AI assistant
Bravo Mining — AGM Information 2023
Jun 21, 2023
48337_rns_2023-06-21_e474260f-a60e-4246-903f-a242b7f265d7.pdf
AGM Information
Open in viewerOpens in your device viewer

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
May 24, 2023
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time)
BRAVO MINING CORP.
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 of BRAVO MINING CORP. (the "Company" or "Bravo") will be held virtually at https://meetnow.global/MKP2FJX on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time), for the following purposes:
-
- to receive the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, together with the auditors' report thereon;
-
- to set the number of directors of the Company at four;
-
- to elect the directors of the Company to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders;
-
- to appoint KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and to authorize the board of directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditors;
-
- to pass an ordinary resolution to approve the Company's Stock Option Plan; and
-
- to transact such further and other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
The accompanying Management Information Circular ("Circular") provides additional information relating to the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting and forms part of this notice.
Whether or not you expect to participate in the Meeting, please exercise your right to vote by completing and returning the form of proxy. Please complete, date and sign the enclosed form of proxy and return it to Computershare Investor Services Inc., 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1, or vote on-line at www.investorvote.com or by phone at 1-866-732-8683 (North America)/1-312-588-4299 (Outside North America). If you are a beneficial shareholder and receive these materials through your broker or another intermediary, please complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your broker or intermediary. To be effective, a proxy must be received by Computershare Investor Services Inc., not later than 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on July 14, 2023, or in the case of any adjournment of the meeting, not less than 48 hours, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted, prior to the time of the adjournment.
We will hold the Meeting in a virtual format, which will be conducted via live audio webcast online at https://meetnow.global/MKP2FJX. Participants should log in to the Meeting at least 15 minutes before the Meeting starts. Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to attend, ask questions and vote at the Meeting online following the instructions under the heading "Instructions for Attending and Voting at the Virtual Meeting" in the Circular. Non-registered Shareholders who want to vote online at the Meeting must appoint themselves as proxyholders and register with Computershare Investor Services Inc. in advance of the Meeting at http://www.computershare.com/BravoMining**. Guests will also be able to attend the Meeting virtually by following the steps under the heading "Instructions for Attending and Voting at the Virtual Meeting" in the Circular, but they will not be able to vote at the Meeting. We highly recommend Shareholders vote their Common Shares prior to the Meeting.**
Shareholders are reminded to review the Circular before voting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Vancouver, British Columbia Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo 24 July 18, 2023 Chairman of the Board
"Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo"
BRAVO MINING CORP.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JULY 18, 2023
GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
Solicitation of Proxies by Management
This management information circular (this "Circular") dated May 24, 2023 is furnished in connection with the solicitation by or on behalf of management of Bravo Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "Bravo") of proxies to be used at the annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders ( the "Shareholders") of common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") to be held virtually at https://meetnow.global/MKP2FJX on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time), and at all adjournments thereof, for the purposes set forth in the notice of the Meeting that accompanies this Circular (the "Notice of Meeting"). It is expected that the solicitation will be made primarily by mail. However, officers and employees of the Company may also solicit proxies by telephone, email or in person. These persons will receive no compensation for such solicitation, other than their ordinary salaries or fees. The total cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. Pursuant to National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101"), arrangements have been made with clearing agencies, brokerage houses and other financial intermediaries to forward proxyrelated materials to the beneficial owners of the Common Shares. See "Appointment of Proxyholder", "Revocation of Proxy", "Voting of Proxies" and "Advice to Beneficial Holders of Common Shares" below. The Company will provide, without cost to such person, upon request to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, additional copies of the foregoing documents for this purpose.
General Information Respecting the Meeting
No person has been authorized to give any information or make any representations in connection with the matters being considered herein other than those contained in this Circular and, if given or made, any such information or representations should be considered not to have been authorized by the Company. This Circular does not constitute the solicitation of a proxy by any person in any jurisdiction in which such solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such solicitation.
References in this Circular to the Meeting include any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.
In this Circular, unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts "$" are expressed in United States dollars. References to "C$" are to Canadian dollars.
Except where otherwise indicated, the information contained herein is stated as of May 24, 2023.
Electronic copies of this Circular, financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "Financial Statements") and accompanying management's discussion and analysis (the "MD&A") may be found on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Appointment of Proxyholder
The persons named by management in the enclosed form of proxy accompanying this Circular are directors or officers of the Company. A shareholder of the Company has the right to appoint a person other than the persons designated by management of the Company in such form of proxy (who need not be a shareholder of the Company) to attend and act for such shareholder and on behalf of such shareholder at the Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. Such right may be exercised by inserting the name of the person to be appointed in the blank space provided or by completing another proper form of proxy and, in either case, delivering the completed form of proxy to the transfer agent and registrar of the Company, Computershare Investor Services Inc., no later than 10:00 a.m., (Vancouver time), July 14, 2023, or in the case of any adjournment of the Meeting, not less than 48 hours, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted, prior to the time of the adjournment.
Shareholders who wish to appoint a person other than the management nominees identified on the form of proxy or voting instruction form ("VIF") (including a Beneficial Shareholder (as defined below) who wishes to appoint themselves to attend) must carefully follow the instructions in the Circular and on their form of proxy or VIF. These instructions include the additional step of registering such proxyholder with our transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., by visiting http://www.computershare.com/BravoMining and providing Computershare with the required proxyholder contact information so that Computershare may provide the proxyholder with an invitation code (an "Invitation Code") via email the day before the Meeting. Shareholders who wish to appoint a third-party proxyholder to represent them at the online meeting must submit their proxy or voting instruction form (if applicable) prior to registering your proxyholder. Failure to register the proxyholder with our transfer agent will result in the proxyholder not receiving an Invitation Code to participate in the Meeting and only being able to attend as a guest.
Revocation of Proxy
A shareholder who has given a proxy may revoke it: (i) by depositing an instrument in writing signed by the shareholder or by the shareholder's attorney, who is authorized in writing, or by transmitting, by telephonic or electronic means, a revocation signed by electronic signature by the shareholder or by the shareholder's attorney, who is authorized in writing with Computershare Investor Services Inc., at 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 or at the registered office of the Company up to 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on the last business day preceding the date of the Meeting, or in the case of any adjournment of the Meeting, the last business day preceding the day of the adjournment; (ii) by depositing such instrument in writing with the Chair of the Meeting prior to the commencement of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof; or (iii) in any other manner permitted by law. A proxy may also be revoked by submitting a proxy dated later than the proxy submitted.
Voting of Proxies
The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote for, against or withhold from voting the Common Shares in respect of which they are appointed by proxy on any ballot that may be called for in accordance with the instructions contained therein and if the shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted on, the Common Shares will be voted accordingly. In the absence of such specifications, such Common Shares will be voted "for" each of the matters referred to herein.
The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein with respect to amendments to or variations of matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and with respect to other matters, if any, which may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. As at the date of this Circular, management of the Company knows of no such amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting. However, if any other matters that are not now known to management should properly come before the Meeting, the Common Shares represented by properly executed proxies given in favour of the persons designated by management of the Company in the enclosed form of proxy will be voted on such matters in accordance with the judgment of the named proxy.
Advice to Beneficial Holders of Common Shares
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to many holders of Common Shares, as a substantial number of shareholders do not hold Common Shares in their own name. Shareholders who do not hold their Common Shares in their own name (referred to herein as "Beneficial Shareholders") should note that only proxies deposited by shareholders whose names appear on the records of the Company as the registered holders of Common Shares can be admitted to participate in the Meeting. If Common Shares are listed in an account statement provided to a shareholder by a broker, then, in almost all cases, those Common Shares will not be registered in the shareholder's name on the records of the Company. Such Common Shares will more likely be registered under the name of the shareholder's broker or an agent of that broker. In Canada, most of such Common Shares are registered under the name of CDS & Co. (the registration name for CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc., which acts as nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms). Common Shares held by brokers or their agents or nominees can only be voted (for or against resolutions), or withheld from voting, upon the instructions of the Beneficial Shareholder. In Canada, without specific instructions, a broker and its agents and nominees are prohibited from voting shares for the broker's clients. Therefore, Beneficial Shareholders should ensure that instructions respecting the voting of their Common Shares are properly communicated to the appropriate person within the required timeframe.
Applicable securities laws require intermediaries/brokers to seek voting instructions from Beneficial Shareholders in advance of shareholders' meetings. In accordance with the requirements of applicable securities laws, the Company has distributed copies of the Notice of Meeting, this Circular and the form of proxy to the intermediaries/brokers for onward distribution to Beneficial Shareholders. The Company will be sending the Circular or other proxy-related materials directly to non-objecting Beneficial Shareholders. The Company does not intend to pay for an intermediary to deliver to objecting Beneficial Shareholders the Circular, other proxy-related materials and the request for voting instructions made by an intermediary. Every intermediary/broker has its own mailing procedures and provides its own return instructions to clients, which should be carefully followed by Beneficial Shareholders in order to ensure that their Common Shares are voted at the Meeting. Often, the form of proxy or VIF, as applicable, supplied to a Beneficial Shareholder by its broker (or the agent of the broker) is identical to the form of proxy provided to registered shareholders. However, its purpose is limited to instructing the registered shareholder (the broker or agent of the broker) how to vote on behalf of the Beneficial Shareholder. In Canada, the majority of brokers now delegate responsibility for obtaining instructions from clients to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge"). Broadridge typically asks Beneficial Shareholders to return the proxy forms or VIFs, as applicable, to Broadridge. Alternatively, Beneficial Shareholders can either call their toll free telephone number to vote their Common Shares, or access Broadridge's dedicated voting web site at www.proxyvote.com to deliver their voting instructions. Broadridge then tabulates the results of all instructions received and provides appropriate instructions respecting the voting of shares to be represented at the applicable meeting. A Beneficial Shareholder receiving a Broadridge proxy or VIF, as applicable, cannot use that proxy or VIF to vote Common Shares directly at the Meeting. The proxy or VIF, as applicable, must be returned to Broadridge well in advance of the Meeting in order to have the Common Shares voted.
