of stock options granted under the Stock Option Plan.

 

All options granted by the Company to date have had a term of approximately five years. Options granted under the Stock Option Plan, may vest and become exercisable at the discretion of the Board. Prior to the 2022 LTIP awards, stock options were issued with vesting conditions being one-third on the date of the grant, one-third on the first anniversary and one-third on the second anniversary of the grant. Commencing with the 2022 LTIP awards and going forward, stock options were issued with vesting conditions being one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, one-third on the second anniversary of the date of grant and one-third on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

 

The Stock Option Plan shall be administered by the Board or a committee established by the Board for that purpose. Subject to approval of the granting of options by the Board, the Company shall grant options under the Stock Option Plan.

 

The exercise price for the Common Shares of the Company under each option shall be determined by the Board on the basis of the “market price”, where “market price” shall mean the prior trading day closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX, and where there is no such closing price or trade on the prior trading day, “market price” shall mean the average of the daily high and low board lot trading prices of the Common Shares on the TSX for the five immediately preceding trading days. Subject to the provisions of the Stock Option Plan and the particular option, an option may be exercised by delivering a written notice of exercise to the Company along with payment in cash or certified cheque for the full amount of the purchase price of the Common Shares then being purchased. The Stock Option Plan does not contemplate that the Company will provide financial assistance to participants for the exercise or settlement of awards under the Stock Option Plan.

 

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The period within which options may be exercised and the number of options which may be exercised in any such period are determined by the Board at the time of granting the options provided, however, that the maximum term of any options awarded under the Stock Option Plan is 10 years. On the expiry date of an option it will expire and terminate, subject to any extension of such expiry date permitted in accordance with the Stock Option Plan.

 

An optionee who ceases to be an Eligible Person (as defined in the Stock Option Plan) for any reason other than as a result of having been dismissed for cause or as a result of the optionee’s death, may exercise any vested and unexpired options held by such optionee for a period of 90 days (or until the normal expiry date of the option rights of such optionee if earlier) from the date of cessation (unless such period is extended by the Board). In the event of death of an optionee, the optionee’s representative may exercise any vested and unexpired options held by the optionee for a period of 12 months from the optionee’s death (or until the normal expiry date of the option rights of such optionee if earlier). If an optionee ceases to be either an Eligible Person as a result of having been dismissed from any such position for cause, all unexercised option rights of that optionee under the Stock Option Plan shall immediately become terminated and shall lapse, notwithstanding the original term of the option granted to such optionee under the Stock Option Plan.

 

In the event that the expiry date of an option expires during, or within 48 hours of a trading blackout period imposed by the Company, and neither the Company nor the individual in possession of the options is subject to a cease trade order in respect of the Company’s securities, then the expiry date of such option shall be automatically extended to the 10th business day following the end of the blackout period.

 

Options granted under the Stock Option Plan will be non-assignable and non-transferable by an optionee other than pursuant to a will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and such option will be exercisable, during an optionee’s lifetime, only by the optionee.

 

The Stock Option Plan contains provisions for the treatment and appropriate adjustment of options in relation to capital changes and with regard to a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company. The options granted under the Stock Option Plan may contain such provisions as the Board may determine with respect to adjustments to be made in the number and kind of shares covered by such options and in the option price in the event of any such change. If a bona fide offer (an “Offer”) for Common Shares is made to shareholders of the Company generally or to a class of shareholders which includes the optionee, which Offer, if accepted in whole or in part, would result in the offeror becoming a control person of the Company, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, all optioned shares subject to such stock option will become vested and the stock option may be exercised in whole or in part so as to permit the optionee to tender the optioned shares received upon such exercise, pursuant to the Offer.

 

In the event of (i) a Change of Control (as defined in the Stock Option Plan), and (ii) within 12 months of such Change of Control the Company terminates the employment of the Eligible Person for any reason other than just cause, or the Eligible Person resigns for “Good Reason” as defined in the employment agreement then all of a that person’s stock options will immediately vest on the date of such termination. In such event, all vested stock options will be exercisable, conditionally or otherwise, from such date until their respective expiry dates, subject to the terms of any employment agreement or other contractual arrangement between the person and the Company. If the person elects to exercise its stock options following a Change of Control, the holder of stock options shall be entitled to receive, and shall accept, in lieu of the number of Common Shares which the holder was entitled upon such exercise, the kind and amount of shares and other securities, property or cash which such holder could have been entitled to receive as a result of such Change of Control, on the effective date thereof, had the holder been the registered holder of the number of Common Shares to which it was entitled to purchase upon exercise of such stock options.

 

The Board may terminate, discontinue or amend the Stock Option Plan at any time, provided that, without the consent of an option holder, such termination, discontinuance or amendment may not in any manner adversely affect such optionee’s rights under any stock option granted under the Stock Option Plan.

 

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The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory and shareholder approval, make the following amendments to the Stock Option Plan or options under the Stock Option Plan:

 

(a)amendments to increase the number of Common Shares which may be issued pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, other than adjustments by virtue of Section 15 of the Stock Option Plan;

 

(b)amendments to reduce the exercise price, or cancel and reissue stock options;

 

(c)amendments that extend the term of a stock option beyond the original expiry;

 

(d)amendments to the definition of “Eligible Persons” under the Stock Option Plan that may permit the introduction or reintroduction of non-employee directors on a discretionary basis or amendments that increase limits previously imposed on non-employee director participation in Section 5 of the Stock Option Plan;

 

(e)amendments to Section 14 of the Stock Option Plan that would permit stock options, or any other right or interest of an optionee under the Stock Option Plan, to be assigned or transferred, other than for normal estate settlement purposes;

 

(f)amendments to the amendment provisions in Section 21 of the Stock Option Plan; or

 

(g)amendments to the participation limits in Section 5 of the Stock Option Plan.

 

The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approval (where required), but not subject to shareholder approval, in its sole discretion make all other amendments to the Stock Option Plan or options under the Stock Option Plan that are not of the type contemplated above, including, without limitation:

 

(a)amendments of a housekeeping nature;

 

(b)amendments to the exercise procedures or vesting provisions of a stock option or the Stock Option Plan;

 

(c)amendments to the definitions, other than such definitions noted above;

 

(d)to the take-over bid provisions provided for in Section 16 of the Stock Option Plan or the change of control provisions provided for in Section 17 of the Stock Option Plan. For greater certainty, any change made to Section 16 of the Stock Option Plan or Section 17 of the Stock Option Plan shall not allow optionees to be treated any more favourably than other holders of Common Shares with respect to the consideration that the optionees would be entitled to receive for their Common Shares in the event of a take-over bid or upon a Change of Control;

 

(e)amendments to reflect changes to applicable securities laws; and

 

(f)amendments to ensure that the stock options granted under the Stock Option Plan will comply with any provisions respecting income tax and other laws in force in any country or jurisdiction of which a person to whom a stock option has been granted may from time to time be a resident, citizen or otherwise subject to tax therein.

 

The Stock Option Plan was last approved by Shareholders at the annual general and special meeting of the Company held on June 20, 2024.

 

RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT PLAN

 

At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider, and if deemed advisable, approve the RSU Plan Amendments. See “Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Amendments to the Restricted Share Unit Plan”. The following provides a summary of the RSU Plan prior to the adoption of the RSU Plan Amendments.

 

The below summary is qualified in its entirely by the full text of the RSU Plan, which is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

 

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The Company’s RSU Plan dated April 2, 2020, was approved by Shareholders at the annual meeting held on May 13, 2020, and was implemented to provide for a wide range of incentive plans to attract, retain and encourage eligible employees, directors and consultants of the Company due to the opportunity offered to them to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and to secure for the Company and Shareholders the benefits inherent in the ownership of Common Shares by such persons. Each RSU granted, subject to the terms of the RSU Plan, entitles such holder to receive one Common Share.

 

The aggregate maximum number of Common Shares available for issuance under the RSU Plan shall not exceed 2,514,118 Common Shares (being 0.8% of the outstanding Common Shares as at both December 31, 2024 and May 9, 2025). In addition, the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to RSUs, together with Common Shares issuable under all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company (which, for purposes of this summary, excludes the 500,000 Common Shares issuable to the Company’s Chairperson as “bonus shares”), shall not exceed 10% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis). As at December 31, 2024, a total of 821,040 RSUs were outstanding under the RSU Plan, representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares, and 1,437,100 RSUs remained available for grant, representing 0.4% of the outstanding Common Shares. As at May 9, 2025, a total of 982,922 RSUs were outstanding under the RSU Plan, representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares, and 1,070,612 RSUs remained available for grant, representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares.

 

The maximum number of RSUs available for grant to any one person, in a 12-month period, pursuant to the RSU Plan and any other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, is 5% of the total number of Common Shares. In addition, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issuable at any time to insiders (as a group) pursuant to the RSU Plan, or together with any other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company is 10% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding. The maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued to insiders (as a group), within any one-year period, pursuant to the RSU Plan and any other security based compensation arrangements of the Company is 10% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding. Accordingly, as of May 9, 2025, a maximum of 1,070,612 RSUs remain available for grant to insiders (representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares) and as of December 31, 2024, a maximum of 1,437,100 RSUs remained available for grant to insiders (representing 0.4% of the outstanding Common Shares).

 

The maximum value of RSUs which may be granted to each director who is not also an eligible employee, together with all other security-based compensation arrangements, shall not exceed $150,000 (based on the closing trading price of the Common Shares on the grant date of an RSU in any financial year).

 

RSUs vest one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the date of grant.

 

The RSU Plan provides that RSUs may be granted by the Board, or, if the Board so delegates, by the HRCC which administers the RSU Plan to eligible employees, directors, officers and consultants of the Company or an affiliate as remuneration to such participant, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board. The number of RSUs awarded will be credited to the participant’s account effective as of the grant date.

 

For purposes of determining the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the RSU Plan, the number of Common Shares underlying any grants of RSUs that are surrendered, forfeited, waived, repurchased by the Company and/or cancelled without the Restricted Period (as defined below) having expired shall be added back to the RSU Plan and again be available for future grant, whereas the number of Common Shares underlying any grants of RSUs that are issued shall not be available for future grant.

 

Each RSU granted to a participant, subject to the terms of the RSU Plan, entitles such participant to receive one Common Share for each RSU on the date following the period of time that such RSU is not exercisable and the participant holding such RSU is ineligible to receive Common Shares (the “Restricted Period”) or such date after the after the Restricted Period to which the participant, other than a US Participant (as defined below), has elected to defer receipt of the Common Shares (the “Deferred Payment Date”) provided, that for a US Participant, the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the end of the Restricted Period and provided further, that

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such participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance. Participants who elect to set a Deferred Payment Date must give the Company written notice of one or more Deferred Payment Dates not later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period. Participants may change a Deferred Payment Date by providing written notice to the Company not later than thirty (30) days prior to the Deferred Payment Date.

 

The Board will have the absolute discretion to credit a participant with additional RSUs equal to the aggregate amount of any dividends that would have been paid to the participant if the RSUs had been Common Shares, divided by the market value of the Common Shares on the date on which dividends were paid by the Company. Market value, for this purpose, means the closing trading price of the Common Shares on the grant date, or other applicable date, as reported by the TSX.

 

Unless otherwise determined by the Board, in the event that any Restricted Period expires or, if applicable, any Deferred Payment Date occurs during, or within 48 hours after, a self-imposed blackout period on the trading of securities of the Company, such Restricted Period or Deferred Payment Date shall be automatically extended until 48 hours after such blackout period has expired.

 

If the employment or services of the participant that has been continuously employed by the Company or an affiliate since the date the RSUs were granted are terminated during the Restricted Period, for any reason other than death, disability, termination without cause or resignation for good reason, then, except as provided for in the RSU grant letter or as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, all RSUs will be forfeited by the participant (other than any vested RSUs that have been deferred prior to such termination or resignation), and be of no further force and effect, as of the date of termination or resignation. In the event of termination without cause or resignation for good reason during the Restricted Period, the Company shall issue forthwith Common Shares in accordance with the RSUs held by the participant on the date of termination, notwithstanding any applicable Deferred Payment Date, provided, that for a participant who would be subject to taxation under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a “US Participant”), the date of issuance or payment shall not be more than 90 days after the date of the participant’s termination or resignation and provided further, that such US Participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of payment. In the event of termination without cause or resignation for good reason following the Restricted Period and prior to the Deferred Payment Date, the Company shall issue forthwith Common Shares in accordance with the RSUs held by the participant. In the event of death, any Common Shares represented by RSUs held by the participant on the date of the participant’s death shall be immediately issuable by the Company notwithstanding any Deferred Payment Date, provided, that for a US Participant, the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the date of the participant’s death and provided further, that such participant’s estate does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance. In the event of the total disability of a participant, any Common Shares represented by RSUs held by the participant on the date on which the participant is determined to be totally disabled, shall be immediately issuable by the Company notwithstanding any applicable Deferred Payment Date(s), provided, that for a US Participant the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the date on which the participant is determined to be totally disabled and provided further, that such participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance. In the event of (i) a Change of Control (as defined in the RSU Plan), and (ii) within 12 months of such Change of Control the Company terminates the employment of the participant for any reason other than just cause, then all unvested RSUs outstanding shall immediately vest on the date of such termination, and the Company shall forthwith issue the Common Shares to the participant, notwithstanding any stated vesting period or any applicable Deferred Payment Date; provided, that for a US Participant, except as described below in this paragraph, the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the date of the participant’s termination and provided further, that such participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance. In any event, upon a Change of Control, participants shall not be treated any more favourably than Shareholders with respect to the consideration that the participants would be entitled to receive for their Common Shares, provided, however, that for a US Participant, any issuance must occur in full within five years of the date of the Change of Control.