There are two kinds of Beneficial Shareholders, those who object to their name being made known to the issuers of securities that they own ("OBOs" for Objecting Beneficial Owners) and those who do not object to the issuers of the securities they own knowing who they are ("NOBOs" for Non-Objecting Beneficial Owners).
Non-Objecting Beneficial Owners
Pursuant to National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101"), issuers can obtain a list of their NOBOs from intermediaries for distribution of proxy-related materials directly to NOBOs. This year, the Company will rely on those provisions of NI 54-101 that permit it to directly deliver proxy-related materials to its NOBOs. As a result, NOBOs can expect to receive a scannable VIF from the Company's transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. These VIFs are to be completed and returned to Computershare Investor Services Inc. in accordance with the instructions provided. If you are a Beneficial Shareholder and the Company or its agent has sent these proxy-related materials to you directly, please be advised that your name, address and information about your holdings of securities have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the intermediary holding your securities on your behalf.
Objecting Beneficial Owners
Beneficial Shareholders who are OBOs should follow the instructions of their intermediary carefully to ensure that their shares are voted at the Meeting. Management of the Company does not intend to pay for intermediaries to forward the proxy-related materials, including this Circular, and Form 54-101F7 – Request for Voting Instructions Made by Intermediary to OBOs under NI 54-101. As a result, OBOs will not receive the proxy related materials, including this Circular, unless the OBOs intermediary assumes the cost of delivery.
Record Date
The Company's board of directors (the "Board" or the "directors") have fixed May 24, 2023 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on such record date are entitled to vote at the Meeting.
Notice and Access
The Company is not using "notice and access", as defined in NI 54Ǧ101, and is sending physical copies of the Meeting materials to shareholders as described in more detail above.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BRAVO'S VIRTUAL ANNUAL GENERAL AND SPECIAL MEETING
The Company will hold its annual general and special meeting in a virtual audio-only format, which will be conducted via live webcast. Shareholders will have an equal opportunity to participate at the Meeting online.
Instructions for Attending and Voting at the Virtual Meeting
Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxy holders will be able to attend the Meeting online, ask questions and vote, all in real time, provided they are connected to the internet and comply with all of the requirements set out herein. Beneficial Shareholders who have not duly appointed themselves as proxy holders will be able to attend the Meeting as guests, but guests will not be able to vote at the Meeting.
Voting will be conducted by virtual ballot.
To participate in the Meeting via live audio webcast, follow the following steps:
-
- Log in online at https://meetnow.global/MKP2FJX. We recommend that you log in at least 15 minutes before the Meeting starts;
-
- Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders can participate in the meeting by clicking "Shareholder" and entering a Control Number or an Invitation Code before the start of the meeting.
- o Registered Shareholders The 15-digit control number is located on the form of proxy or in the email notification you received.
- o Duly appointed proxyholders Computershare will provide the proxyholder with an Invitation Code after the voting deadline has passed.
-
- Voting at the meeting will only be available for Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders. Non-Registered Shareholders who have not appointed themselves may attend the meeting by clicking "Guest" and completing the online form.
Shareholders who wish to appoint a third-party proxyholder to represent them at the online meeting must submit their proxy or voting instruction form (as applicable) prior to registering their proxyholder. Registering the proxyholder is an additional step once a shareholder has submitted their proxy/voting instruction form. Failure to register a duly appointed proxyholder will result in the proxyholder not receiving an Invitation Code to participate in the meeting. To register a proxyholder, shareholders MUST visit http://www.computershare.com/BravoMining by no later than 10:00 a.m., (Vancouver time) on July 14, 2023 and provide Computershare with their proxyholder's contact information, so that Computershare may provide the proxyholder with an Invitation Code via email. See "Appointment of Proxyholder" for additional information.
Shareholders and duly appointed proxy holders will be able to submit appropriate questions during the Meeting which will be addressed in the question-and-answer session following the formal business portion of the Meeting. Questions submitted online will go through a moderator, who may combine those of similar nature when presenting to the Chair. All questions should be appropriate and relevant to the business of the Meeting.
It is important that you are connected to the internet at all times during the Meeting in order to vote when balloting commences. It is your responsibility to ensure connectivity for the duration of the Meeting. You should allow ample time to check into the Meeting online and complete the related procedure.
VOTING SECURITIES, QUORUM AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
The authorized capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares. As of May 24, 2023, there were 101,000,001 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Each Common Share has the right to one vote on each matter at the Meeting. Under the Company's Articles, the quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting is two shareholders entitled to vote at a Meeting, present in person or represented by proxy.
To the knowledge of the directors and officers of the Company, as at the date of this Circular, no person or corporation beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, 10% or more of the Common Shares, other than as set out below:
| Name of Shareholder | Number of Common Shares(2)(3) | Percentage of Common Shares(2)(3) |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo (1) | 52,013,000 | 51,50% |
(1) Held personally and through companies controlled by Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo.
(2) The information as to Common Shares beneficially owned, controlled or directed, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has been obtained by the Company from publicly disclosed information.
(3) On a non-diluted basis.
The Company's Common Shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and on the OTCQX ("BRVMF").
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
Financial Statements
The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, together with the auditors' report thereon, will be presented to the shareholders at the Meeting for their consideration, but no shareholder vote is required in connection with these documents.
The Financial Statements together with the accompanying MD&A have been filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and are available upon request from the Company.
Fixing the Number of Directors
The Company's articles require that the Board of Bravo consist of the greater of three directors or the number set by ordinary resolution. At the Meeting the four director nominees listed in the section "Election of Directors" below will be proposed for election as directors of the Company. The Company is asking shareholders to set, by ordinary resolution, the number of directors of the Company at four (the "Board Size Resolution").
The Board recommends a vote "for" the Board Size Resolution. Unless the shareholder who has given such proxy has directed that the shares be voted "against" the Board Size Resolution, the persons named by management of the Company in the enclosed form of proxy intend to cast the votes to which the Common Shares represented by such proxy are entitled "for" the Board Size Resolution.
Election of Directors
At the Meeting, the Company will ask shareholders to vote for the election of the four Director nominees proposed by management. Each nominee for election as a director is currently a director of the Company. The term of office of each director currently in office will expire at the close of the Meeting and all directors elected at the Meeting will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or until their successors are elected or appointed, unless he or she resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified in accordance with the Company's articles or governing legislation.
The Company's Articles provide for advance notice of nominations of directors ("Advance Notice Provisions") in circumstances where nominations of persons for election to the Board are made by shareholders other than pursuant to a requisition of a meeting or a shareholder proposal, in each case made pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The Advance Notice Provisions fix deadlines by which a shareholder must notify the Company of nominations of persons for election to the Board, as follows: such notice must be provided to the Secretary of the Company (i) in the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, at any time not less than 30 days nor more than 65 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting of shareholders is to be held on a date that is less than 50 days after the date (the "Notice Date") on which the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, notice by the nominating shareholder may be given not later than the close of business (Vancouver time) on the tenth day following the Notice Date; and (ii) in the case of a special meeting (which is not also an annual meeting) of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors (whether or not called for other purposes), not later than the close of business (Vancouver time) on the fifteenth day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting of shareholders was made. The Advance Notice Provisions also stipulate that certain information about any proposed nominee be included in such a notice in order for it to be valid. The purpose of the Advance Notice Provisions is to ensure that all shareholders, including those participating in a meeting by proxy rather than in person, receive adequate prior notice of director nominations, as well as sufficient information concerning the nominees, and can thereby exercise their voting rights in an informed manner. In addition, the Advance Notice Provisions should assist in facilitating an orderly and efficient meeting process. A copy of the Company's Articles is available under its profile on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com.
The Board recommends a vote "for" the election of each of the proposed nominees named in the form of proxy, to serve on the Company's board of directors until the next annual meeting of shareholders. Unless the shareholder who has given such proxy has directed that the Common Shares be "withheld" from voting on the election of the director(s), the persons named by management of the Company in the enclosed form of proxy intend to cast the votes to which the Common Shares represented by such proxy are entitled "for" the election of each of the nominees whose names are set forth below. Management of the Company does not contemplate that any nominee will be unable to serve as a director, but if that should occur for any reason at or prior to the Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy reserve the right to vote for another nominee in their discretion.
The following table sets forth information with respect to each person proposed to be nominated for election as a director, including principal occupation, membership on standing committees of the Board and the number of Common Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction was exercised, by such person. Residential and share ownership information concerning the nominees has been furnished by the respective proposed nominees.

Age 59 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Non-Independent Director since 2022
Luis Maurício F. Azevedo
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr. Azevedo holds a BSc in Geology from Rio de Janeiro State University, a Law Degree from Candido Mendes University in Rio de Janeiro and a Post Graduate Degree from Pontifícia Universidade Católica of Rio de Janeiro. He is a resource industry professional with over 30 years of international experience and is specialized in the Brazilian Mining Code. Mr. Azevedo was a Founder of FFA Legal Ltda, a law firm located in Rio de Janeiro. FFA Legal Ltda was established to focus on assisting natural resource companies, including environmental licensing support, management of land and mineral rights, accounting, financial reporting, HR and other administrative activities. Mr. Azevedo began his career working for ASX-listed Western Mining Corp., TSX-listed Barrick Gold Corp. and Harsco Corp. Mr. Azevedo has built a strong track record originating and vending projects that became mine operations. He is a 63 founder of and has acted as Executive Director and Non-Executive Director for, numerous private and public exploration, development and mining companies across the commodity complex in Brazil, including ASX-listed Avanco Resources (sold to ASX listed OZ Minerals in 2018), TSX-listed Rio Verde Minerals Development Corp. (sold to B&A Mineração S.A.in 2013) and TSX-listed Talon Metals Corp. He is currently a Director of TSX-listed GK Resources Ltd., TSX/LSE listed Serabi Gold PLC, AIM listed Harvest Minerals Limited, AIM listed Jangada Mines PLC and TSXV-listed Aranjin Resources Ltd.. Mr. Azevedo co-founded Avanco Resources Ltd in 2007 and was responsible for assembling the company's property package in the Carajás Mineral Province of Brazil. Avanco explored, discovered, permitted, constructed and operated the only new copper mine in the Carajás not owned by VALE SA. Avanco was acquired by OZ Minerals Ltd for a 120% premium (~A$418 million) in 2018. He is an active spokesperson and advocate for the Brazilian mining sector and works closely with the highest levels of all branches of the Brazilian Federal Government. He founded, and is CEO, of the Brazilian Mining Prospectors Association (ABPM), a non-profit Brazilian mining advocacy organization. In 2019, he was appointed Vice President of the newly formed Mining Council of the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) the main non-profit lobbying organization in Brazil that aims to increase competitiveness of Brazilian industry by influencing the policy environment. CNI engages in active policy dialogue with the Brazilian Congress, Federal Government and the Judiciary. It has 27 federations that incorporate over 1,250 unions and 350,000 companies. Mr. Azevedo was also nominated for National Explorer of the Year in 2017 and was highlighted as one of the three most prestigious miners in Brazil in 2019 by the Global Mining Observer.
Committees Other Public Company Directorships
N/A GK Resources Ltd. Serabi Gold plc Harvest Minerals Limited Jangada Mines Plc Aranjin Resources Ltd.
| Securities Held or Controlled: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Shares: | 52,013,000(2) | |||
| Options: | 110,000 |
Stuart Comline
GEOLOGIST & CORPORATE DIRECTOR

Age 72 Western Cape, South Africa Independent Director since 2022
Mr. Comline is a graduate of the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa with a BSc (Honours) in Geology. He also has a MSc in Geology from the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada and a Management Diploma from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He has 50 years of experience in all stages of the mining industry, including extensive PGE expertise. Since 2014, Mr. Comline has served as a Director and Africa representative of Walcot Gold Ltd, a private Australian company, in addition he also has his own private exploration companies. From 1997 to 2007 he was involved with TSX-listed AfriOre Ltd, initially as VP Exploration and ultimately as Chairman, when the company was sold to LSE Lonmin PLC, a PGE producer, in 2007 for C$444 million. AfriOre Ltd had a variety of base metal, gold and PGE exploration projects, including the flagship Akanani PGE project, plus an operating coal mine. Between 2008 and 2012, Mr. Comline served as a Director and Interim CEO of TSX-listed Talon Metals Corp., which at the time was a gold, iron ore and potash explorer in Brazil. He was also a director of TSX-listed Rio Verde Minerals Development Corp. (potash and phosphate in Brazil) between 2008 and 2010 and a director of Saber Energy Ltd (coal bed methane in Botswana) between 2009 and 2012. Between 2007 and 2009 he was also a Non-Executive Director of AIM-listed Chaarat Mining Corp., which was exploring for gold in the Kyrgyz Republic. Between 1995 and 1997 Mr. Comline was an independent consultant advising banks and mining industry companies on exploration strategy and divesture of mineral assets. Between 1981 and 1995 he was with JCI Ltd, a major South African mining company, initially as Exploration Manager, advancing to General Manager responsible for JCI's Geology Department. He worked on copper and tungsten in Namibia, gold in the Witwatersrand and PGE exploration projects and mines in the Bushveld Complex and the Great Dyke in Southern Africa. Mr. Comline also had previous roles as Senior Exploration Geologist for Anglo American Gold in Southern Africa and Exploration Geologist for JCI Ltd focused on nickel, copper and PGE exploration and mining projects on mafic complexes in Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa.
| Committees | Other Public Company Directorships |
|---|---|
| Compensation Committee (Chair)ESG Committee | N/A |
| Securities Held or Controlled: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Shares: | 1,017,143 | |||
| Options: | 85,000 |

Age 62 Western Australia, Australia Independent Director since 2022
Anthony (Tony) Polglase
METALLURGIST & CORPORATE DIRECTOR
Mr. Polglase holds a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) in Metallurgy from the Camborne School of Mines and Higher National Certificates in both Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. He is currently Principal Engineer and Director of Kernow Mining Consultants Ltd. Mr. Polglase began his career at the South Crofty Tin Mine in Cornwall. Since then he has accumulated over 40 years' international experience working in multiple mining disciplines for companies including AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Rio Tinto Ltd, TVX Gold Inc. and Ivernia Inc. in Africa, Europe, the Former Soviet Union, Australia, and, for the last decade, in Brazil. Mr. Polglase has significant experience in the development, execution and operation of new mining projects, having been responsible for, or closely involved with, the commissioning of over seven mines, both open-pit and underground inclusive of plant and maintenance management. He is a Founder and former Managing Director of ASX-listed Avanco Resources Ltd, which he led from pre-IPO into production in Brazil. The company was acquired by OZ Minerals for A$418 million in 2018. Both Mr. Polglase and Mr. Azevedo worked together at Avanco from IPO through to the acquisition by OZ Minerals. Mr. Polglase is, and has been, a director of numerous Australian and Canadian resource companies. He is currently a director of ASX-listed Black Cat Syndicate Limited and ASX-listed New World Resources Limited. Mr. Polglase was named Brazil Mining Executive of the Year in 2017.
| Committees | Other Public Company Directorships | |
|---|---|---|
| Audit & Risk Committee | New World Resources Limited | |
| Compensation Committee | Black Cat Syndicate Limited | |
| ESG Committee | ||
| Securities Held or Controlled: | ||
| Common Shares: | 1,024,714 |
|---|---|
| Options: | 85,000 |
Stephen Quin
MINING GEOLOGIST & CORPORATE DIRECTOR

Age 63 British Columbia, Canada Independent Director since 2022
Mr. Quin is a graduate of the Royal School of Mines, London, with a BSc (Honours) in Mining Geology and has more than 40 years' experience in all stages of the mining industry, from exploration to operations and closure. He most recently served as TSX-listed gold explorer/developer Midas Gold Corp.'s President, CEO and Director from the inception of the company in February 2011 to December 2020. Prior to joining Midas Gold, Mr. Quin was President of copper miner Capstone Mining Corp. from November 2008 until the end of 2010 (and COO of same from November 2008 until May 2010) and, prior to that, President and CEO of Sherwood Copper Corp. from September 2005 until November 2008 when Sherwood merged with Capstone. Prior to Sherwood, Mr. Quin spent 18 years with gold producer and explorer Miramar Mining Corp. and was Executive Vice President from January 1994 until September 2005.. He served as an Independent Director of Chalice Mining Ltd, with its PGE-gold-nickel copper development project in Western Australia from May 2010 until his retirement in November 2021. He has been an Independent Director of Kutcho Copper Corp. (TSXV: KC) since late 2017. Mr. Quin was elected as an independent non-executive director of West Vault Mining Inc. (TSXV: WVM) on June 23, 2022, as director and chair of TDG Gold Corp. (TSXV: TDG) on January 23, 2023 and non-executive director of Hot Chili Limited (ASX: HCH, TSXV: HCH) on May 5, 2023. Mr. Quin has served on the boards of directors of numerous exploration, development and operating companies since 1990, including chairing or sitting on audit, compensation, governance, technical and environment, health and safety committees, and served as a director of the Mining Association of BC and the Mining Association of Canada, and as Chair of the Yukon Government's Mineral Advisory Board.
| Committees | Other Public Company Directorships |
|---|---|
| Audit & Risk CommitteeCompensation CommitteeESG Committee (Chair) | Kutcho Copper Corp.West Vault Mining Inc.Hot Chili LimitedTDG Gold Corp. |
| Securities Held or Controlled: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Shares: | 1,057,142 | |||
| Options: | 134,000 | |||
Notes:
-
The information as to Common Shares beneficially owned or controlled by the individuals above has been provided by the nominees themselves.
-
Includes Common Shares held by private companies owned or controlled by Mr. Azevedo.
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions
Cease Trade Orders
To the Company's knowledge, no existing or proposed director of the Company is, as at the date of this Circular, or was within 10 years before the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company, including the Company, that:
(i) was subject to an order that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity of a director, the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer thereof; or
(ii) was subject to an order that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer thereof and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in such capacity.
For the purposes of the above, "order" means a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.