 

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Pursuant to the terms of the RSU Plan, the Board or the HRCC, as the case may be, may discontinue or amend the RSU Plan at any time, provided that, without the consent of a participant, such discontinuance or amendment may not in any manner adversely affect the participant’s rights under any RSU granted under the RSU Plan.

 

The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory and Shareholder approval, make the following amendments to the RSU Plan or RSUs under the RSU Plan:

 

(a)amendments to increase the number of Common Shares, subject to the RSU Plan, which may be issued pursuant to the RSU Plan;

 

(b)amendments to the definition of “Participant” under the RSU Plan which would have the potential of narrowing, broadening or increasing insider participation;

 

(c)amendments to cancel and reissue RSUs;

 

(d)amendments to the amendment provisions of the RSU Plan;

 

(e)amendments that extend the term of an RSU;

 

(f)amendments to the participation limits as set out in the RSU Plan; or

 

(g)amendments that would permit RSUs, or any other right or interest of a participant under the RSU Plan, to be assigned or transferred, other than for normal estate settlement purposes.

 

The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approval, where required, but not subject to Shareholder approval, in its sole discretion make all other amendments to the RSU Plan or RSUs under the RSU Plan that are not of the type contemplated above, including, without limitation:

 

(a)amendments of a housekeeping nature;

 

(b)amendments to the vesting provisions of an RSU or the RSU Plan;

 

(c)amendments to the definitions, other than such definitions noted above;

 

(d)amendments to reflect changes to applicable securities laws; and

 

(e)amendments to ensure that the RSUs granted under the RSU Plan will comply with any provisions respecting income tax and other laws in force in any country or jurisdiction of which a participant to whom an RSU has been granted may from time to time be a resident, citizen or otherwise subject to tax therein.

 

Except as otherwise may be expressly provided for under the RSU Plan or pursuant to a will or by the laws of descent and distribution, no RSU and no other right or interest of a participant is assignable or transferable, and any such assignment or transfer in violation of the RSU Plan shall be null and void.

 

In the event there is any change to the Common Shares, whether by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision or reclassification, an appropriate adjustment shall be made by the Board in the number of Common Shares available under the RSU Plan and the number of Common Shares subject to any RSUs. If there is an increase in the number of Common Shares outstanding for any reason, other than by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision or reclassification as described above (for example, as a result of a private placement of Common Shares or the issuance of Common Shares in connection with the acquisition of an asset), there will be no adjustment to the number of Common Shares that a participant will receive under his or her RSU grant letter award and no adjustment to the number of Common Shares available under the RSU Plan. If the foregoing adjustment shall result in a fractional Common Share, the fraction shall be disregarded. All such adjustments shall be conclusive, final and binding for all purposes of the RSU Plan.

 

The RSU Plan was last approved by Shareholders at the annual and special meeting of the Company held on May 13, 2020.

 

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DEFERRED SHARE UNIT PLAN

 

The following provides a summary of the DSU Plan. The below summary is qualified in its entirely by the full text of the DSU Plan, which is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

 

The Company’s existing DSU Plan which, among other things, provides for the award of DSUs to directors who, at the relevant time, are not otherwise employees or consultants of the Company or of any of its affiliates, as further described below. Each DSU granted, subject to the terms of the DSU Plan, entitles such holder to receive one Common Share. The aggregate maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued under the DSU Plan shall not exceed 2,000,000 Common Shares (representing 0.6% of the outstanding Common Shares as at both December 31, 2024 and May 9, 2025). In addition, the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to DSUs, together with Common Shares issuable under all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, shall not exceed 10% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis). As at December 31, 2024, a total of 894,903 DSUs were outstanding under the DSU Plan, representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares, and 993,263 DSUs remained available for grant, representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares. As at May 9, 2025, 970,473 DSUs were outstanding under the DSU Plan, representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares, and 917,693 DSUs remain available for grant, representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares.

 

The maximum number of Common Shares issuable to any one person, in a 12-month period, pursuant to the DSU Plan and any other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company (which, for the purposes of this section excludes the 500,000 Common Shares issuable to the Company’s Chairperson as “bonus shares”), is 5% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding. The maximum number of Common Shares which may be issuable at any time to insiders (as a group) pursuant to the DSU Plan and any other security based compensation arrangements of the Company is 10% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding. The maximum number of DSUs which may be granted to insiders (as a group), within any one year period, pursuant to the DSU Plan and any other security based compensation arrangements of the Company is 10% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding. Accordingly, as of May 9, 2025, a maximum of 917,693 DSUs remain available for grant to insiders (representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares) and as of December 31, 2024, a maximum of 993,263 DSUs remained available for grant to insiders (representing 0.3% of the outstanding Common Shares.

 

The maximum value of DSUs which may be granted to each eligible director who is not also an employee or consultant of the Company or any affiliate, together with all security based compensation arrangements of the Company, shall not exceed $150,000 (based on the market value of the DSUs) in any financial year.

 

DSUs vest immediately upon award. However, DSUs can only be redeemed when the DSU holder ceases to be a director of the Company.

 

The following table sets out the burn rate of DSUs for the three most recently completed financial years:

 

Year   DSUs Awarded   Weighted Average Securities
Outstanding
  Burn Rate
2024   192,976   333,910,093   0.1%
2023   142,202   311,482,000   0.0%
2022   69,290   272,202,000   0.0%

 

The purpose of the DSU Plan is to strengthen the alignment of interests between the eligible directors and Shareholders by linking a portion of annual director compensation, as determined by the Board from time to time, to the future value of the Common Shares. In addition, the DSU Plan advances the interests of the Company by motivating, attracting and retaining the directors of the Company and its affiliates and encouraging their

 

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commitment and performance due to the opportunity offered to them to receive compensation in line with the value of the Common Shares. The DSU Plan is administered by the Board, or, if the Board so delegates, by the HRCC. The Board has full discretionary authority to administer the DSU Plan, including the authority to interpret and construe any provision of the DSU Plan and to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations for administering the DSU Plan as the Board deems necessary to comply with the provisions of the DSU Plan.

 

For purposes of determining the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the DSU Plan, the number of Common Shares underlying any grants of DSUs that are surrendered, forfeited, waived, repurchased by the Company and/or cancelled shall be added back to the DSU Plan and again be available for future grant, whereas the number of Common Shares underlying any grants of DSUs that are issued shall not be available for future grant.

 

Under the DSU Plan, non-executive directors may receive a grant of DSUs, as determined by the Board from time to time. Each DSU entitles the participant to payment in fully-paid Common Shares, issued from the treasury of the Company, a cash payment, in an amount equal to the number of DSUs held by the participant on the date the participant ceases to be an eligible director for any reason whatsoever (the “Separation Date”) multiplied by the fair market value of one Common Share on the date the DSU is redeemed, in lieu thereof, or any combination thereof, at the Board’s discretion. DSUs must be retained until the eligible director leaves the Board, at which time the DSUs will be paid out. In the event dividends are declared and paid, additional DSUs may be credited to reflect dividends paid on the Common Shares, at the absolute discretion of the Board. In such case, the number of additional DSUs will be equal to the aggregate amount of dividends that would have been paid to the participant if the DSUs in the participant’s account had been Common Shares divided by the market value of a Common Share on the date on which dividends were paid by the Company.

 

Unless otherwise determined by the Board, in the event that any Separation Date occurs during, or within 48 hours after a self-imposed blackout period on the trading of securities of the Company, settlement of the applicable DSUs will occur on the applicable Redemption Date (as defined in the DSU Plan).

 

Each outstanding DSU held by a participant shall be redeemed by the Company on the participant’s Separation Date, less applicable taxes and other source deductions required to be held by the Company. Fractional DSUs will be cancelled.

 

The Company or its affiliates may take such steps as are considered necessary or appropriate for the withholding of any taxes required to be paid by any law or regulation of any governmental authority whatsoever to withhold in connection with any payment or delivery of Common Shares or cash made under the DSU Plan including, without limitation, the withholding of all or any portion of any payment or the withholding of the issue of Common Shares to be issued under the DSU Plan, until such time as the participant has paid any amount which the Company and its affiliates are required to withhold with respect to such taxes. For greater certainty, immediately upon delivery of any Common Shares, the Company shall have the right to require that a participant sell a given number of Common Shares to the Company or an affiliate of the Company sufficient to cover any applicable withholding taxes and any other source deductions to be withheld by the Company in connection with payments made in satisfaction of the participant’s vested DSUs.

 

The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory and Shareholder approval, make the following amendments to the DSU Plan or to DSUs under the DSU Plan:

 

(a)amendments to increase the number of Common Shares which may be issued pursuant to the DSU Plan;

 

(b)amendments to the amendment provisions of the DSU Plan;

 

(c)amendments to cancel and reissue DSUs;

 

(d)amendments that extend the term of a DSU;

 

(e)amendments to the participation limits in the DSU Plan;

 

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(f)amendments that would permit DSUs to be transferred other than for normal estate settlement purposes; or

 

(g)materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the DSU Plan.

 

The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approval, where required, in its sole discretion, without Shareholder approval, make all other amendments to the DSU Plan or to DSUs under the DSU Plan that are not of the type contemplated above, including, without limitation:

 

(a)amendments of a housekeeping nature;

 

(b)amendments to the definitions;

 

(c)amendments to reflect changes to applicable securities laws; and

 

(d)amendments to ensure that the DSUs granted under the DSU Plan will comply with any provisions respecting income tax and other laws in force in any country or jurisdiction of which a participant to whom a DSU has been granted may from time to time be a resident or otherwise subject to tax therein.

 

Except as otherwise may be expressly provided for under the DSU Plan or pursuant to a will or by the laws of descent and distribution, no DSU and no other right or interest of a participant is assignable or transferable, and any such assignment or transfer in violation of the DSU Plan shall be null and void.

 

In the event there is any change to the Common Shares, whether by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision or reclassification, an appropriate adjustment shall be made by the Board with respect to the number of Common Shares available under the DSU Plan and the number of Common Shares subject to or underlying any DSU as the Board may determine. However, if there is an increase in the number of Common Shares outstanding for any reason other than by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision or reclassification as described above (for example, as a result of a private placement of Common Shares or the issuance of Common Shares in connection with the acquisition of an asset) there will be no adjustment to the number of Common Shares that a participant will receive under his or her DSU grant letter award and no adjustment to the number of Common Shares available under the DSU Plan.

 

If the foregoing adjustment shall result in a fractional Share, the fraction shall be disregarded. All such adjustments shall be conclusive, final and binding for all purposes of the DSU Plan.

 

The DSU Plan was last approved by Shareholders at the annual and special meeting of the Company held on June 12, 2019.

 

REPLACEMENT OPTION PLAN

 

The Company completed the acquisition of Gold Standard on August 12, 2022. Under the terms of the transaction, all GSV Options that were outstanding at such time were exchanged for Replacement Options based on an exchange ratio of 0.1193 of one Common Share for each Gold Standard share. 1,758,334 Replacement Options were originally issued. As of December 31, 2024, there were 34,449 Replacement Options outstanding, representing less than 0.1% of the outstanding Common Shares and, as of May 9, 2025, there were 10,903 Replacement Options outstanding, representing less than 0.1% of the outstanding Common Shares. No additional grants of Replacement Options will be made.

 

The Replacement Options held by or on behalf of an individual who continued as a director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company following its acquisition of Gold Standard are exercisable until the original expiry date of the exchanged GSV Options, and the Replacement Options held by or on behalf of an individual who did not continue as a director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company following the acquisition are exercisable until the earlier of August 12, 2024 and the original expiry date of the exchanged GSV Options. GSV Options were originally issued with a term of five years from the date of grant. Except as set out above, all other terms and conditions of the Replacement Option, including the vesting terms and conditions to and manner of exercising,

 

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will be the same as the GSV Option so exchanged, and will be governed by the terms of Gold Standard’s 2020 Option Plan (the “Replacement Option Plan”).

Under the Replacement Option Plan, if an optionee ceases to be a director, office, employee, consultant or management company employee of the Company or its affiliates due to termination without cause, only such Replacement Options that have vested will be exercisable for a period that is the earlier of (i) 90 days following the termination of the optionees relationship with the Company; or (ii) the expiry date of the grant of options. If an optionee ceases to be a director, office, employee, consultant or management company employee of the Company or its affiliates due to death or disability, only such Replacement Options that have vested will be exercisable for a period that is the earlier of (i) 12 months following the termination of the optionees relationship with the Company; or (ii) the expiry date of the grant of options. If an optionee who satisfies the definition of an individual consultant or management company employee, the optionee’s employer: (a) ceases to be employed or engaged by the Company and any of its subsidiaries for cause, as that term is interpreted by the courts of the jurisdiction in which the optionee or optionee’s employer is employed or engaged; (b) ceases to be a director/officer, employee, consultant or management company employee of the Company and any of its affiliates by order of any securities commission, recognized stock exchange, or any regulatory body having jurisdiction to so order; or (c) ceases to be eligible to hold office as a director of the Company and any of its subsidiaries under the provisions of the applicable corporate statute, only such Replacement Options that have vested will be exercisable for a period that is the earlier of (i) the date on which the optionee ceases to be in at least one of the categories of eligible persons under the plan; or (ii) the expiry date of the grant of options.

The Board may amend or terminate the Replacement Option Plan at any time if and when it is advisable; provided, however, that no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect any outstanding Replacement Options without the consent of the optionee. Any amendment to the Replacement Option Plan shall also be subject to any necessary approvals of any stock exchange or regulatory body having jurisdiction over the securities of the Company and, where applicable, the approval of the Shareholders. The types of amendments that do not require the approval of the Shareholders include, but are not limited to: (a) amendments of a ‘‘housekeeping’’ nature, including those required to clarify any ambiguity or rectify any inconsistency in the Replacement Option Plan; (b) amendments made to comply with any changes required by applicable regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over securities of the Company from time to time including, but not limited to, the TSX or other mandatory provisions of applicable law; (c) amendments which are advisable to accommodate changes in tax laws; (d) the extension of accelerated expiry dates to, but not beyond, the expiry date originally set at the time of the Replacement Option; (e) amendments to the vesting provisions of any Replacement Option; and (f) amendments to the terms of Replacement Options in order to maintain their value in connection with an adjustment in the Common Shares of the Company as contemplated under the Replacement Option Plan. The Board may not, without the prior approval of the Shareholders, make amendments to the Replacement Option Plan in certain circumstances, including: (a) to reduce the exercise price of any outstanding Replacement Option; (b) to extend the expiry date of any Replacement Options, except where the expiry date is extended because it would have occurred during a blackout period; (c) to amend the non-assignability provision contained the plan, except as otherwise permitted by the TSX or for estate planning or estate settlement purposes; (d) to add or change the provisions relating to any form of financial assistance provided by the Company to participants in the Replacement Option Plan that would facilitate the purchase of securities under the plan; and (e) to amend the amending provisions of the Replacement Option Plan.

All Replacement Options are non-assignable and non-transferable, except in the event of death of an optionee and, if issued to insiders or granted at an exercise price less than market price.

If a Replacement Option expiry date falls on a date which is during or within two business days from an applicable trading blackout, the expiry date will be extended to 10 days following the expiration of the blackout period.

 

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INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

None of the directors and executive officers, or former directors or executive officers, nor any associate of such individuals, of the Company is as at the date hereof, or has been, during the financial year ended December 31, 2024, indebted to the Company or its subsidiaries in connection with a purchase of securities or otherwise. In addition, no indebtedness of these individuals to another entity has been the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or similar arrangement or understanding with Orla or any of its subsidiaries.

 

INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS

Except as set forth below, Management is not aware of any material interest, direct or indirect, of any informed person of the Company, any proposed director or any associate or affiliate of any informed person or proposed director in any transaction since the commencement of our most recently completed financial year, or in any proposed transaction, that has materially affected or would materially affect Orla or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.

 

As discussed in further detail under the heading “Description of the Business – Three Year History – Developments During 2024” in the Company’s annual information form dated March 18, 2025, on November 17, 2024, the Company entered into a definitive share purchase agreement with Newmont for the acquisition of the Musselwhite Mine for upfront cash consideration of US$810 million and gold-price linked contingent consideration of US$40 million. The transaction closed on February 28, 2025. Newmont holds greater than 10% of the Common Shares of the Company and is therefore an informed person as defined in NI 51-102. Newmont has nominated Mr. Scott Langley, Group Head, Corporate Development of Newmont, to the Board. Mr. Langley declared his interest and recused himself from any Board discussions or voting in respect of the acquisition of Musselwhite. In connection with such acquisition, the Company also completed a concurrent private placement of $200 million in senior unsecured convertible notes with certain investors, including Fairfax (US$150 million) and Mr. Lassonde (US$14 million), both of whom hold greater than 10% of the Common Shares and are also informed persons as defined in NI 51-102. For additional information regarding the foregoing transactions, please also refer to the Company’s management information circular dated December 9, 2024, available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

OTHER BUSINESS

Management knows of no amendment, variation or other matter to come before the Meeting other than those set forth in the Notice of Meeting. However, if any other matter properly comes before the Meeting, the Common Shares represented by the accompanying proxy will be voted on such matter in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons voting the proxy.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

The CBCA permits certain eligible shareholders to submit shareholder proposals to the Company, which may be included in a management proxy circular relating to an annual meeting of shareholders. Shareholder proposals for the annual meeting of shareholders in 2026 must be received by the Company between January 25, 2026 and March 26, 2026. It is the Company’s position that Shareholder proposals need be recognized only if made in accordance with the provisions of the CBCA.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information relating to the Company can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional financial information is provided in the Company’s comparative financial

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statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and related and management’s discussion and analysis which can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov or on the Company’s website at www.orlamining.com. Shareholders may also obtain these documents, without charge, upon request at Orla Mining Ltd., Suite 1010 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3C9.

APPROVAL OF DIRECTORS

The contents and the sending of this Circular have been approved by the directors of the Company and a copy of this Circular has been sent to each director, the auditor of the Company and each Shareholder entitled to notice of the Meeting.

 

DATED as of the 9th day of May, 2025.

 

  Jason Simpson
  JASON SIMPSON
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

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SCHEDULE A

MANDATE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

ORLA MINING LTD.

 

MANDATE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The directors of Orla Mining Ltd. (the “Company” or “Orla”) are elected by the Company’s shareholders and are responsible for the stewardship of the business and affairs of the Company. The board of directors (the “Board”) seeks to discharge this responsibility by reviewing, discussing and approving the Company’s strategic planning and organizational structure and supervising management to oversee that the long-term operational and financial goals and organizational structure enhance and preserve the business of the Company and the underlying value of the Company.

 

1.DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board discharges its responsibility for overseeing the management of the Company’s business by delegating to the Company’s senior officers the responsibility for day-to-day management of the Company. The Board discharges its responsibilities both directly and through its standing committees; namely, the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, the Environmental, Sustainability, Health & Safety Committee and the Compensation Committee. In addition to these regular committees, the Board may appoint ad hoc committees periodically to address issues of a more short-term nature. The Board's primary roles are overseeing corporate performance and providing quality, depth and continuity of management to meet the Orla’s strategic objectives. Other principal duties include, but are not limited to, the following categories:

 

Appointment of Management

 

(a)The Board is responsible for approving the appointment of Orla’s Chief Executive Officer and other senior officers. The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers, senior management and key personnel of the Company.

 

(b)The Board from time to time delegates to senior management the authority to enter into transactions, such as financial transactions, subject to specified limits. Investments and other expenditures above the specified limits, and material transactions outside the ordinary course of business are reviewed by and are subject to the prior approval of the Board.

 

(c)The Board oversees that succession planning programs are in place, including the appointment and monitoring of senior management. The Board is responsible for approving succession plans for the Chief Executive Officer and the other senior officers of the Company.

 

Board Organization

 

(a)The Board is responsible for managing its own affairs including approving its composition and size, the selection of the Chair of the Board, candidates nominated for election to the Board, committee appointments and committee mandates.

 

(b)The Board may delegate to Board committees matters the Board is responsible for, including the approval of compensation matters relating to the Board, the conduct of performance evaluations and oversight of internal controls systems, but the Board retains its oversight function and ultimate responsibility for these matters and all other delegated responsibilities.

 

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Strategic Planning

 

(a)The Board has oversight responsibility to participate directly, and through its committees, in developing, reviewing and approving the business objectives and goals of the Company.

 

(b)The Board is responsible for reviewing the business, financial and strategic plans by which it is proposed that Orla may reach those goals.

 

(c)The Board is responsible for providing input to management on emerging trends and issues and on strategic plans, objectives and goals that management develops.

 

(d)The Board will consider alternate strategies in response to possible change of control transactions or take-over bids with a view of maximizing value for shareholders.

 

Monitoring of Financial Performance and Other Financial Reporting Matters

 

(a)The Board is responsible for enhancing congruence between shareholder expectations, corporate objectives and management performance.

 

(b)The Board is responsible for:

 

monitoring the Company’s progress toward its strategic and operational goals, and to revise its direction to management in light of changing circumstances affecting the Company; and

 

taking action when Orla’s performance falls short of its goals, or when other special circumstances warrant.

 

The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the annual consolidated audited financial statements, the interim consolidated financial statements, and the notes and management's discussion and analysis accompanying such financial statements, as well as Orla’s management information circular and annual information form.

 

The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving material transactions outside the ordinary course of business and those matters which the Board is required to approve under Orla's governing statute, including the payment of dividends, the issuance, purchase and redemption of securities, acquisitions and dispositions of material assets and material expenditures.

 

Risk Management

 

(a)The Board is responsible for the identification of the principal risks of the Company's business and ensuring the implementation of appropriate systems to effectively monitor and manage those risks with a view to the long-term viability of the Company and achieving a proper balance between the risks incurred and the potential return to Orla's shareholders.

 

Environmental Oversight

 

(a)The Board is responsible for ensuring the implementation of appropriate environmental stewardship and health and safety management systems, which are sufficient within the terms and practices of the mining industry, to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

 

Policies and Procedures

 

(a)The Board is responsible for:

 

approving and monitoring compliance with all significant policies and procedures by which the Company is operated;

 

approving policies and procedures designed to ensure that Orla operates at all times within applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with ethical and moral standards.

 

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The Board shall enforce its policy respecting confidential treatment of the Company’s proprietary information and the confidentiality of Board deliberations.

 

Communications and Reporting

 

(a)The Board will review from time to time as circumstances warrant the Company’s corporate disclosure procedures to address communications with shareholders, employees, financial analysts, governments and regulatory authorities, the media and the communities in which the business of the Company is conducted.

 

(b)The Board is responsible for:

 

overseeing the accurate reporting of the financial performance of the Company to shareholders, other security holders and regulators on a timely and regular basis;

 

overseeing that the financial results are reported fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and related legal disclosure requirements;

 

taking steps to enhance the timely disclosure of any other developments that have a significant and material impact on the Company;

 

reporting annually to shareholders on its stewardship for the preceding year; and

 

overseeing Orla's implementation of systems to accommodate feedback from shareholders.

 

2.ADOPTION

 

ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Board on December 6, 2016.

 

AMENDED AND APPROVED by the Board on August 10, 2020

 

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SCHEDULE B
Change of Auditor Reporting Package

 

(See Attached) 

 

 

 

 

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NOTICE OF CHANGE OF AUDITOR

 

TO:ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

AND TO:DELOITTE LLP

 

CC:British Columbia Securities Commission (Principal Regulator)

Alberta Securities Commission

Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan

Manitoba Securities Commission

Ontario Securities Commission

Autorité des Marchés Financiers

Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick

Nova Scotia Securities Commission

Financial and Consumer Services Division, Prince Edward Island

Office of the Superintendent of Securities Service, Newfoundland and Labrador

Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Northwest Territories

Office of the Yukon Superintendent of Securities

Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Nunavut

 

TAKE NOTICE THAT Orla Mining Ltd. (the “Corporation”) hereby provides notice pursuant to National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) of a change of auditors from Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) to Deloitte LLP (“Deloitte”) effective March 26, 2025.

 

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT:

 

1.At the request of the Corporation, E&Y, resigned as auditor of the Corporation effective March 26, 2025 and Deloitte has been appointed as auditor of the Corporation effective March 26, 2025.

 

2.The resignation of E&Y and the appointment of Deloitte in its place have been recommended by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) and approved by the Board.

 

3.The auditor’s report of E&Y on the financial statements of the Corporation for (a) the two most recently completed financial years of the Corporation; and (b) any period subsequent to the two most recently completed financial years of the Corporation and ending on March 26, 2025, did not express a modified opinion.

 

4.There are no reportable events (as defined under Section 4.11(1) of NI 51-102).

 

5.The Corporation has requested Deloitte and E&Y to each furnish a letter addressed to the securities administrators in each province and territory in which the Corporation is a reporting issuer stating whether or not they agree with the information contained in this notice. A copy of each such letter to the securities administrators will be filed with this notice.

 

DATED as of this 26th day of March, 2025.

 

  ORLA MINING LTD.  
     