Bankruptcies
Other than as set out below, to the Company's knowledge, no existing or proposed director of the Company or promoter of the Company or a shareholder holding a sufficient number of securities of the Company to affect materially the control of the Company:
- (i) is, as at the date of this Circular, or has been within the 10 years before the date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company, including the Company, that, 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; or
- (ii) 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 became 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 the director, executive officer or shareholder.
Stephen Quin was a director of Mercator Minerals Ltd. ("Mercator") when it filed a Notice of Intention to Make a Proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) (the "BIA") on August 26, 2014. Mr. Quin ceased to be a director on September 4, 2014. Pursuant to section 50.4(8) of the BIA, Mercator was deemed to have filed an assignment in bankruptcy on September 5, 2014 as a result of allowing the ten-day period within which Mercator was required to submit a cash flow forecast to the Official Receiver to lapse.
Penalties or Sanctions
To the Company's knowledge, no existing or proposed director of the Company has been subject to:
- (i) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to provincial and territorial securities legislation or by a provincial and territorial securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement with a provincial and territorial securities regulatory authority; or
- (ii) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would be likely to be considered important to a reasonable securityholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
Appointment and Remuneration of Auditors
Shareholders will be asked to vote for the appointment of KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as independent auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until a successor is appointed, and to authorize the Board to fix the auditors' remuneration, which resolution will be approved if passed by a majority of votes cast at the Meeting, or at any adjournment thereof.
The Board recommends a vote "for" the appointment of KPMG as independent auditors for the Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until a successor is appointed and the authorization of the Board to fix the auditors' remuneration. Unless the shareholder who has given such proxy has directed that the shares be "withheld" from voting in the appointment of auditors, the persons named by management of the Company in the enclosed form of proxy intend to cast the votes to which the Common Shares represented by such proxy are entitled "for" the appointment of KPMG as auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders, and to authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors.
Approval of Option Plan
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if thought advisable, to approve, with or without variation, a resolution to approve Company's Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan") adopted by the Board on April 23, 2022. The Stock Option Plan is a rolling stock option plan that sets the number of Common Shares issuable thereunder at a maximum of 10% of the Common Shares issued and outstanding at the time of any grant.
Pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") policies, a TSXV-listed issuer is required to obtain the approval of its shareholders for a "rolling" stock option plan at each annual meeting of shareholders. Accordingly, at the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to approve an ordinary resolution to approve the Stock Option Plan for the ensuing year.
As at the date hereof, options to purchase a total of 3,534,150 Common Shares (3,5% of the issued shares of the Company) have been issued to eligible participants under the Stock Option Plan and remain outstanding. As at the date hereof, the number of Common Shares remaining available for issuance under the Stock Option Plan is 6.565.850 (6,5% of the shares of the Company).
For a summary of the Stock Option Plan, please see "Statement of Executive Compensation – Stock Option Plan". The full text of the Stock Option Plan will be supplied free of charge to any Shareholder upon written request made directly to the Company at its head office located at Jornalista Ricardo Marinho Avenue, 360, office 111, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Postal Code 22793220, telephone: 55 21 2439-5700.
Shareholder Approval of the Stock Option Plan
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass the following ordinary resolution approving the Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan Resolution"). To be adopted, this resolution is required to be passed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting.
"BE IT RESOLVED AS AN ORDINARY RESOLUTION THAT:
- (a) the stock option plan of the Company ("Stock Option Plan"), as described in the management information circular of the Company dated May 24, 2023, be and is hereby approved;
- (b) the Company be and is hereby authorized to grant options to acquire up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company from time to time in accordance with the terms of the Stock Option Plan;
- (c) any one director or officer of the Company be and is hereby authorized to make any changes to the Stock Option Plan as may be required by the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable regulatory authorities; and
- (d) any one director or officer of the Company be and is hereby authorized, for and on behalf of the Company, to execute and deliver all documents and do all things as such person may determine to be necessary or advisable to give effect to this resolution, the execution of any such document or the doing of any such other act or thing being conclusive evidence of such determination."
The Board recommends a vote "for" the Option Plan Resolution. Unless the shareholder who has given such proxy has directed that the shares be voted "against" the Option Plan Resolution, the persons named by management of the Company in the enclosed form of proxy intend to cast the votes to which the Common Shares represented by such proxy are entitled "for" the Option Plan Resolution.
Other Matters
The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted to the Shareholders at the Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named by management of the Company in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the Common Shares they represent in accordance with their judgment on such matters.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Committee
The Company has a Compensation Committee to assist the Board in carrying out its responsibilities and decision-making process relating to executive and director compensation for the Company. The charter for the Compensation Committee is available for viewing at the Company's website at www.bravomining.com.
The Compensation Committee is composed of the following three directors: Messrs. Comline (Chair), Polglase and Quin and, as such, is composed entirely of independent directors. Committee members each possess the skills and experience that enable the Compensation Committee to make decisions on the suitability of the Company's compensation policies and practices, further details on the responsibilities of the committee members are described under "Statement of Corporate Governance Practices— Compensation Committee". The education and experience of each member of the Compensation Committee that is relevant to his or her performance of responsibilities as a Compensation Committee member are noted in each such person's biography at "Business of the Meeting - Election of Directors".
Oversight and Description of Director and NEO Compensation
NEO Compensation
For the purpose of this Information Circular, a "Named Executive Officer", or "NEO", means each of the following individuals:
- a. a Chief Executive officer ("CEO") of the Company;
- b. a Chief Financial officer ("CFO") of the Company;
- c. the next most highly compensated executive officer of the Company (including any of its subsidiaries) other than the CEO and CFO at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose total compensation was, individually, more than C$150,000 as determined in accordance with subsection 1.3(5) of Form 51-102F6V, for the financial year ended December 31, 2022; and
- d. each individual who would be an NEO under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was neither an executive officer of the Company or its subsidiaries, nor acting in a similar capacity at December 31, 2022.
During the financial year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had two (2) NEOs: Luis Azevedo, CEO, and Manoel Cerqueira, CFO.
The objectives of the Company's compensation program are to balance the need to offer competitive compensation relative to peer companies in the mining industry in order to compete with comparably-sized companies at a similar stage of development in attracting and retaining high-calibre executives against the need to provide compensation programs that are fair and reasonable from the perspective of shareholders.
The Company compensation program has been designed to achieve the following key objectives:
- Recruit and Retain High-Calibre Executive Management
The Company structures its executive compensation so that it can continue to attract, retain and motivate key executives in Canada and Brazil in a highly competitive mining industry.
- Providing Fair and Competitive Compensation
The Company has established executive compensation principles and a compensation policy for its executive officers. The executive compensation program is designed to provide fair and competitive compensation through the following elements of compensation: (i) a competitive cash compensation consisting of base salary, milestone-based performance bonuses and certain perquisites, and (ii) providing an opportunity to participate in the Company's long-term growth through the grant of options.
- Balancing the Interests of Executive Management and Shareholders of the Company
The executive compensation program aligns the interests of executive management with the interests of the shareholders through the following elements: (i) the opportunity for executives to achieve bonuses based upon the achievement of specific milestones, targets and/or predetermined goals, and (ii) the grant of options, which if the price of the Company's Common Shares increase over time, both executives and shareholders will benefit.
The compensation program is designed to reward the advancement of the Company's projects and the long-term appreciation of the Company's Common Share price.
The basic elements of the compensation program are base salary, annual incentive bonuses and Options.
Base Salary
Base salaries that are competitive in the markets forms an essential component of the Company's compensation mix and represents an immediate means of rewarding the NEO for efforts expended on behalf of the Company. On an individual basis, base salaries are reviewed for each executive officer of the Company, and where it is deemed necessary, changes are made. In order to ensure that base salaries paid are competitive relative to other similar positions within the mining industry in Canada and Brazil, compensation of other issuers of similar size and complexity are examined. Other considerations taken into account when examining base salaries include years of experience, the potential contribution which the individual can make to the success of the Company and the expertise, level of responsibility and authority inherent in the job, the importance of maintaining internal equity within the organization and his or her overall performance based on informal feedback. There is no mandatory framework that determines which of these factors may be more or less important and could vary among the executive officers. Compensation of the CEO is approved annually by the Board and the determination of the base salaries relies principally on negotiations between the respective NEO and the Company and is therefore heavily discretionary.
Annual Incentives
The Compensation Committee may recommend (short-term incentives) be paid to executive officers of the Company when their performance warrants additional consideration. The Company's proposed short term incentive plan is based on predetermined performance-based milestones that are eligible for certain discretionary performance bonuses linked to achieving these milestones.
Long Term Incentives
Awards resulting in the ownership or potential ownership of Common Shares and the granting of options encourages executive officers and all employees to own and hold the Company's Common Shares and are a method of linking the performance of the Company and the benefit to shareholder with the appreciation of share value to the compensation of the executive officer. When determining the number of options granted to an executive officer, items such as the relative position of the individual officer, the contribution made by that officer during the review period and the number of options granted previously would be taken into consideration.
The Compensation Committee recommends option grants to the Board. Historically the Company's Board grants options to directors, executive officers, other employees and consultants as long term incentives from time to time under its Stock Option Plan.
Other Compensation – Perquisites
Perquisites such as health benefits and other usual perquisites may be provided for executives in accordance with local practices.
Director Compensation
The Compensation Committee recommends, and the Board approves, the compensation of the independent directors of the Company. The Compensation Committee believes that the independent directors of the Company should be compensated in a form and amount which is appropriate and which is customary for comparable organizations, having regard for such matters as time commitment, responsibility and trends in director compensation.
For the financial year ended December 31, 2022, the non-executive directors of the Company were entitled to the following compensation for serving on the Board and the standing committees of the Board:
- Annual retainer fee of the Board for each independent director: US$32,000.
- Annual additional retainer fee for the lead director: US$10,000
Following a compensation review, effective January 1, 2023, the non-executive directors of the Company are entitled to the following compensation for serving on the Board and the standing committees of the Board:
- Annual retainer fee of the Board for each independent director: US$40,000 (a director of the Company who serves as the Chair of the Board receives an additional annual retainer fee of US$10,000).
- Annual retainer fee for the lead director: US$18,750 (where the Chair of the Board is not independent, an independent director to act as the effective leader of the Board and ensure the Board's agenda will enable it to successfully carry out its duties).
- Annual retainer fee for each independent director serving on the Audit Committee: US$3,750 (the Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual committee retainer fee of US$10,000).
- Annual retainer fee for each independent director serving on any other standing committee receives an additional annual committee retainer fee of US$3,750.
- Reimbursement for travel expenses relating to meeting attendance or travel for other matters concerning the business of the Company.
- No meeting fees.
Option Plan
The Board has adopted an evergreen stock option plan (the "Stock Option Plan") whereby the maximum number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance under outstanding options is equal to 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis, as constituted on the date of any grant of options under the Stock Option Plan. If options are exercised, or are surrendered, terminate or expire without being exercised in whole or in part, the Common Shares which were the subject of such options may again be made subject to an option.
The purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to promote the profitability and growth of the Company by facilitating the efforts of the Company and its subsidiaries to obtain and retain key individuals. The Stock Option Plan provides an incentive for and encourages ownership of the Company's Common Shares by its key individuals so that they may increase their stake in the Company and benefit from increases in the value of the Common Shares, it being generally recognized that stock option plans aid in attracting, retaining and encouraging employees and directors due to the opportunity offered to them to acquire a proprietary interest in the company.
The Stock Option Plan shall be administered by the Board and the Board may delegate responsibility for administering the Stock Option Plan to the Compensation Committee (the "Plan Administrator"). The Stock Option Plan is the only equity compensation plan of the Company.
Eligibility
Employees, officers and directors, and consultants of the Company (collectively, "Participants") are eligible to receive options under the Stock Option Plan.
Determination of Recipients and Terms
The Plan Administrator shall from time to time determine the Participants to whom options are granted, the number of Common Shares to be made subject to and the expiry date of each option granted to each Participant and the other terms of each option, including any vesting provisions that may be applicable, all such determinations to be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stock Option Plan. When determining the terms of an option grant to a Participant, the Plan Administrator may take into consideration the present and potential contributions of and the services rendered by the Participant to the success of the Company and any other factors which the Plan Administrator deems appropriate and relevant, including previous grants.
Each option is evidenced by a stock option agreement (an "Award Agreement") containing terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of the Stock Option Plan. No Participant who is a director of the Company is permitted to vote on any motion granting any option to such director.
Number of Common Shares
The Stock Option Plan provides that the maximum number of Common Shares which may be made subject to options under the Stock Option Plan at any time and from time to time shall not exceed 10% of the total number of Common Shares then outstanding on a non-diluted basis (subject to adjustment with respect to capital changes in accordance with the terms of the Stock Option Plan). In addition, the maximum number of Common Shares which, together with Common Shares subject to all other securitybased compensation arrangements of the Company (within the meaning of the policy on security-based compensation arrangements of the TSXV) with such participant(s), may be:
- (a) reserved for issue to Participants who are "Insiders" (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) as a group at any time shall not exceed 10% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding;
- (b) issued to Participants who are Insiders within a one-year period shall not exceed 10% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding;
- (c) issued to any one Participant within a one-year period shall not exceed 5% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding;
- (d) issued to any one "service provider" (as defined in the Stock Option Plan) within a one-year period shall not exceed 2% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding; and
- (e) issued to "investor relations service providers" of the Company (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) as a group within a one-year period shall not exceed 2% of the number of Common Shares then outstanding.
For purposes of paragraphs (a) through (e) above, the number of Common Shares then outstanding means the number of Common Shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis immediately prior to the proposed grant of the applicable option, excluding Common Shares issued pursuant to share compensation arrangements over the preceding one-year period.
Exercise Price
The exercise price of an option under the Stock Option Plan is determined by the Plan Administrator at the time the option is granted, provided that such price can be not less than the 5-day volume weighted average price (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) as of the date of the grant of such option.
Cashless Exercise
The Stock Option Plan contains a cashless exercise provision whereby an option that is eligible for exercise may be exercised on a cashless basis instead of a Participant making a cash payment for the aggregate exercise price of the options being exercised. When a Participant elects the cashless exercise of options by providing the prescribed form of notice of cashless exercise to the Company specifying the number of options to be exercised for cash, the exercise price of the options is advanced by an independent brokerage firm, the advance is deducted from the proceeds of sale of the Common Shares issued on exercise, and the remaining proceeds or Common Shares are paid to the Participant after deducting any withholding tax or other withholding liabilities.
Net Exercise
The Stock Option Plan contains a net exercise provision whereby an option that is eligible for exercise may be exercised on a net exercise basis instead of the Participant making a cash payment for the aggregate exercise price of the options being exercised. When a Participant elects the net exercise of options by providing the prescribed form of notice of net exercise to the Company specifying the number of options to be exercised on a net exercise basis, the Participant will receive a number of Common Shares equal to: (i) the number of options being exercised on a net exercise basis, multiplied by the difference between the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSXV for the five trading days immediately preceding the net exercise (the "VWAP") and the aggregate exercise price of the options being exercised on a net exercise basis; divided by (ii) the VWAP. Participants who are "investor relations service providers" of the Company (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) will not be permitted to exercise options on a net exercise basis.
Term and Expiry Dates
The maximum term of options granted under the Stock Option Plan is 10 years. The expiry date of an option is the later of: (i) the expiry date specified in the Award Agreement, and (ii) where the specified expiry date falls within a Black Out Period (as defined below), the date that is 10 trading days following the end of such Black Out Period. Should an option expire immediately after a Black Out Period, the blackout expiration term will be reduced by the number of days between the option expiration date and the end of the Black Out Period. For the purposes of the Stock Option Plan, a "Black Out Period" means a period self-imposed by the Company during which the Company prohibits Participants from exercising options and which satisfies the following conditions: (a) the Black Out Period must be formally imposed by the Company pursuant to its internal policies as a result of the bona fide existence of an undisclosed "material fact" or "material change", as such terms are defined in applicable securities legislation; and (b) the Black Out Period must expire following the general disclosure of the undisclosed material fact or material change. The specified expiry date of a Participant's options may only be extended due to a Black Out Period if, at the time of the Black Out Period, neither the Company nor the Participant is subject to a cease trade order in respect of the Company's securities. Termination of options In the event a Participant dies, all options held by the Participant are exercisable by the person(s) to whom the rights of the Participant shall pass for a period of one year from the date of the Participant's death or prior to the expiration of the original term of such options, whichever is sooner, to the extent that Participant was entitled to exercise the options at such time, subject to the provisions of any employment contract between the Participant and the Company. All options held by a Participant whose office or employment is terminated for cause cease to be exercisable as of the date of such termination. If a Participant ceases to be eligible under the Stock Option Plan for any reason other than termination for cause or by virtue of death, options can be exercised by such Participant for a period of 30 days or prior to the original expiry date of the option, whichever is sooner, subject to the provisions of any employment contract between the Participant and the Company.
Capital Changes, Corporate Transactions, Take-Over Bids and Change of Control
The Stock Option Plan contains provisions for the treatment of options in relation to capital changes and with regard to amalgamations, consolidations or mergers. The Stock Option Plan provides that if the Company is subject to a bona-fide "takeover bid" (as such term is defined in the Stock Option Plan), all Common Shares subject to options immediately become vested and may thereupon be exercised in whole or in part by a respective Participant in order to tender the Common Shares received upon the exercise of such options. In the event that the take-over bid is not completed within the applicable time period, or in the event that not all the Common Shares received upon the exercise of such options are taken up or paid for by the offeror under the take-over bid, then the holder of such options may return to the Company any Common Shares that were not taken up or paid for and the Company shall refund the exercise price paid and reinstate the options so exercised.
The Stock Option Plan provides that if the Company is subject to a "change of control" (as such term is defined in the Stock Option Plan), all Common Shares subject to options immediately become vested and may thereupon be exercised in whole or in part by the respective Participant.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting of options granted to investor relations service providers of the Company cannot be accelerated without the prior written approval of the TSXV.
Amendment
Any amendment, modification, or change of any provision of the Stock Option Plan is subject to the approval, if required, by the TSXV and any regulatory body having jurisdiction. The Stock Option Plan permits the Board to amend, modify and change the provisions of an option or the Stock Option Plan without obtaining approval of disinterested shareholders in the following circumstances:
- (a) changes of a clerical nature;
- (b) any other amendments of a non-material nature which are approved by the TSXV;
- (c) amendments to clarify existing provision of the Stock Option Plan that do not have the effect of altering the scope, nature and intent of such provisions; and
- (d) amendments deemed by the Board to be necessary or advisable because of any change in applicable securities laws or other laws.
Under the Stock Option Plan, the Board is not, however, permitted to amend the exercise price of any option issued under the Stock Option Plan where such amendment reduces the exercise price of such option, and the Stock Option Plan further provides that all amendments, modifications, or changes not outlined immediately above shall only be effective upon approval of the disinterested shareholders of the Company.