     
     
  (signed) Etienne Morin  
  Name:  Etienne Morin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

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  Ernst & Young LLP
The Stack
1133 Melville St.
Suite 1900
Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5  

 

March 27, 2025

 

British Columbia Securities Commission (Principal Regulator)

Alberta Securities Commission

Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan

Manitoba Securities Commission

Ontario Securities Commission

Autorité des Marchés Financiers

Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick

Nova Scotia Securities Commission

Financial and Consumer Services Division, Prince Edward Island

Office of the Superintendent of Securities Service, Newfoundland and Labrador

Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Northwest Territories

Office of the Yukon Superintendent of Securities

Office of the Superintendent of Securities, Nunavut

 

Re:Orla Mining Ltd.

 

Notice of Change of Auditor dated March 26, 2025

 

 

 

Pursuant to National Instrument 51-102 (Part 4.11), we have read the above-noted Notice of Change of Auditor and confirm our agreement with the information contained in the Notice pertaining to our firm.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Chartered Professional Accountants

 

 

 

cc: The Board of Directors, Orla Mining Ltd.

 

Page B-3

 

 

 

Deloitte LLP
410 W. Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V6B 0S7
Canada

Tel: 604-669-4466
Fax: 604-685-0395
www.deloitte.ca

 

March 27, 2025

 

To:British Columbia Securities Commission

Alberta Securities Commission
Autorité des Marchés Financiers

Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan

Financial and Consumer Services Commission (New Brunswick)

Nova Scotia Securities Commission

Department of Justice and Public Safety, Financial and Consumer Services Division (Prince Edward Island)

Office of the Superintendent of Securities Service Newfoundland and Labrador

Ontario Securities Commission

The Manitoba Securities Commission

Office of the Superintendent of Securities (Northwest Territories)

Office of the Superintendent of Securities Nunavut

Office of the Yukon Superintendent of Securities

 

Dear Sirs/Mesdames:

 

As required by subparagraph (6)(a)(ii) of section 4.11 of National Instrument 51-102, we have reviewed the change of auditor notice of Orla Mining Ltd. dated March 26, 2025 (the “Notice”) and, based on our knowledge of such information at this time, we agree with statements (1), (2) and (5) as it relates to Deloitte LLP and we have no basis to agree or disagree with statements (3) to (4) contained in the Notice.

 

Yours truly,

 

 

/s/ Deloitte LLP

 

 

Chartered Professional Accountants

 

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SCHEDULE C
STOCK OPTION PLAN AMENDMENTS

 

(See Attached) 

 

 

 

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ORLA MINING LTD.

 

STOCK OPTION PLAN

 

EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 6, 2016, AND AMENDED May 24, 2018 AND, JUNE 12, 2019 and [●], 2025

 

1.PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this stock option plan (the “Plan”) is to authorize the grant to Eligible Persons (as such term is defined below) of Orla Mining Ltd. (the “Corporation”) of options to purchase common shares of the Corporation's capitalCommon Shares (as such term is defined below) and thus benefit the Corporation by enabling it to attract, retain and motivate Eligible Persons by providing them with the opportunity, through share options, to acquire an increased proprietary interest in the Corporation.

 

2.DEFINITIONS

 

(a)Act” means the Canada Business Corporations Act, or its successor, as amended, from time to time;

 

(b)Affiliate” means any corporation that is an affiliate of the Corporation as defined in National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus and Registration Exemptions, as may be amended from time to time;

 

(c)Blackout Period” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 8;

 

(a)Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation, or any committee of the board of directors to which the duties of the board of directors hereunder are delegated;

 

(d)Cause” with respect to an Eligible Person, shall have the following meaning, as applicable: (a) if the Eligible Person is party to an employment agreement, “Cause” as used herein has the same meaning as the definition of “Cause” set forth in the Eligible Person’s employment agreement with the Corporation or one of its Affiliates, for so long as such agreement is in effect, and (b) if no such effective agreement exists as to the Eligible Person, “Cause” as used herein means any action, omission, or other conduct that would constitute an employer’s just cause for the termination of employment at common law, including without limitation (i) gross misconduct or negligence by the Eligible Person which could have or does have a material adverse effect upon the Corporation; and (ii) the Eligible Person’s conviction of a criminal offence. If, within six (6) months following the Termination Date of an Eligible Person, the Corporation determines that the Eligible Person’s employment could have been terminated for Cause, the Eligible Person’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated for Cause retroactively to the date the events giving rise to such Cause occurred;

 

 

 

 

(e)(d) Change of Control” means, in respect of the Corporation: (i) if, as a result of or in connection with the election of directors, the people who were directors (or who were entitled under a contractual arrangement to be directors) of the Corporation before the election cease to constitute a majority of the Board, unless the directors have been nominated by management or approved by a majority of the previously serving directors; (ii) any transaction at any time and by whatever means pursuant to which any person or any group of two or more personsPersons acting jointly or in concert as a single control group or any affiliate (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation or in connection with a reorganization of the Corporation) or any one or more directors thereof hereafter has beneficially ownsbeneficial ownership” (as defined in the Act), directly or indirectly, or acquires the right to exercise control or direction over, voting securities of the Corporation representing 50% or more of the then issued and outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, as the case may be, in any manner whatsoever; (iii) the sale, assignment, lease or other transfer or disposition of more than 50% of the assets of the Corporation to a personPerson or any group of two or more personsPersons acting jointly or in concert (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation or in connection with a reorganization of the Corporation); (iv) the occurrence of a transaction requiring approval of the Corporation’s shareholders whereby the Corporation is acquired through consolidation, merger, exchange of securities involving all of the Corporation’s voting securities, purchase of assets, amalgamation, statutory arrangement or otherwise by any person or any group of two or more personsPersons acting jointly or in concert (other than a short-form amalgamation of the Corporation or an exchange of securities with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation or a reorganization of the Corporation); or (v) any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

(f)Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance thereunder;

 

(g)Common Shares” means the common shares in the capital of the Corporation, as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of this Plan;

 

(b)Company” means a corporation, incorporated association or organization, body corporate, partnership, trust, association or other entity other than an individual;

 

(c) Common Shares” means the common shares in the capital of the Corporation, as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Article Fifteen of this Plan;

 

(c)(d) Consultant” has the meaning set out in Sectionsection 2.22 of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus and Registration Exemptions, as may be amended or replaced from time to time.

 

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(d)(e) Corporation” means Orla Mining Ltd., a company duly incorporatedorganized under the federal laws of Canada;

 

(e)(f) Eligible Person” means any senior officer or director, Employee, Management Company Employee, Consultant of the Corporation or, its subsidiaries or Affiliates;

 

(f)(g) Employee” means:

 

(i)an individual who is considered an employee of the Corporation under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (and for whom income tax, employment insurance and CPPCanada Pension Plan deductions must be made at source);

 

(ii)an individual who works full-time for the Corporation providing services normally provided by an employee and who is subject to the same control and direction by the Corporation over the details and methods of work as an employee of the Corporation, but for whom income tax deductions are not made at source, or

 

(iii)an individual who works for the Corporation on a continuing and regular basis for a minimum amount of time per week (the number of hours should be disclosed in the submission) providing services normally provided by an employee and who is subject to the same control and direction by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries over the details and methods of work as an employee of the Corporation, but for whom income tax deductions are not made at source;

 

(g)(h) Exercise Price” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7;

 

(h)“Good Reason” with respect to an Eligible Person, shall have the following meaning, as applicable: (i) if the Eligible Person is party to an employment agreement, “Good Reason” as used herein has the same meaning as the definition of “Good Reason” set forth in the Eligible Person’s employment agreement with the Corporation or one of its Affiliates, for so long as such agreement is in effect, and (ii) if no such effective agreement exists as to the Eligible Person, “Good Reason” as used herein means:

 

(1)the failure of the Corporation to pay any amount due to the Employee in accordance with the Employee’s employment agreement with the Corporation, its subsidiaries or affiliates, as applicable, which failure persists for fifteen days after the Corporation receives the Employee’s notice of failure,

 

(2)any material reduction in the Employee’s title or a material reduction in their duties or responsibilities,

 

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(3)any material adverse change in the Employee’s annual base salary or group insurance benefits (other than changes that affect other comparably-situated employees of the Corporation to the same or a comparable extent), or

 

(4)the Corporation’s material breach of the applicable employment agreement, which breach has not been cured by the Corporation within fifteen days after receipt of notice from the Employee specifying, in reasonable detail, the nature of the breach or failure.

 

(i)Insider” means an “Insider” as defined in the TSX Company Manual;

 

(j)Management Company Employee” means an individual employed by a Person providing management services to the Corporation, which are required for the ongoing successful operation of the business enterprise of the Corporation;

 

(a)Non-Employee Director” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5(d);

 

(b)(k) Person” means a Company or individual;

 

(c)Section 409A” means section 409A of Code;

 

(d)Securities Laws” means securities legislation, securities regulation and securities rules, as amended, and the binding policies, notices, instruments and blanket orders in force from time to time that are applicable to the Corporation;

 

(e)(l) Security Based Compensation Arrangement” includes, without limitation: (i) stock option plans for the benefit of employees, insidersEmployees, Insiders, service providers or any one of such groups; (ii) individual stock options granted to employeesEmployees, service providers or insidersInsiders if not granted pursuant to a plan previously approved by the Corporation’s security holders; (iii) stock purchase plans where the Corporation provides financial assistance or where the Corporation matches the whole or a portion of the securities being purchased; (iv) stock appreciation rights involving issuances of securities from treasury; (v) any other compensation or incentive mechanism involving the issuance or potential issuances of securities of the Corporation; and (vi) security purchases from treasury by an employee, insiderEmployee, Insider or service provider which is financially assisted by the Corporation by any means whatsoever, but shall not include the 500,000 Common Shares issuable to the Corporation’s Chairperson as “bonus shares” and the 1,000,000 Common Shares issuable to the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer as “bonus shares”;; and for the purposes of this definition, a “service provider” means a Person engaged by the Corporation to provide services for an initial, renewable or extended period of twelve months or more;

 

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(m) Securities Laws” means securities legislation, securities regulation and securities rules, as amended, and the policies, notices, instruments and blanket orders in force from time to time that are applicable to the Corporation;

 

(f)Tax Act” means the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time.

 

(g)Termination Date” means: (i) in the case of an Eligible Person who is an officer or employee whose employment with the Corporation terminates (regardless of whether the termination is lawful or unlawful, with or without Cause, and whether it is the employee or the Corporation that initiates the termination), the later of: (x) if and only to the extent required to comply with the minimum standards of the applicable employment standards legislation, the last day of the applicable minimum statutory notice period applicable to the optionee pursuant to the applicable employment standards legislation, if any; and (y) the date that is designated by the Corporation, as the last day of the employee’s employment with the Corporation provided that in the case of termination of employment by resignation by the employee, such date shall not be earlier than the date notice of resignation was given; and, in the case of either (x) or (y), without regard to any applicable period of reasonable notice or contractual notice to which the employee may claim to be entitled under common law, civil law, or pursuant to contract in respect of a period which follows the last day that the employee actually and actively provides services to the Corporation as specified in the notice of termination provided by the Corporation; (ii) in the case of an Eligible Person who is a Consultant of the Corporation, the date on which the Consultant of the Corporation engagement is terminated without regard to any applicable period of notice to which the Consultant of the Corporation may claim to be entitled under common law, civil law or pursuant to contract in respect of a period which follows the last day that the Consultant of the Corporation actually and actively provides services to the Corporation; or (iii) in the case of an Eligible Person who is a Non-Employee Director, the date on which the Eligible Person ceases to be a director of the Board;

 

(h)(n) TSX” means the Toronto Stock Exchange; and

 

(i)(o) TSX Company Manual” means the TSX Company Manual setting forth the rules and policies of the TSX, as the same may be amended from time to time.; and

 

(j)U.S. Participant” means an Eligible Person who would be subject to taxation under the Code in respect to payments derived from grants under the Plan.

 

3.ADMINISTRATION

 

The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a committee of independent directors established by the Board for that purpose. Subject to approval of the granting of options by the Board, the Corporation shall grant options under the Plan.

 

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Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board shall have authority to construe and interpret the Plan and all option agreements entered into thereunder, to define the terms used in the Plan and in all option agreements entered into thereunder, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. All determinations and interpretations made by the Board shall be binding and conclusive on all participants in the Plan and on their legal personal representatives and beneficiaries.

 

4.SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN

 

Subject to adjustment under the provisions of Section 15 and the limits in Section 5, 5, effective as of June 24, 2025, being the date that amendments to the Plan were last approved by shareholders of the Corporation, the aggregate number of Common Shares which may be available for issuance under the Plan will not exceed 10% of the total number of7,000,000 Common Shares of the Corporation issued and outstanding from time to time. Under no circumstances may the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to stockupon exercise of the options. In the event that any options granted under the Plan, together with Common Shares issuable under all Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, exceed 10% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding. are surrendered, terminated or expire without being exercised, in whole or in part, new options may be granted covering the Common Shares not purchased under such surrendered, terminated or expired options.

 

The Corporation shall not, upon the exercise of any option, be required to issue or deliver any Common Shares prior to (a) the admission of such Common Shares to listing on any stock exchange on which the Common Shares may then be listed, and (b) the completion of such registration or other qualification of such Common Shares under any law, rules or regulation as the Corporation shall determine to be necessary or advisable. If any Common Shares cannot be issued to any optionee for whatever reason, the obligation of the Corporation to issue such Common Shares shall terminate and any option exercise priceExercise Price paid to the Corporation shall be returned to the optionee.

 

5.LIMITS ON SHARES ISSUABLE

 

(a)The maximum aggregate number of Common Shares which may be reserved for issuance to any one Eligible Person under the Plan, together with all other Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the time of grant (on a non-diluted basis);

 

(b)The maximum number of Common Shares which may issuable at any time to Insiders (as a group) under the Plan, or together with any other Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, shall benot exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the time of the grant (on a non-diluted basis);

 

(c)The maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued within any one yearone-year period to Insiders (as a group) under the Plan, or together with any

 

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other Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, shall benot exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; and

 

(d)The maximum equity value which may be granted by the Corporation to each non-Employee director (“Non-Employee Director”) under the Plan, together with all Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, shall not exceed $150,000 in any fiscal year, of which not more than $100,000 may be in the form of stock options granted under this Plan (the “Non-Employee Director Participation Limits”). The Non-Employee Director Participation Limits do not apply where the Corporation is making an initial grant to a new Non-Employee Director upon that personPerson joining the Board.

 

6.ELIGIBILITY

 

Options shall be granted only to Eligible Persons, any registered savings plan established by an Eligible Person or any Company wholly-owned by an Eligible Person.

 

For stock options granted to Employees, Consultants or Management Company Employees, the Corporation must represent that the optionee is a bona fide Employee, Consultant or Management Company Employee, as the case may be. The terms “controlled” and “subsidiary” shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Securities Act (British Columbia) from time to time. Subject to the foregoing, the Board, shall have full and final authority to determine the personsPersons who are to be granted options under the Plan and the number of Common Shares subject to each option.

 

The terms of Appendix 1 shall apply to U.S. Participants, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any option agreement between the Corporation and such U.S. Participants. For the avoidance of doubt, Appendix 1 shall not apply to any Eligible Person who is not a U.S. Participant.

 

7.EXERCISE PRICE

 

The exercise price (the “Exercise Price”) for the Common Shares under each option shall be determined by the Board on the basis of the market price, where “market price” shall mean the prior trading day closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX, and where there is no such closing price or trade on the prior trading day, “market price”' shall mean the average of the daily high and low board lot trading prices of the Common Shares on the TSX for the five (5) immediately preceding trading days. In the event the Common Shares are not listed on any stock exchange and do not trade on any dealing network, the market price will be determined by the Board.

 

8.TERM OF OPTIONS

 

The period within which an option may be exercised and the number of Common Shares which may be issuable upon the exercise of options in any such period shall be determined by the Board at the time of granting the options provided, however, that all options shall not be granted for a term exceeding 10seven (7) years from the date of the option grant.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the expiry date of an option expires during, or within 48 hours10 business days of a trading blackout period imposed by the Corporation (a “Blackout Period”),  and neither the Corporation nor the individual in possession of the options is subject to a cease trade order in respect of the Corporation’s securities, then the expiry date of such option shall be automatically extended to the 10th business day following the end of the Blackout Period.

 

On the expiry date of any option granted under the Plan, and subject to any extension of such expiry date permitted in accordance with the Plan, such option hereby granted shall forthwith expire and terminate and be of no further force or effect whatsoever as to such of the optioned shares (as such term is defined below) in respect of which the option has not been exercised.

 

9.EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

 

Standard Exercise. Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the particular option, an option may be exercised from time to time following the date of grant and up to 5:00 p.m. localVancouver time on the expiry date by delivering to the Corporation at its registered office a written notice of exercise specifying the number of Common Shares with respect to which the option is being exercised (the “optioned shares”) and accompanied by payment in cash or, certified cheque, wire transfer or other electronic means for the full amount of the purchase price of the Common Shares then being purchasedoptioned shares and any amount required to be withheld for tax purposes as determined and calculated by the Corporation. Certificates for such optioned shares shall be issued and delivered to the optionee within a reasonable time following the receipt of such notice and payment.

 

Net Exercise. Unless otherwise specified by the Board, an optionee may, in lieu of a standard exercise of an option, elect, by written notice to the Corporation, and subject to the approval of the Corporation, in its sole discretion, to surrender such option to the Corporation (a “Net Exercise”) in consideration for Common Shares equal to: (i) the market price of the Common Shares issuable on the exercise of such options (or portion thereof being exercised) as of the date such options (or portion thereof being exercised) are exercised, less (ii) the aggregate Exercise Price of the options (or portion thereof being exercised) surrendered relating to such Common Shares and any applicable withholding taxes (the “In-the-Money Amount”). The written notice to the Corporation shall indicate the number of options such optionee wishes to exercise using the Net Exercise, and such other information that the Corporation may require. If the Net Exercise is approved by the Corporation, the Corporation shall satisfy payment of the In-the-Money Amount by delivering to the optionee such number of Common Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole number) as determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

a = b x ((c – d)/c)

 

where:

 

a =the number of Common Shares to be issued to the optionee pursuant to the Net Exercise
b =the number of Common Shares under the options being exercised pursuant to Net Exercise

 

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c =the market price of the Common Shares as of the date of exercise of the options being exercised pursuant to the Net Exercise
d =the Exercise Price of the options being exercised pursuant to Net Exercise and any applicable withholding taxes

 

For purposes of any Net Exercise of an option, “market price” shall have the same meaning as ascribed to that term in Section 7.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right (a “Right”) may be provided in tandem with an option granted hereunder at the discretion of the Board, whereby an optionee has the right, when entitled to exercise an option, to provide notice in writing to the Corporation, to settle such option in whole and, in lieu of receiving Common Shares pursuant to the exercise of the options, receive instead the net value of the option settled. The net value is determined by the difference between the market price on the day immediately prior to the date of the exercise of the Right, and the option exercise price, less any amount required to be withheld for tax purposes as determined and calculated by the Corporation. The net value will be paid to the optionee in cash. Any Right to be provided with an option must first be approved by the Board at the time the option is granted or at any time prior to expiry of the option. References in this Plan to options are deemed to include any Rights provided in tandem with options, as permissible in the context used.

 

Upon the exercise of a Right granted in connection with an option, the option shall be cancelled (i.e., surrendered to the Corporation) to the extent of the number of Common Shares to which the Right is exercised, and upon the exercise of an option granted in connection with a Right, the Right shall be cancelled (i.e. surrendered to the Corporation) to the extent of the number of Common Shares to which the option is exercised.

 

If an optionee exercises a Right granted in connection with an Option, or elects a Net Exercise in connection with an Option, to the extent that such optionee would be entitled to a deduction under paragraph 110(1)(d) of the Tax Act in respect of such exercise if the election described in subsection 110(1.1) of the Tax Act were made and filed (and the other procedures described therein were undertaken) on a timely basis after such exercise, the Corporation will cause such election to be so made and filed (and such other procedures to be so undertaken).

 

10.VESTING RESTRICTIONS

 

Options issued under the Plan may vest and become exercisable at the discretion of the Board.

 

Unless otherwise determined by the Board in its discretion at the time of the grant, the options issued under the Plan shall vest and become exercisable as follows: (i) one-third of the options granted hereunder shall vest and become exercisable on the first anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) one-third of the options granted hereunder shall vest and become exercisable on the second anniversary of the date of grant; and (iii) one-third of the options granted hereunder shall vest and become exercisable on the third anniversary of the date of grant.

 

11.EVIDENCE OF OPTIONS

 

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Each option granted under the Plan shall be embodied in a written option agreement between the Corporation and the optionee which shall give effect to the provisions of the Plan.

 

12.CESSATION OF PROVISION OF SERVICES

 

Subject to Section 13 below, if any optionee ceases to be an Eligible Person of the Corporation for any reason other than as a result of having been dismissed for causeCause as provided or as a result of the optionee'soptionee’s death, such optionee shall have the right for a period of 90 days (or until the normal expiry date of the option rights of such optionee, if earlier) from the date of ceasing to be an Eligible PersonTermination Date to exercise the option under the Plan with respect to all options of such optionee to the extent they were vested and exercisable on the date of ceasing to be either an Eligible PersonTermination Date, subject to any extension or further vesting authorized by the Board (such extension not to exceed the normal expiry date of the option rights of such optionee). Upon the expiration of such 90-day (or later) period, all unexercised option rights of that optionee shall immediately become terminated and shall lapse notwithstanding the original term of option granted to such optionee under the Plan. For certainty, such Eligible Person shall have no rights with respect to any further grants of options under the Plan and such Eligible Person shall have no claim for damages in lieu of such terminated and lapsed options.

 

If an optionee ceases to be either an Eligible Person as a result of having been dismissed from any such position for causeCause, all unexercised option rights of that optionee under the Plan shall terminate immediately become terminatedon the Termination Date and shall lapse, notwithstanding the original term of the option granted to such optionee under the Plan. For certainty, following the Termination Date, such Eligible Person shall have no rights with respect to any further grants of options under the Plan and such Eligible Person shall have no claim for damages in lieu of such terminated and lapsed options.

 

13.DEATH OF OPTIONEE

 

In the event of the death of an optionee during the currency of the optionee'soptionee’s option, the option theretofore granted to the optionee shall vest and be exercisable within, but only within, the period of one year next succeeding the optionee'soptionee’s death or until the normal expiry date of the option rights of such optionee, if earlier.

 

14.NON-ASSIGNABILITY AND NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION

 

An option granted under the Plan shall be non-assignable and non-transferable by an optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and such option shall be exercisable, during an optionee'soptionee’s lifetime, only by the optionee.

 

15.ADJUSTMENTS IN SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN

 

The aggregate number and kind of Common Shares available under the Plan shall be appropriately adjusted in the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Corporation. The options granted under the Plan may contain such provisions as the Board may determine with respect to adjustments to be made in the

 

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number and kind of Common Shares covered by such options and in the option priceExercise Price in the event of any such change.

 

16.EFFECT OF A TAKE-OVER BID

 

If a bona fide offer ( an “Offer”) for Common Shares is made to shareholders of the Corporation generally or to a class of shareholders which includes the optionee, which Offer, if accepted in whole or in part, would result in the offeror becoming a control person of the Corporation, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities lawsSecurities Laws, the Corporation shall, immediately upon receipt of notice of the Offer, notify each holder of stock options of full particulars of the Offer, whereupon (subject to the approval of the TSX) all optioned shares subject to such stock option will become vested and the stock option may be exercised in whole or in part so as to permit the optionee to tender the optioned shares received upon such exercise, pursuant to the Offer. However, if: (a) the Offer is not completed within the time specified therein; or (b) all of the optioned shares tendered pursuant to the Offer are not taken up or paid for by the offeror in respect thereof, then the optioned shares received upon such exercise, or in the case of clause (b) above, the optioned shares that are not taken up and paid for, may be returned by the optionee to the Corporation and reinstated as authorized but unissued Common Shares and with respect to such returned optioned shares, the stock option shall be reinstated as if it had not been exercised and the terms upon which such optioned shares were to become vested pursuant to this paragraph shall be reinstated. If any optioned shares are returned to the Corporation under this paragraph, the Corporation shall immediately refund the exercise priceExercise Price to the optionee for such optioned shares.

 

17.CHANGE OF CONTROL

 

In the event of (i) a Change of Control, and (ii) within 12 months of such Change of Control the Corporation terminates the employment or other contractual arrangement of the Eligible Person for any reason other than just causefor Cause, or the Eligible Person resigns for Good Reason” as defined in the employment agreement, then all of a that Eligible Person’s stock options will immediately vest on the date of such termination. In such event, all vested stock options will be exercisable, conditionally or otherwise, from such date until their respective expiry dates, subject to the terms of any employment agreement or other contractual arrangement between the Eligible Person and the Corporation. For greater certainty, upon a Change of Control, holders of stock options shall not be treated any more favourably than holders of Common Shares with respect to the consideration that such Eligible Persons would be entitled to receive.

 

If the Eligible Person elects to exercise its stock options following a Change of Control, the holder of stock options shall be entitled to receive, and shall accept, in lieu of the number of Common Shares which hethe Eligible Person was entitled upon such exercise, the kind and amount of shares and other securities, property or cash which such holder could have been entitled to receive as a result of such Change of Control, on the effective date thereof, had he or she been the registered holder of the number of Common Shares to which he was entitled to purchase upon exercise of such stock options.

 

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18.EMPLOYMENT

 

Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer upon any optionee any right with respect to employment or continuance of employment with the Corporation or any subsidiary, or interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation, or any subsidiary, to terminate the optionee’s employment at any time. Participation in the Plan by an optionee is voluntary.