Assignability
No rights under the Stock Option Plan and no option awarded pursuant to it are assignable or transferrable by any Participant other than pursuant to a will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Termination of Plan
The Stock Option Plan may be terminated at any time by the Board. Notwithstanding any such termination, any options outstanding under the Stock Option Plan will remain in effect until such options expire or are exercised, surrendered to the Company or terminated.
Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation, Excluding Compensation Securities
The following disclosure sets out the compensation that the Board intended to pay, make payable, award, grant, give or otherwise provide to each NEO and director of the Company or its subsidiaries for the period from incorporation on January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022:
| Name and Position | Year | Salary,Consulting Fee,retainer orCommission(US$) | Bonus($) | CommitteeFees ($) | Value of allOtherPerquisites($) | Value of AllOtherCompensation ($) | TotalCompensation(US$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Azevedo, CEO,Executive Chairman andDirector(1)(2) | 2022 | 100,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 100,000 |
| Manoel Cerqueira, CFO(3) | 2022 | 60,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 60,000 |
| Nicole Adshead-Bell (1)(4) | 2022 | 33,333 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 33,333 |
| Stuart Comline (1)(4)Director | 2022 | 26,666 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 26,666 |
| Anthony Polglase (1)(4)Director | 2022 | 26,666 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 26,666 |
| Stephen Quin (1)(4)Director | 2022 | 26,666 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 26,666 |
Notes:
(1) Each of the directors of the Company was appointed on January 17, 2022*.*
(2) Mr. Azevedo entered into a consulting agreement with the Company effective March 1, 2022 whereby he received monthly base consulting fees of US$10,000. Mr. Azevedo did not receive any compensation for his role as a director.
(3) Mr. Cerqueira entered into a consulting agreement with the Company effective March 1, 2022 whereby he received monthly base consulting fees of US$6,000.
(4) The non-executive directors commenced earning retainer fees effective March 1, 2022. The fee amounts reflected in the table above are the pro rata portion of the annual retainer for non-executive directors and the additional annual retainer for the Lead Director earned during the year. For more information regarding the retainer fees paid to directors, please see "Statement of Executive Compensation - Oversight and Description of Director and NEO Compensation - Director Compensation".
Compensation Securities
The following table discloses the particulars of equity incentive awards granted to NEOs and directors of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
| Name and Position | Type ofCompensationSecurity | Number ofcompensationsecurities,number ofunderlyingsecurities, andpercentage ofclass(1)(2)(3) | Date ofissue orgrant | Issue,conversionor exerciseprice(C$) | Closingprice ofunderlyingsecurity ondate ofgrant (C$) | Closing priceof underlyingsecurity at2022 year end(C$) | CompensationSecurityExpiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis AzevedoCEO, ExecutiveChairman andDirector | Stock Options | 110,000(0.11%) | July 21,2022 | C$1.75 | C$1.75 | C$2.10 | July 21, 2027 |
| Manoel Cerqueira,CFO | Stock Options | 139,000(0.14%) | July 21,2022 | C$1.75 | C$1.75 | C$2.10 | July 21, 2027 |
| Nicole Adshead-BellLead Director | Stock Options | 134,000(0.13%) | July 21,2022 | C$1.75 | C$1.75 | C$2.10 | July 21, 2027 |
| Stuart ComlineDirector | Stock Options | 85,000(0.084%) | July 21,2022 | C$1.75 | C$1.75 | C$2.10 | July 21, 2027 |
| Anthony PolglaseDirector | Stock Options | 85,000(0.084%) | July 21,2022 | C$1.75 | C$1.75 | C$2.10 | July 21, 2027 |
| Stephen QuinDirector | Stock Options | 134,000(0.13%) | July 21,2022 | C$1.75 | C$1.75 | C$2.10 | July 21, 2027 |
Notes:
- (1) These are all of the compensation securities held as of December 31, 2022. Each option was granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan and is exercisable to acquire one Common Share.
- (2) Percentage based on 101,000,0001 Common Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
- (3) Options vest in four equal tranches, with 25% of the options vesting on the date of grant and an additional 25% vesting every 12 months thereafter.
Exercise of Compensation Securities by NEOs and Directors
None of the NEOs or directors of the Company exercised any compensation securities during the most recently completed financial year.
Pension Plan Benefits
The Company does not provide a pension or savings plan for its NEOs or any Company personnel.
External Management Companies
None of the NEOs or directors of the Company have been retained or employed by an external management company which has entered into an understanding, arrangement or agreement with the Company to provide executive management services to the Company, directly or indirectly.
Termination of Employment, Change in Responsibilities and Employment Contracts
The Company has entered into consulting agreements with each of Luis Maurício F. Azevedo and Manoel Cerqueira, in connection with their roles as officers of the Company and Bravo Mineração Ltda., an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The following is a summary of certain material terms of these consulting agreements. For the purposes of this Circular:
"Change of Control" means:
- (a) except as in connection with the going public transaction currently being pursued by the Company, the completion of a transaction or series of transactions constituting an acquisition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, transfer, sale, arrangement, reorganization, recapitalization, reconstruction or other similar event by virtue of which the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions hold less than 50% (fifty percent) of the voting shares of the Company or successor company following completion of such transaction or series of transactions, or
- (b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or
- (c) except as in connection with a going public transaction eventually pursued by the Company, a transaction or series of transactions as a result of which a majority of the directors of the Company are removed from office at any annual or special meeting of shareholders, or a majority of the directors of the Company resign from office over a period of 60 (sixty) days or less, and the vacancies created thereby are filled by nominees proposed by any person other than directors or management of the Company in place immediately prior to the removal or resignation of the directors.
"Change of Control Payment" means:
- (a) an amount equal to (i) 24 (twenty-four) months of consulting fees, calculated at the rate in effect as of the date of the date of termination of the consulting agreement, plus (ii) 2x the average bonus paid to the consultant over the preceding two years; and
- (b) the immediate vesting of all outstanding options held by the consultant, subject to all deductions required by law or authorized by the consultant.
"Good Reason" means valid grounds constituting constructive dismissal at common law and shall include:
(a) the relocation of the headquarters of the Company to another location at least 100 (one hundred) kilometres away from its location immediately prior to the Change of Control, provided that the consultant must also relocate as a result;
- (b) a material diminishment in the duties and responsibilities of the consultant;
- (c) a materially adverse change in the reporting structure of the consultant; or
- (d) a materially adverse change in the consulting fees or total compensation package of the consultant resulting from a material reduction in the potential entitlement of the consultant under bonus or other compensation plans.
Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo, Executive Chairman and CEO
Mr. Azevedo entered into a consulting agreement with the Company effective March 1, 2022, as amended on January 20, 2023, for his services as CEO. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, Mr. Azevedo receives monthly base consulting fees of $18,750 and can terminate the agreement for any reason by giving not less than two months' advance notice in writing to the Company. The Company may terminate the consulting agreement for just cause without notice or payment in lieu of notice, and may terminate the consulting agreement without cause by providing Mr. Azevedo with two months' notice, or pay in lieu of all or part of such notice period.
Mr. Azevedo's consulting agreement provides a double-trigger change of control benefit and in the event that: (a) a Change of Control occurs; and (b) Mr. Azevedo's employment with the Company terminates within 24 months of such Change of Control, either by (i) involuntary termination of his employment by the Company without just cause, or (ii) voluntary termination of his employment for Good Reason, Mr. Azevedo will be entitled to a Change of Control Payment.
Manoel Cerqueira, CFO
Mr. Cerqueira entered into a consulting agreement with the Company effective March 1, 2022, as amended on January 20, 2023, for his services as CFO. Pursuant to the consulting agreement, Mr. Cerqueira receives monthly base consulting fees of $12,750 and can terminate the agreement for any reason by giving not less than two months' advance notice in writing to the Company. the Company may terminate the consulting agreement for just cause without notice or payment in lieu of notice, and may terminate the consulting agreement without cause by providing Mr. Cerqueira with two months' notice, or pay in lieu of all or part of such notice period.
Mr. Cerqueira's consulting agreement provides a double-trigger change of control benefit and in the event that: (a) a Change of Control occurs; and (b) Mr. Cerqueira's employment with the Company terminates within 24 months of such Change of Control, either by (i) involuntary termination of his employment by the Company without just cause, or (ii) voluntary termination of his employment for Good Reason, Mr. Cerqueira will be entitled to a Change of Control Payment.
Summary of Termination Payments
The estimated incremental payments, payable and benefits that might be paid to the NEO pursuant to the above noted agreements in the event of termination without cause or after a Change of Control or for Good Reason as at December 31, 2022 are detailed below:
| Name | Triggering Event | Base SalaryUS$ | Value of OptionBased Awards ifExercised onTermination(1)C$ | All OtherCompensation(2)$ | Total(3)$ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Azevedo | Change of control | $240,000 | $38,500 | - | $268,424 |
| Executive Chairman &CEO | Termination withoutjust cause | $20,000 | $38,500 | - | $48,424 |
| Manoel Cerqueira | Change of control | $144,000 | $48,650 | - | $179,918 |
| CFO | Termination withoutjust cause | $12,000 | $48,650 | - | $47,918 |
- (1) The value of unexercised options was calculated based on the difference between the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSXV on December 31, 2022 (C$2.10) and the exercise price of the options. Where the difference is negative, the options are not in-the-money and no value is reported. The options may never be exercised and actual gain, if any, on exercise will depend on the value of the Common Shares on the date of exercise.