 

19.NO SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PRIOR TO EXERCISE

 

An optionee shall have no rights whatsoever as a shareholder in respect of any of the optioned shares (including any right to receive dividends or other distributions therefrom or thereon) other than in respect of optioned shares in respect of which the optionee shall have exercised the option to purchase hereunder and which the optionee shall have actually taken up and paid for.

 

20.TAXES

 

The Corporation shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require an optionee to remit to the Corporation, the required amount to satisfy federal, provincial and local taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of the Plan, including the grant or exercise of any option granted under the Plan. With respect to any required withholding, the Corporation shall have the irrevocable right to, and the optionee consents to, the Corporation setting off any amounts required to be withheld, in whole or in part, against amounts otherwise owing by the Corporation to the optionee (whether arising pursuant to the optionee'soptionee’s relationship as a director, officer, employee or consultant of theEmployee or Consultant of the Corporation or otherwise), or may make such other arrangements that are satisfactory to the optionee and the Corporation. In addition, the Corporation may elect, in its sole discretion, to satisfy the withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by withholding such number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the options as it determines are required to be sold by the Corporation, as trustee, to satisfy any withholding obligations net of selling costs. The optionee consents to such sale and grants to the Corporation an irrevocable power of attorney to effect the sale of such Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the options and acknowledges and agrees that the Corporation does not accept responsibility for the price obtained on the sale of such Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the options.

 

21.AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

 

The Board may terminate, discontinue or amend the Plan at any time, provided that, without the consent of an option holder, such termination, discontinuance or amendment may not in any manner adversely affect such optionee’s rights under any stock option granted under the Plan.

 

The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory and shareholder approval, make the following amendments to the Plan or options under the Plan:

 

a)amendments to increase the number of Common Shares which may be issued

 

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pursuant to the Plan, other than adjustments by virtue of Section 1515;

 

b)amendments to reduce the exercise priceExercise Price, or cancel and reissue stock options;

 

c)amendments that extend the term of a stock option beyond the original expiry;

 

d)amendments to the definition of “Eligible Persons” under the Plan that may permit the introduction or reintroduction of Non-Employee Directors on a discretionary basis or amendments that increase limits previously imposed on Non-Employee Director participation in Section 55;

 

e)amendments to Section 1414 that would permit stock options, or any other right or interest of an optionee under the Plan, to be assigned or transferred, other than for normal estate settlement purposes;

 

f)amendments to this Section 2121 of the Plan; or

 

g)amendments to the participation limits in Section 55.

 

The Board may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approval (where required), but not subject to shareholder approval, in its sole discretion make all other amendments to the Plan or options under the Plan that are not of the type contemplated above, including, without limitation:

 

a)amendments of a housekeeping nature;

 

b)amendments to the exercise procedures or vesting provisions of a stock option or the Plan;

 

c)amendments to the definitions, other than such definitions noted in this Section 2121 above;

 

d)to the take-over bid provisions provided for in Section 1616 or the change of controlChange of Control provisions provided for in Section 1717. For greater certainty, any change made to Section 1616 or Section 1717 shall not allow optionees to be treated any more favourably than other holders of Common Shares with respect to the consideration that the optionees would be entitled to receive for their Common Shares in the event of a take-over bid or upon a Change of Control;

 

e)amendments to reflect changes to applicable securities lawsSecurities Laws; and

 

f)amendments to ensure that the stock options granted under the Plan will comply with any provisions respecting income tax and other laws in force in any country or jurisdiction of which aan Eligible Person to whom a stock option has been granted may from time to time be a resident, citizen or otherwise subject to tax therein.

 

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22.EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN

 

The Plan becomes effective on the date of its approval by the shareholders of the Corporation.

 

23.GOVERNING LAW

 

This Plan shall be construed in accordance with and be governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and shall be deemed to have been made in said Province, and shall be in accordance with all applicable securities lawsSecurities Laws.

 

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APPENDIX 1

 

TERMS APPLICABLE TO U.S. PARTICIPANTS

 

1.The Plan, and any option or other award granted hereunder, is intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A.

 

2.In no event will any option be granted to any U.S. Participant with an Exercise Price below fair market value on the date of grant, as determined under Section 409A.

 

3.The Plan, and all awards granted hereunder, are intended to be exempt from the provisions of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, under no circumstances shall any payment be made, or Common Shares distributed, on any event unless it is also a permissible payment event within the meaning of Section 409A and United States Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3. In the event that any award granted under the Plan is not exempt from Section 409A, the provisions of the Plan shall be interpreted such that it complies with Section 409A. A payment is subject to Section 409A becomes due to an Eligible Person who is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A on account of the Eligible Person’s “separation from service” with the Corporation (determined in accordance with Section 409A), it shall be made on the date that is six months after the date of the Eligible Person’s separation from service or, if earlier, the Eligible Person’s date of death. The Corporation bears no liability to any US Participant in the event any award fails to comply with Section 409A.

 

15

 

 

SCHEDULE D
RSU PLAN AMENDMENTS

 

(See Attached)

 

Page D-1

 

 

 

ORLA MINING LTD.

 

2020 RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT PLAN

 

EFFECTIVE APRIL 2, 2020, AND AS AMENDED [l], 2025

 

Article One

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

Section 1.01 Definitions: For the purposes of this Plan, unless such word or term is otherwise defined herein or the context in which such word or term is used herein otherwise requires, the following words and terms with the initial letter or letters thereof capitalized shall have the following meanings:

 

A.Act” means the Canada Business Corporations Act, or its successor, as amended, from time to time;

 

B.Affiliate” means any corporation that is an affiliate of the Corporation as defined in National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus and Registration Exemptions, as may be amended from time to time;

 

C.Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation;

 

D.Cause” with respect to a Participant has the meaning, shall have the following meaning, as applicable: (a) if the Participant is party to an employment agreement, “Cause” as used herein has the same meaning as the definition of “Cause” set forth in the Participant’s employment agreement with the Corporation or one of its Affiliates;, for so long as such agreement is in effect, and (b) if no such effective agreement exists as to the Participant, “Cause” as used herein means any action, omission, or other conduct that would constitute an employer’s just cause for the termination of employment at common law, including without limitation (i) gross misconduct or negligence by the Participant which could have or does have a material adverse effect upon the Corporation; and (ii) the Participant’s conviction of a criminal offence. If, within six (6) months following a Participant’s Termination, the Corporation determines that the Participant’s employment could have been terminated for Cause, the Participant’s employment shall be deemed to have been terminated for Cause retroactively to the date the events giving rise to such Cause occurred;

 

E.Change of Control” means, in respect of the Corporation: (i) if, as a result of or in connection with the election of directors, the people who were directors (or who were entitled under a contractual arrangement to be directors) of the Corporation before the election cease to constitute a majority of the Board, unless the directors have been nominated by management or approved by a majority of the previously serving directors; (ii) any transaction at any time and by whatever means pursuant to which any person or any group of two or more persons acting jointly or in concert as a single control group or any affiliate (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation or in connection with a reorganization of the Corporation) or any one or more directors thereof hereafter has beneficially ownsbeneficial ownership” (as defined in the Act) directly or indirectly, or acquires the right to exercise control or direction over, voting securities of the Corporation representing 50% or more of the then issued and outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, as the case may be, in any

 

 

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manner whatsoever; (iii) the sale, assignment, lease or other transfer or disposition of more than 50% of the assets of the Corporation to a person or any group of two or more persons acting jointly or in concert (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation or in connection with a reorganization of the Corporation); (iv) the occurrence of a transaction requiring approval of the Corporation’s shareholders whereby the Corporation is acquired through consolidation, merger, exchange of securities involving all of the Corporation’s voting securities, purchase of assets, amalgamation, statutory arrangement or otherwise by any person or any group of two or more persons acting jointly or in concert (other than a short-form amalgamation of the Corporation or an exchange of securities with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation or a reorganization of the Corporation); or (v) any sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation other than in the ordinary course of business;

 

F.Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance thereunder;

 

G.Committee” means the Board or, if the Board so determines in accordance with Section 2.03 of the Plan, the committee of the Board authorized to administer the Plan which includes any compensation committee of the Board;

 

H.Corporation” means Orla Mining Ltd., a corporation existing under the Act, and includes any successor corporation thereof;

 

I.Deferred Payment Date” means the date, for a Participant under the Plan, after the Restricted Period to which the Participant has elected to defer receipt of the Shares;

 

J.Director” means a member of the Board, or a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate, from time to time;

 

K.Disability” with respect to a Participant, has the meaningshall have the following meaning, as applicable: (a) if the Participant is party to an employment agreement, “Disability” as used herein has the same meaning as the definition of “Disability” set forth in suchthe Participant’s employment or consulting agreement with the Corporation or one of its Affiliates;, for so long as such agreement is in effect, and (b) if no such effective agreement exists as to the Participant, “Disability” as used herein means the Participant’s total inability to fulfil their duties on behalf of the Corporation for a continuous period of six months or more, subject to the Corporation’s requirement for reasonable accommodation;

 

L.Eligible Consultant” has the meaning of “Consultant” set out in Sectionsection 2.22 of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus and Registration Exemptions, as may be amended or replaced from time to time;

 

M.Eligible Employees” means (a) an individual who is considered an employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (and for whom income tax, employment insurance and CPPCanada Pension Plan deductions must be made at source); (b) an individual who works full-time for the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries providing services normally provided by an employee and who is subject to the same control and direction by the

 

 

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Corporation over the details and methods of work as an employee of the Corporation, but for whom income tax deductions are not made at source; or (c) an individual who works for the Corporation or its subsidiary on a continuing and regular basis for a minimum amount of time per week (the number of hours should be disclosed in the submission) providing services normally provided by an employee and who is subject to the same control and direction by the Corporation over the details and methods of work as an employee of the Corporation but for whom income tax deductions are not made at source;

 

N.Fair Market Value” means, at any date, the higher of: (i) weighted average price per share at which the Shares have traded on the TSX during the last five (5) trading days prior to that date; and (ii) the closing price of the Shares on the TSX on the date prior to the relevant date or, if the Shares are not then listed and posted for trading on the TSX, then on such stock exchange on which the Shares are then listed and posted for trading as may be selected for such purpose by the Board, or, if the Shares are not then listed and posted for trading on any stock exchange, then it shall be the fair market value per Share as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion; and for such purposes, the weighted average price per share at which the Shares have traded on the TSX or on any other stock exchange shall be calculated by dividing: (i) the aggregate sale price for all of the Shares traded on such stock exchange during the relevant five (5) trading days by (ii) the aggregate number of Shares traded on such stock exchange during the relevant five (5) trading days;

 

O. Good Reason” with respect to a Participant has the meaning, shall have the following meaning, as applicable: (a) if the Participant is party to an employment agreement, “Good Reason” as used herein has the same meaning as the definition of “Good Reason” set forth in the Participant’s employment agreement with the Corporation or one of its Affiliates;, for so long as such agreement is in effect, and (b) if no such effective agreement exists as to the Participant, “Good Reason” as used herein means: (i) the failure of the Corporation to pay any amount due to the Eligible Employee in accordance with the Eligible Employee’s employment agreement with the Corporation, its subsidiaries or affiliates, as applicable, which failure persists for fifteen days after the Corporation receives the Eligible Employee’s notice of failure; (i) any material reduction in the Eligible Employee’s title or a material reduction in their duties or responsibilities;(iii) any material adverse change in the Eligible Employee’s annual base salary or group insurance benefits (other than changes that affect other comparably-situated employees of the Corporation to the same or a comparable extent); or (iv) the Corporation’s material breach of the applicable employment agreement, which breach has not been cured by the Corporation within fifteen days after receipt of notice from the Eligible Employee specifying, in reasonable detail, the nature of the breach or failure;

 

O.P. Grant Date” means the date that the Restricted Share Unit is granted to a Participant under the Plan, as evidenced by the Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter as agreed to by the Participant;

 

P.Q. Insider” means an insider as defined in the TSX Company Manual;

 

Q.R. Market Value” means the closing trading price of the Shares on the Grant Date or other applicable date, as reported by the TSX. If the Shares are not

 

 

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trading on the TSX, then the Market Value shall be determined based on the trading price on such stock exchange or over-the-counter market on which the Shares are listed and posted for trading as may be selected for such purpose by the Committee. In the event that the Shares are not listed and posted for trading on any stock exchange or over-the-counter market, the Market Value shall be the Fair Market Value of such Shares as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion;

 

R.S. Participant” means each Eligible Employee, Director or Eligible Consultant to whom Restricted Share Units are granted hereunder;

 

S.T. Plan” means this Restricted Share Unit Plan, as same may be amended from time to time;

 

T.U. Restricted Period” means any period of time that a Restricted Share Unit is not exercisable and the Participant holding such Restricted Share Unit remains ineligible to receive Shares, determined by the Committee in its absolute discretion, however, such period of time may be reduced or eliminated from time to time and at any time and for any reason as determined by the Committee, including but not limited to circumstances involving death or disabilityDisability of a Participant;