- (2) Subject to standard statutory payments under applicable employment legislation.
- (3) In United States dollars with Canadian dollar figures converted based on an exchange rate of C$1.00 = $0.7383.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth certain information as at December 31, 2022 regarding the equity compensation plans of the Company pursuant to which Common Shares may be issuable from the Company's treasury:
| Plan Category | Number of Securities tobe Issued uponExercise ofOutstanding Options,Warrants and Rights(a) | Weighted AverageExercise Price ofOutstanding Options,Warrants and Rights(b) | Number of Securitiesremaining Available forFuture Issuance underEquity CompensationPlans [excludingcommon sharesreflected in column (a)](c) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders(1) | 3,534,150 | C$1.82 | 6,565,850 |
| Total | 3,534,150(2) | C$1.82 | 6,565,850 |
Notes:
(1) Approval of the Company's Stock Option Plan is an item of business at the Meeting.
(2) 3,5% of the issued and outstanding shares as of December 31, 2022.
Stock Option Plan
The aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of all Options granted under the Stock Option Plan together shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as at the date of such grant (as of the date hereof, 6,565,850 Common Shares, representing 6,5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares remain available to grant, subject to approval of the Stock Option Plan by shareholders). For a summary of the Stock Option Plan, please see "Statement of Executive Compensation — Stock Option Plan".
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
As at the date of this Circular, and during the financial year ended December 31, 2022, no director, proposed director or executive officer of the Company (and each of their associates and/or affiliates) was indebted, including under any securities purchase or other program, to (i) the Company or its subsidiaries, or (ii) any other entity which is, or was at any time during the financial year ended December 31, 2022 the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by the Company or its subsidiaries.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Other than as disclosed below, or otherwise not required to be disclosed herein, no "informed person" or nominee for election as a director of the Company, or any associate or affiliate of an informed person or proposed director, has or had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or would materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The term "informed person" as defined in National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations means (i) director or officer of the Company; (ii) a director or executive officer or a person or corporation that is itself an informed person or subsidiary of the Company; (iii) any person or corporation who beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, voting securities of the Company or a combination of both, carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting securities of the Company, other than voting securities held by the person or corporation as underwriter in the course of a distribution; and (iv) the Company if it has purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any of its own securities, for so long as it holds any such securities.
Pursuant to a share exchange agreement dated February 9, 2022 between the Company and Bravo Capital Partners ("Bravo Capital"), the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Bravo Capital from RD Consulting Ltd. and Harpya Ltd. (together, the "Vendors"), two companies controlled by Mr. Azevedo, in exchange for the issuance of 52,000,000 Common Shares at a deemed price of US$0.05 per Common Share to the Vendors on February 16, 2022. The consideration paid to Mr. Azevedo in respect of such acquisition was determined by the independent directors of the Company, and was structured to ensure Mr. Azevedo maintained a controlling interest in the Company at the time of the IPO while preserving a valuation of the Company that would be attractive to future investors, allowing the Company to raise sufficient capital to fund exploration work on the Company's Luanga Project, make payments under the option agreement for the Luanga Project and for general working capital expenses.
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
Board of Directors
Composition of the Board
The Board currently comprises five directors. The Board concluded that four directors (Dr. Adshead-Bell and Messrs. Comline, Polglase and Quin) are "independent" for purposes of board membership, as defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 58-101 - Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices ("NI 58-101"). As such, the Board is currently constituted with a majority of independent directors.
The Chair of the Board, Mr. Azevedo, is the CEO of the Company and is therefore not independent. To facilitate its exercise of independent judgment in carrying out its responsibilities, the Board appointed a Lead Director. Dr. Adshead-Bell, and has adopted policies, position descriptions and other mechanisms described elsewhere in this Circular to ensure that the Board can function independently of management. Additionally, each standing Committee of the Board is composed entirely of "independent" directors.
Other Directorships
Certain nominees for election as a director of the Company are also directors of other public companies. Information as to such other directorships is set out in the chart below.
| Name | Public Company | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo | GK Resources Ltd. | TSXV |
| Serabi Gold plc | LSE/TSX | |
| Harvest Minerals Limited | AIM | |
| Jangada Mines Plc | AIM | |
| Aranjin Resources Ltd. | TSXV | |
| Anthony Polglase | New World Resources Limited | ASX |
| Black Cat Syndicate Limited | ASX | |
| Stephen Quin | Kutcho Copper Corp. | TSXV |
| West Vault Mining Inc. | TSXV | |
| Hot Chili Limited | ASX/TSXV | |
| TDG Gold Corp. | TSXV |
Board Mandate
The Board is responsible for the stewardship of the Company, the supervision of senior management of the Company and overseeing the general affairs and conduct of the business of the Company. The Board has adopted a formal mandate (the "Board Mandate"), that includes, among other things, the following duties and obligations:
- ensuring that legal requirements have been met and documents and records have been properly prepared, approved and maintained;
- ensuring that appropriate structures and procedures are in place to permit the Board to function independently of management;
- appointing and delegating responsibilities to Board committees;
- developing position descriptions for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chairman (for both when independent and when non-independent) and Lead Director of the Company;
- appointing, training and monitoring the senior management of the Company, including monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and approving their remuneration based on recommendations from the Compensation Committee, approving the appointment of all officers and establishing the expectations and responsibilities of directors regarding attendance at meetings and review of meeting materials;
- overseeing appropriate policies and procedures for ensuring the Company's compliance with applicable ethical, regulatory and legal obligations and standards, and monitoring compliance with such policies and procedures;
- overseeing and monitoring reporting and communication with shareholders, stakeholders and the public generally, including ensuring the financial performance of the Company is reported to shareholders on an accurate, timely and regular basis; and
- monitoring the Company's progress towards its goals and objectives and taking appropriate action when performance falls short or when special circumstances warrant action.
The text of the Board's mandate is set out in Appendix "A" to this Circular.
Position Descriptions
The Board has adopted a position description for the Chairman, when the Chairman is independent, which sets out the key responsibilities of an independent Chairman of the Company, including, among other duties, attending at meetings of the Board and shareholders, and providing leadership to the Board in its review and monitoring of the Company's strategy, goals and objectives, compliance with corporate governance best practices and the policies and mandates adopted by the Board, organizing and presenting agendas for regular or special board meetings in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, liaising with management of the Company to ensure the Board is provided with adequate knowledge, information and materials to make fully informed decisions, acting in an advisory capacity to the Chief Executive Officer, and carrying out such other duties as requested by the Board as a whole, depending on need and circumstance. The Board has also adopted a position description for the Chairman, when the Chairman is not independent, which sets out the key responsibilities of a non-independent Chairman of the Company, including presiding at meetings of the Board and shareholders except when conflicted out or the Chairman has recused themselves, and providing leadership to the Board in meeting its obligations and discharging its duties and otherwise complying with corporate governance best practices and policies adopted by the Board, the review and monitoring of the Company's strategy, goals and objectives, developing consensus and maintaining open dialogue between Board members, scheduling regular meetings of the full board with the chairs of Board committees, organizing and presenting agendas for regular Board meetings in consultation with the Lead Director, the Chief Executive Officer and the Corporate Secretary, liaising with management of the Company to ensure the Board is provided with adequate knowledge, information and materials to make fully informed decisions, overseeing the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management in cooperation with the Compensation Committee and following prior consultation with the Lead Director, and carrying out such other duties as requested by the Board as a whole, depending on need and circumstance.
The Board has also adopted a position description for the Lead Director, when a Lead Director is named in the case of a nonindependent Chairman, which sets out the key responsibilities of an independent Lead Director of the Company, including, among other duties, presiding at meetings of the Board and of the shareholders when the non-independent Chairman is absent or has recused themselves, or when the non-independent Chairman is deemed by a majority of the independent directors of the Board to be conflicted; provided, however, that in the event the independent Lead Director is absent or has recused themselves, or when the independent Lead Director is deemed by a majority of the other independent directors of the Board to be conflicted, then and in such event a majority of the other independent Directors shall designate one of its members to so preside, providing leadership to the Board regarding corporate governance matters to assist the Board in being aware of, understanding and meeting its obligations and responsibilities, including those relating to the Board Mandate and other corporate governance matters, and in assessing the Board's success in meeting its obligations and discharging its duties and otherwise complying with corporate governance best practices, maintaining an open dialogue and communicating with all Board members, and building consensus and developing teamwork at the Board level, following prior consultation and coordination with the non-independent Chairman, establishing procedures to govern the Board's work, scheduling special meetings of the full Board, and where appropriate, of the independent members of the Board, organizing and presenting agendas for any special meetings of the full Board or of the independent members of the Board, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and the Corporate Secretary, presiding over the in-camera sessions of the independent directors of the Board held as part of all meetings of the Board, acting as liaison between the independent members of the Board and management, working with the ESG Committee in constituting the Board and ensuring a proper committee structure including the assignment of committee members and chairs, following up as necessary to ensure that the functions are properly carried out and results are reported to the Board when functions are delegated to appropriate committees of the Board, and carrying out other duties as requested by the Board as a whole, depending on need and circumstance.