 

U.V. Restricted Share Unit” means a unit credited by means of an entry on the books of the Corporation to a Participant, representing the right to receive, on the expiry of the Restricted Period or, if applicable at a later Deferred Payment Date, fully paid Shares as set out in the Participant’s Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter;

 

V.W. Restricted Share Unit Award” means an award of Restricted Share Units under the Plan to a Participant;

 

W.X. Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter” means the letter to the Participant from the Corporation and agreed to by the Participant evidencing the grant of Restricted Share Units;

 

X.Y. Resignation” means the cessation of employment of the Participant with the Corporation or an Affiliate as a result of resignation;

 

Y.Section 409A” means section 409A of the Code;

 

Z.Security Based Compensation Arrangement” includes, without limitation: (i) stock option plans for the benefit of employeesEligible Employees, Insiders, service providers or any one of such groups; (ii) individual stock options granted to employeesEligible Employees, service providers or Insiders if not granted pursuant to a plan previously approved by the Corporation’s security holders; (iii) stock purchase plans where the Corporation provides financial assistance or where the Corporation matches the whole or a portion of the securities being purchased; (iv) stock appreciation rights involving issuances of securities from treasury; (v) any other compensation or incentive mechanism involving the issuance or potential issuances of securities of the Corporation; and (vi) security purchases from treasury by an employeeEligible Employee, Insider or service provider which is financially assisted by the Corporation by any means whatsoever, but shall not include the 500,000 Shares issuable to the

 

 

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Corporation’s Chairperson as “bonus shares” and the 1,000,000 Shares issuable to the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer as “bonus shares”;; and for the purposes of this definition, a “service provider” means a person engaged by the Corporation to provide services for an initial, renewable or extended period of twelve months or more;

 

AA.Shares” means the common shares in the capital of the Corporation, as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Article Five of this Plan;

 

BB.subsidiary” means, in respect of a person, a body corporate or other entity which is directly or indirectly controlled by such person. For such purposes, a person shall be deemed to control another person if such person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such other person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise;

 

CC.Termination” means (i) in the case of an Eligible Employee, the later of the last day of work and the statutory notice period (if any) following notification of termination of the employment of the Eligible Employee with or without Cause by the Corporation or an Affiliate or notification of termination of the employment of the Eligible Employee for Resignation with or without Good Reason and, for certainty, does not include any period of contractual or common law notice or severance; (ii) in the case of an Eligible Consultant, the termination of the services of the Eligible Consultant by the Company or any Affiliate or the Eligible Consultant; and (iii) in the case of a Director, the removal of or failure to re-elect or re-appoint the Director as a director of the Company or any Affiliate; for greater certainty, in all cases, other than for death or disabilityDisability of a Participant;

 

DD.TSX” means the Toronto Stock Exchange;

 

EE.TSX Company Manual” means the TSX Company Manual setting forth the rules and policies of the TSX, as the same may be amended from time to time; and

 

FF.US Participant” means a Participant who would be subject to taxation under the Code in respect of income derived from the Restricted Share Units.

 

Section 1.02 Headings: The headings of all articles, Sections, and paragraphs in the Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of the Plan.

 

Section 1.03 Context, Construction: Whenever the singular or masculine are used in the Plan, the same shall be construed as being the plural or feminine or neuter or vice versa where the context so requires.

 

Section 1.04 References to this Restricted Share Unit Plan: The words “herein”, “hereby”, “hereunder”, “hereof” and similar expressions mean or refer to the Plan as a whole and not to any particular article, Section, paragraph or other part hereof.

 

Section 1.05 Canadian Funds: Unless otherwise specifically provided, all references to dollar amounts in the Plan are references to lawful money of Canada.

 

 

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Article Two

PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE RESTRICTED SHARE UNIT PLAN

 

Section 2.01 Purpose of the Restricted Share Unit Plan: The Plan provides for the payment of remuneration to Participants to be satisfied by the issuance of Shares for the purpose of advancing the interests of the Corporation and its Affiliates through the motivation, attraction and retention of Eligible Employees, Directors and Eligible Consultants and to secure for the Corporation and the shareholders of the Corporation the benefits inherent in the ownership of Shares or Share equivalent by such persons, it being generally recognized that restricted share plans aid in attracting, retaining and encouraging employees due to the opportunity offered to them to benefit from a proprietary interest in the Corporation.

 

Section 2.02 Administration of the Restricted Share Unit Plan: The Plan shall be administered by the Committee and the Committee shall have full authority to administer the Plan and to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations for administering the Plan as the Committee may deem necessary in order to comply with the requirements of the Plan. No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action taken or determination or interpretation made in good faith in connection with the Plan and all members of the Committee shall, in addition to their rights as Directors, be fully protected, indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation with respect to any such action taken or determination or interpretation made in good faith. The appropriate officers of the Corporation are hereby authorized and empowered to do all things and execute and deliver all instruments, undertakings and applications and writings as they, in their absolute discretion, consider necessary for the implementation of the Plan and of the rules and regulations established for administering the Plan. All costs incurred in connection with the Plan shall be for the account of the Corporation.

 

Section 2.03 Delegation to Committee: All of the powers exercisable hereunder by the Directors may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by resolution of the Directors, be exercised by a committee of the Board comprised of not less than three Directors, including any compensation committee of the Board.

 

Section 2.04 Record Keeping: The Corporation shall maintain a register in which shall be recorded:

 

(a)the name and address of each Participant;

 

(b)the number of Restricted Share Units granted to each Participant; and

 

(c)the number of Shares (if any) issued to each Participant in settlement of fully vested Restricted Share Units.

 

Section 2.05 Determination of Participants and Participation: The Committee shall from time to time determine the Participants who may participate in the Plan. The Committee shall from time to time determine the Participants to whom Restricted Share Units shall be granted and the provisions and restrictions with respect to such grant(s), all such determinations to be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan, and the Committee may take into consideration the present and potential contributions of and the services rendered by the particular Participant to the success of the Corporation and any other factors which the Committee deems appropriate and relevant.

 

 

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Section 2.06 Maximum Number of Shares:

 

(a) The aggregate maximum number of Common Shares available for issuance from treasury under this Plan, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.06, shall not exceed 2,514,118. Under no circumstances may the number of Shares issuable pursuant to Restricted Share Units, together with Shares issuable under all Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, exceed 10% of the total number of Shares then outstanding. For purposes of this Section 2.06, the number of Shares then outstanding shall mean the number of Shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis immediately prior to the proposed grant of the applicable Restricted Share Unit.

 

(a)Effective as of June 24, 2025, being the date that amendments to this Plan were last approved by shareholders of the Corporation, the aggregate maximum number of Shares available for issuance from treasury under this Plan, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.06, shall not exceed 3,500,000.

 

(b)The maximum number of Restricted Share Units available for grant to any one Personperson, in a 12 month period pursuant to this Plan and any other Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, isshall not exceed 5% of the total number of Shares then outstanding. For purposes of this Section 2.06, the number of Shares then outstanding shall mean the number of Shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis immediately prior to the proposed grant of the applicable Restricted Share Unit.

 

(c)The maximum number of Shares which may be issuable at any time to Insiders (as a group) pursuant to this Plan, or together with any other Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, shall benot exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares at the time of grant. The maximum number of Shares which may be issued within any one yearone-year period to Insiders (as a group), pursuant to this Plan, or together with any other Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, shall benot exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares. For purposes of this Section 2.06, the number of Shares then outstanding shall mean the number of Shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis immediately prior to the proposed grant of the applicable Restricted Share Unit.

 

(d)The maximum equity value of Restricted Share Units which may be granted to each Director who is not also an Eligible Employee, together with all Security Based Compensation Arrangements of the Corporation, shall not exceed $150,000 (based on the Market Value of the Restricted Share Units) in any fiscal year.

 

(e)For purposes of determining the number of Shares that remain available for issuance under the Plan, the number of Shares underlying any grants of Restricted Share Units that are surrendered, forfeited, waived, repurchased by the Corporation and/or cancelled without the applicable Restricted Period(s) having expired shall be added back to the Plan and again be available for future grant, whereas the number of Shares underlying any grants of Restricted Share Units that are issued shall not be available for future grant.

 

 

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Article Three

RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS

 

Section 3.01 Restricted Share Unit Plan: The Plan is hereby established for Eligible Employees, Directors and Eligible Consultants.

 

Section 3.02 Grant of Restricted Share Units: The number of Restricted Share Units awarded will be credited to the Participant’s account, effective as of the Grant Date.

 

Section 3.03 Vesting: A Restricted Share Unit Award granted to a Participant will entitle the Participant, subject to the Participant’s satisfaction of any conditions, restrictions or limitations imposed under the Plan or Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter, to receive one previously unissued Share for each Restricted Share Unit at the end of the Restricted Period or, if applicable, at a later Deferred Payment Date, without any further action on the part of the holder of the Restricted Share Unit in accordance with this Article Three; provided, that for a US Participant, the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the end of the Restricted Period and provided further, that such Participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance. Concurrent with the determination to grant Restricted Share Units to a Participant, the Committee shall determine the vesting schedule (if any) applicable to such Restricted Share Units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may settle its obligations with respect to any Restricted Share Units by issuing the applicable Shares to the Participant before the expiration of the Restricted Period or Deferred Payment Date.

 

Section 3.04 Restricted Period: Upon the grant of Restricted Share Units to a Participant, the Committee shall determine the Restricted Period applicable to such Restricted Share Units.

 

Section 3.05 Deferred Payment Date: Participants other than US Participants may elect to defer the receipt of all or any part of their entitlement to Restricted Share Units until a Deferred Payment Date.

 

Section 3.06 Prior Notice of Deferred Payment Date: Participants who elect to set a Deferred Payment Date must give the Corporation written notice of one or more Deferred Payment Dates not later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period. Participants may change a Deferred Payment Date by providing written notice to the Corporation not later than thirty (30) days prior to the Deferred Payment Date.

 

Section 3.07 Termination of Employment:

 

(a)Termination with Cause or Resignation without Good Reason during Restricted Period: Except as provided for in the Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter or as determined by the Committee in its discretion, upon the Termination of the employment or services of the Participant, for any reason other than death, disabilityDisability, Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason, then, all Restricted Share Units will be forfeited by the Participant (other than any vested Restricted Share Units that have been deferred prior to such Termination or Resignation, which Restricted Share Units shall be subject to Section 3.07(c)), and be of no further force and effect, as of the date of Termination;

 

(b)Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason during Restricted Period: Except as provided for in the Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter or as determined by the Committee in its discretion, provided that the

 

 

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Participant has been continuously employed by, or providing services to, the Corporation or an Affiliate of the Corporation since the Grant Date, in the event of the Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason of a Participant during the Restricted Period, the Corporation shall issue forthwith Shares in accordance withrepresented by the Restricted Share Units held by the Participant on the date of the Participant’s Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason, notwithstanding any applicable Deferred Payment Date, provided, that for a US Participant, the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the date of the Participant’s Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason and provided further, that such Participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance, and provided further, that no Termination of a US Participant shall entitle such Participant to an issuance of Shares unless such Termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A;

 

(c)Termination or Resignation after Restricted Period: Except as provided for in the Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter or as determined by the Committee in its discretion, provided that the Participant has been continuously employed by, or providing services to, the Corporation or an Affiliate of the Corporation since the Grant Date, in the event of the Termination or Resignation of a Participant following the Restricted Period and prior to the Deferred Payment Date, the Corporation shall issue forthwith Shares in accordance with the Restricted Share Units held by the Participant;

 

(d)Death: Provided that the Participant has been continuously employed by the, or providing services to, the Corporation or an Affiliate of the Corporation since the Grant Date, any Shares represented by Restricted Share Units held by the Participant on the date of the Participant’s death shall be immediately issuable by the Corporation, notwithstanding any Deferred Payment Date, provided, that for a US Participant, the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the date of the Participant’s death and provided further, that such Participant’s estate does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance;

 

(e)Disability: Provided that the Participant has been continuously employed by, or providing services to, the Corporation or an Affiliate of the Corporation since the Grant Date, any Shares represented by Restricted Share Units held by the Participant on the date on which the Participant is determined to be totally disabled shall be immediately issuable by the Corporation within 90 days following the date on which the Participant is determined to be totally disabled, notwithstanding any applicable Deferred Payment Date(s), provided, that for a US Participant the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the date on which the Participant is determined to be totally disabled and provided further, that such Participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance, and provided further, that no US Participant shall be entitled to receive issuance of Shares under this subsection unless the Participant has become “disabled” within the meaning of Section 409A; and

 

(f)Change of Control: In the event of (i) a Change of Control, and (ii) within 12 months of such Change of Control the Corporation or its successor terminates the employment of, or ceases to retain the services of, the Participant for any reason other than just causeCause, then all Restricted Share Units outstanding shall immediately vest on the date of such terminationTermination and the

 

 

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Corporation shall forthwith issue the Shares to the Participant, notwithstanding any stated vesting period or any applicable Deferred Payment Date(s); provided, that for a US Participant, except as described below in this paragraph, the date of issuance shall not be more than 90 days after the date of the Participant’s terminationTermination and provided further, that such Participant does not have a choice as to the taxable year of issuance. In any event, upon a Change of Control, Participants shall not be treated any more favourably than shareholders of the Corporation with respect to the consideration that the Participants would be entitled to receive for their Shares, provided, however, that for a US Participant any issuance must occur in full within five years of the date of the Change of Control., and provided further, that no US Participant shall be entitled to receive issuance of Shares under this subsection unless the Change of Control is a change in the ownership or effective control of the Corporation, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Corporation, within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

Section 3.08 Redemption - Fully Paid Shares to the Participant: Subject to Section 4.01, the Corporation will satisfy its payment obligation, net of any applicable taxes and other source deductions required to be withheld by the Corporation, at the end of the Restricted Period or, if applicable, on the later Deferred Payment Date, with the issue of fully paid Shares from treasury in accordance with Section 3.03.

 

Section 3.09 Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter: Each grant of a Restricted Share Unit under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter issued by the Corporation and agreed to by the Participant. Such Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions which are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Committee deems appropriate for inclusion in a Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter. The provisions of the various Restricted Share Unit Grant Letters issued under the Plan need not be identical. To the extent that there is any inconsistency between the Plan and the Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter or any other communications, the Plan shall prevail.

 

Section 3.10 Payment of Dividends: Subject to the absolute discretion of the Committee, in the event that a dividend (other than a stock dividend) is declared and paid by the Corporation on Shares, the Committee may elect to credit each Participant with additional Restricted Share Units. In such case, the number of additional Restricted Share Units will be equal to the aggregate amount of dividends that would have been paid to the Participant if the Restricted Share Units in the Participant’s account had been Shares, divided by the Market Value of a Share on the date on which dividends were paid by the Corporation. The additional Restricted Share Units awarded to a Participant under this Section 3.10 of this Plan will vest upon the expiry of the Restricted Period or, if applicable, on the later Deferred Payment Date, in respect of the particular Restricted Share Unit Award to which the additional Restricted Share Units relate. The other provisions of this subsection notwithstanding, any payments (or Share deliveries) made under this subsection shall be delivered to any U.S. Participant as any payments (or Shares) otherwise delivered to the Participant under the applicable Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter.

 

Section 3.11 Blackout: Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event that any Restricted Period expires or, if applicable, any Deferred Payment Date occurs during, or within 48 hours after, a self-imposed blackout period on the trading of securities of the Corporation,

 

 

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such Restricted Period or Deferred Payment Date shall be automatically extended until 48 hours after such blackout period has expired.

 

Section 3.12 Necessary Approvals: The Plan shall be subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Corporation to be given by a resolution passed at a meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation and acceptance by the TSX or any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the securities of the Corporation.

 

Article Four

TAX MATTERS

 

Section 4.01 Withholding Taxes: The Corporation or its Affiliates may take such steps as are considered necessary or appropriate for theto deduct any withholding taxes, source deductions or other withholding liabilities in respect of any taxes which the Corporation or its Affiliate isAffiliates are required by any law or regulation of any governmental authority whatsoever to withhold in connection with any delivery of Shares made under this Plan including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the withholding of all or any portion of any payment or the withholding of the issue of Shares to be issued under the Plan, until such time as the Participant has paid the Corporation or an Affiliate of the Corporation for any amount which the Corporation and its Affiliates are required to withhold with respect to such taxes. For greater certainty, immediately upon delivery of any Shares, the Corporation shall have the right to require that a Participant sell a given number of Shares sufficient to cover any applicable withholding taxes and any other source deductions to be withheld by the Corporation or any Affiliate in connection with payments madeShares issued in satisfaction of the Participant’s vested Restricted Share Units. Neither the Corporation nor its Affiliates shall be responsible for obtaining any particular price for the Shares nor shall the Corporation or any Affiliate be required to issue any Shares under the Plan unless the Participant has made suitable arrangements with the Corporation or its Affiliates to fund any withholding obligation.

 

Section 4.02 Section 409A. This Subsection 4.02 shall apply solely with respect to US Participants. The Plan, and all awards granted thereunder, are intended to comply with the provisions of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, under no circumstances shall any payment be made, or Shares distributed, on any event unless it is also a permissible payment event within the meaning of Section 409A and United States Treasury Regulations section 1.409A-3. A payment due to a Participant who is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A on account of the Participant’s “separation from service” with the Corporation (determined in accordance with Section 409A) shall be made on the date that is six months after the date of the Participant’s separation from service or, if earlier, the Participant’s date of death. The Corporation bears no liability to any US Participant in the event any Restricted Share Unit Award fails to comply with Section 409A.

 

Article Five

GENERAL

 

Section 5.01 Effective Time of Restricted Share Unit Plan: The Plan shall be effective on April 2, 2020, as amended by the shareholders of the Corporation on [l], 2025.

 

Section 5.02 Amendment of Restricted Share Unit Plan: The Board or the Committee, as the case may be, may terminate, discontinue or amend the Plan at any time, provided that, without the consent of a Participant, such termination, discontinuance or amendment may not in

 

 

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any manner adversely affect such Participant’s rights under any Restricted Share Unit granted to such Participant under the Plan.

 

The Board or the Committee may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory and shareholder approval, make the following amendments to the Plan or Restricted Share Units under the Plan:

 

(a)amendments to increase the number of Shares, other than by virtue of Section 5.06, which may be issued pursuant to the Plan;

 

(b)amendments to the definition of “Participant” under the Plan which would have the potential of narrowing, broadening or increasing Insider participation;’

 

(c)amendments to cancel and reissue Restricted Share Units;

 

(d)amendments to this Section 5.02 of the Plan;

 

(e)amendments that extend the term of a Restricted Share Units;

 

(f)amendments to the participation limits in Section 2.06; or

 

(g)amendments to Section 5.03 of the Plan that would permit Restricted Share Units, or any other right or interest of a Participant under the Plan, to be assigned or transferred, other than for normal estate settlement purposes.

 

The Board or the Committee may, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approval (where required), but not subject to shareholder approval, in its sole discretion make all other amendments to the Plan or Restricted Share Units under the Plan that are not of the type contemplated above, including, without limitation:

 

(a)amendments of a housekeeping nature;

 

(b)amendments to the vesting provisions of a Restricted Share Unit or the Plan;

 

(c)amendments to the definitions, other than such definitions noted above;

 

(d)amendments to reflect changes to applicable securities laws; and

 

(e)amendments to ensure that the Restricted Share Units granted under the Plan will comply with any provisions respecting income tax and other laws in force in any country or jurisdiction of which a Participant to whom a Restricted Share Unit has been granted may from time to time be a resident, citizen or otherwise subject to tax therein.

 

Section 5.03 Non-Assignable: Except as otherwise may be expressly provided for under this Plan or pursuant to a will or by the laws of descent and distribution, no Restricted Share Unit and no other right or interest of a Participant is assignable or transferable, and any such assignment or transfer in violation of this Plan shall be null and void.

 

Section 5.04 Rights as a Shareholder: No holder of any Restricted Share Units shall have any rights as a shareholder of the Corporation prior to the actual receipt of Shares pursuant to Section 3.03. Subject to Section 5.06, no holder of any Restricted Share Units shall be entitled to receive, and no adjustment shall be made for, any dividends, distributions or any other rights declared for shareholders of the Corporation for which the record date is prior to the date on which the Participant becomes the record owner of such Shares pursuant to Section 3.03.

 

 

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Section 5.05 No Contract of Employment: Nothing contained in the Plan shall confer or be deemed to confer upon any Participant the right to continue in the employment of, or to provide services to, the Corporation or its Affiliates nor interfere or be deemed to interfere in any way with any right of the Corporation or its Affiliates to discharge any Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without just causeCause. Participation in the Plan by a Participant shall be voluntary.

 

Section 5.06 Adjustment in Number of Shares Subject to the Restricted Share Unit Plan: In the event there is any change in the Shares, whether by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision or reclassification, an appropriate adjustment shall be made by the Committee in:

 

(a)the number of Shares available under the Plan; and

 

(b)the number of Shares subject to any Restricted Share Units.

 

If the foregoing adjustment shall result in a fractional Share, the fraction shall be disregarded. All such adjustments shall be conclusive, final and binding for all purposes of the Plan.

 

However, if there is an increase in the number of Shares outstanding for any reason other than by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision or reclassification as described above (for example, as a result of a private placement of Shares or the issuance of Shares in connection with the acquisition of an asset) there will be no adjustment to the number of Shares that a Participant will receive under his or her Restricted Share Unit Grant Letter award and no adjustment to the number of Shares available under the Plan.

 

Section 5.07 Unfunded Plan. The Plan shall be unfunded. The Corporation’s obligations hereunder shall (unless otherwise determined by the Committee) constitute a general, unsecured obligation, payable solely out of its general assets, and no holder of any Restricted Share Units or other person shall have any right to any specific assets of the Corporation. Neither the Corporation nor the Committee shall be required to segregate any assets that may at any time be represented by the amounts credited with respect to Restricted Share Units hereunder. Neither the Corporation nor the Committee shall be deemed to be a trustee of any amounts to be distributed or paid pursuant to the Plan. No liability or obligation of the Corporation pursuant to the Plan shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge of, or encumbrance on, any property of the Corporation or any Affiliate.

 

Section 5.08 No Representation or Warranty: The Corporation makes no representation or warranty as to the future Market Value of any Shares issued in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. No amount will be paid to, or in respect of, a Participant under this Plan or pursuant to any other arrangement, and no additional Restricted Share Units will be granted to such Participant to compensate for a downward fluctuation in the price of the Shares, nor will any other form of benefit be conferred upon, or in respect of, a Participant for such purpose. The Corporation makes no representation or warranty to any person regarding the tax treatment in respect of the Restricted Share Units or Shares issued under this Plan. Participants shall be responsible for all taxes with respect to any Shares issued under this Plan.

 

Section 5.09 Compliance with Applicable Law: If any provision of the Plan or any Restricted Share Unit contravenes any law or any order, policy, by-law or regulation of any regulatory body having jurisdiction, then such provision shall be deemed to be amended to the extent necessary to bring such provision into compliance therewith.

 

 

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Section 5.10 Interpretation: This Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia.

 

 

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Form of Grant Letter

 

[ORLA MINING LTD. LETTERHEAD]

 

[Date]

 

PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

 

[Name]

[Address]

 

Dear [Name]:

 

The Corporation’s Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “Plan”) permits the Board, or a committee of the Board which administers the Plan, to grant restricted share unit awards to directors, consultants and full-time employees and officersDirectors, Eligible Consultants and Eligible Employees (each as defined in the Plan) of the Corporation or an affiliate in a calendar year as a bonus for services rendered to the Corporation or an affiliate in the fiscal year ending in such calendar year, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board or such committee. The number of restricted share units (“RSUs”) awarded will be credited to your account effective on the grant date of the RSUs.

 

In recognition of your contribution to the Corporation, the Board is pleased to grant to you the RSUs on the terms set forth below and subject to the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule “A”.

 

This letter and the Plan are referred to collectively below as the “Restricted Share Unit Documents”. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Plan.

 

The total number of RSUs granted to you is:  

[Note: insert
number]

 

     

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to Sections 3.03 of the Plan, provided that your employment or services (if applicable) with the Corporation hashave not been terminated, the RSUs granted to you shall fully vest onin accordance with the following schedule l.

 

[NTD: Consider any other conditions in addition to time-based vesting.]

 

In the event of vesting pursuant to the schedule above, subject to the Plan, or, if applicable at a later Deferred Payment Date(s), and subject always to the terms of the Plan, you shall receive in respect of each RSU held by you one fully-paid common share in the capital of the Corporation without payment of additional consideration and without any further action on your part.

 

 

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The Corporation may withhold any remuneration payable to you or take any other steps necessary for the purposes of paying any taxes required to be deducted or withheld as a result of your participation in the Plan.

 

Nothing in the Restricted Share Unit Documents will affect our right to terminate your services, responsibilities, duties and authority at any time for any reason whatsoever. The treatment of your RSUs upon terminationTermination or other events is detailed herein and in the Plan.

 

No RSU and no other right or interest of a Participant hereunder is assignable or transferable.

 

Please note that if you are a United States taxpayer, certain special rules apply to you under the Plan, which you are advised to review carefully.

 

Please acknowledge acceptance of your RSUs and agreement toon these terms by signing where indicated below on the enclosed copy of this letter and returning the signed copy to the Corporation to the attention of l. By signing and delivering this copy, you are acknowledging receipt of a copy of the Plan and are agreeing to be bound by all of the terms of the Restricted Share Unit Documents.

 

  Yours truly,
   
  ORLA MINING LTD.
   
   
  By:  

 

I have read and agree to be bound by this letter and the Plan.

 

   
Signature of Witness  
  [Name]
Name of Witness (please print)  
   
     
     
    Address