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Board is responsible for, among other things, providing suitable programs, with the assistance of management, for the orientation of new directors and the continuing education of incumbent directors. Each new director is given an outline of the nature of the Company's business, its corporate strategy, and current issues within the Company. New directors will be encouraged to review the Company's public disclosure records and are also required to meet with management of the Company to discuss and better understand the Company's business and are given the opportunity to meet with counsel to the Company to discuss their legal obligations as directors of the Company. Board members are encouraged to communicate with management, auditors and technical consultants, to keep themselves current with industry trends and developments and changes in legislation with management's assistance, and to attend related industry seminars and visit the Company's operations. Board members have full access to the Company's records.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board views good corporate governance as an integral component to the success of the Company and to meet responsibilities to shareholders. The Board has adopted a written code of conduct and ethics policy (the "Code of Conduct") that requires its directors, officers and employees, as well as any third parties working for or on behalf of the Company, to observe high standards of business conduct and to act with integrity and objectivity. The Company expects all incoming directors, officers, employees and applicable third parties to be provided with a copy of the Code of Conduct and to read and review its provisions. The Board has appointed a compliance officer who is responsible for providing guidance on questions and concerns arising under the Code of Conduct, monitoring and facilitating investigations of reported violations or potential violations of the Code of Conduct, and administering the Code of Conduct and monitoring compliance with its provisions.
In addition, the Company promotes the culture of ethical business conduct through the adoption of various corporate governance policies, including, the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, the ESG Policy, the Disclosure and Confidentiality Policy, the Diversity & Inclusion Policy, the Insider Trading Policy and the Whistleblower Policy.
The Board has adopted the Disclosure and Confidentiality Policy to establish procedures which permit the timely disclosure of information regarding the Company and its subsidiaries to the public. The Board has established a disclosure committee (the "Disclosure Committee") to oversee the disclosure of confidential information, which committee is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and EVP Corporate Development of the Company, in addition to such other persons as are designated from time to time by the Board. The Chief Executive Officer serves as the primary Disclosure Officer (with the Chief Financial Officer serving as the back-up Disclosure Officer) who is authorized to communicate information regarding the Company and its subsidiaries with analysts, news media and investors.
The Insider Trading Policy adopted by the Board applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, advisory members of the Board and any consultants and contractors designated by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company as being subject to the provisions of the policy. The Insider Trading Policy sets forth basic guidelines for trading in the Company's securities (including Common Shares), the application of blackout periods and measures intended to preserve the confidentiality of material non-public information so as to prevent the occurrence of any situation that could constitute a violation of applicable securities laws or damage the reputation of the Company. All matters regarding the application of the Insider Trading Policy should be referred to the Disclosure Committee.
The Board has adopted the Whistleblower Policy to provide an avenue for directors, officers, employees, consultants and contractors of the Company to report complaints and concerns regarding, among other things, suspected violations of the Code of Conduct, civil and criminal laws and accounting controls, as well as workplace harassment and occupational health and safety issues. In addition, the Board has adopted the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy to ensure the Company is focused on conducting its business transparently and in compliance with applicable laws, including Canadian, U.S. and Brazilian anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.
Copies of the Code of Conduct and the other above-mentioned policies can be found on the Company's website at www.bravomining.com. The information contained in or found on the Company's website is expressly not, and shall not be deemed to be, incorporated by reference in the Circular.
Nomination of Directors
The ESG Committee is responsible for, among other things, identifying candidates qualified to become new members of the Board and recommending to the Board the new director nominees for the next annual meeting of the shareholders, and in so doing, taking into consideration the competencies and skills that the Board requires as being necessary for the Board, as a whole to possess, based on the skills and competencies that the Board considers each existing director and each new nominee to possess. In evaluating the recommendations of the ESG Committee, the Board considers, among other factors and in the context of the needs of the Board, potential conflicts of interest, professional experience, personal character, diversity, outside commitments and particular areas of expertise. The Company's management is continually in contact with individuals involved with public sector issuers. From these sources, management has numerous contacts and if the Company requires any new directors, such individuals will be brought to the attention of the Board. The Company conducts due diligence, reference and background checks on any suitable candidate. New nominees must have a track record in general business management, special expertise in an area of strategic interest to the Company, the ability to devote the time required, integrity of character and a willingness to serve.
Compensation
The Board has established a compensation committee (the "Compensation Committee") to implement and oversee human resources and compensation policies adopted by the Board. The Compensation Committee consists of at least three members of the Board, all of whom must be non-management directors and independent (within the meaning of applicable securities laws). Members of the Compensation Committee are appointed annually by the Board, to hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company. Members of the Compensation Committee may be removed by the Board at any time and the Board will have the power to fill casual vacancies in the committee. The Company has adopted a Compensation Committee Mandate to define the duties, roles and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for recommending compensation policies and guidelines to the Board and ensuring the compensation programs of the Company are adequate for attracting and developing management of a sufficient caliber. The Compensation Committee will also review corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and, in light of those goals and objectives, to recommend to the Board the annual salary or consulting fees, bonus and other benefits, direct and indirect, of the Chief Executive Officer (provided, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee shall recommend to the Board approval of all awards to the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to the Company's equity incentive plan and any other plan that delegates to the Compensation Committee such authority) and to recommend approval to the Board of compensation for all other designated officers after considering the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer, all within the human resources and compensation policies and guidelines approved by the Board.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for implementing and overseeing the compensation policies approved by the Board, including executive compensation, short term incentives and long term (equity) incentive plans (including the granting of awards under such plans, or making recommendations to the Board regarding such grants, as applicable), reviewing, from time to time, the broad compensation policies of the Company relating to benefits and reviewing executive compensation disclosure before it is publicly disclosed. In addition, the Compensation Committee is responsible for developing and monitoring the overall approach for remuneration of the directors of the Company, and, subject to Board approval, developing a remuneration program for the directors in connection with the roles of such directors on committees. The Compensation Committee will review, on a periodic basis, the adequacy and form of the compensation provided to directors of the Company to ensure the compensation realistically reflects the responsibilities and risks involved in being an effective director, and to report and make recommendations to the Board accordingly.
The Compensation Committee is required to report regularly to the Board on all of the Compensation Committee's activities and findings during that year, and to develop a calendar of activities to be undertaken by the Compensation Committee for each ensuing year and to submit the calendar in the appropriate format to the Board within a reasonable period of time following each annual general meeting of shareholders.
Board Assessment
The ESG Committee is responsible for ensuring that an appropriate system is in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the Board, as a whole as well as its committees and the chairpersons and to annually evaluate the performance of such committees and chairpersons and the Board. Additionally, the ESG Committee is responsible for developing a similar process to be conducted on a regular, but not necessarily annual, basis to evaluate the performance of individual directors, the Chairman and, if applicable, the Independent Lead Director. Given that the Company completed its initial public offering less than 12 months ago, the first assessment is planned for later in 2023.
Going forward, on a regular basis, each director will be requested to provide his or her assessment of the effectiveness of the Board and each committee as well as the performance of the individual directors. If appropriate, the ESG Committee would then consider procedural or substantive changes to increase the effectiveness of the Board and its committees and make recommendations to the Board for any recommended changes.
Audit & Risk Committee
The Company has established an audit & risk committee (the "Audit & Risk Committee") that is currently composed of the following three directors: Dr. Adshead-Bell (Chair) and Messrs. Polglase and Quin. All three members are considered "independent" and "financially literate" (as such terms are defined in National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees ("NI 52-110")). The education and experience of each member of the Audit & Risk Committee that is relevant to his or her performance of responsibilities as an audit committee member are noted in each such person's biography at "Business of the Meeting - Election of Directors".
The Board has adopted a charter for the Audit & Risk Committee which sets out the mandate and purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee, as well as its duties and responsibilities. A copy of the Company's Audit & Risk Committee Charter is set out in Appendix "B" of the Circular.
Audit & Risk Committee Oversight
Since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year, the Audit & Risk Committee has not made any recommendations to nominate or compensate an external auditor which were not adopted by the Board.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
Since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year, the Company has not relied on:
- (a) the exemption in section 2.4 (De Minimis Non-audit Services) of NI 52-110;
- (b) any of the exemptions in sections 6.1.1(4), 6.1.1(5) or 6.1.1(6) of NI 52-110; or
- (c) an exemption from NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted under Part 8 (Exemptions).
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit & Risk Committee has not adopted any specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services.
Audit Fees
The following sets forth the fees paid by the Company and its subsidiaries to KPMG LLP, for services rendered in the last fiscal year:
| 2022(US$) | |
|---|---|
| Audit Fees (1) | $186,666 |
| Audit Related Fees (2) | $- |
| Tax Fees (3) | $15,424 |
| All Other Fees (4) | $61,372 |
| Total | $263,462 |
-
- "Audit fees" include fees necessary to perform the annual audit and quarterly reviews of the Company's consolidated financial statements; fees for review of tax provisions; accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements; and, audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits.
-
- "Audited related fees" include services that are traditionally performed by the auditor such as employee benefit audits, due diligence assistance, accounting consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation.
-
- "Tax fees" includes fees for all tax services other than those included in "Audit fees" and "Audit related fees". This category includes fees for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax planning and tax advice includes assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities.
-
- "All other fees" include all other non-audit services.
Exemption in Section 6.1
The Company is a "venture issuer" as defined in NI 52-110 and is relying on the exemption in section 6.1 of NI 52- 110 relating to Parts 3 (Composition of Audit Committee) and 5 (Reporting Obligations).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company is available on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com or the Company's website at www.bravomining.com. Financial information is provided in the Company's comparative financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022.
In addition, copies of the Company's financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, may be obtained upon request to the CFO of the Company at Ƈ or [email protected]. The Company may require the payment of a reasonable charge if the request is made by a person who is not a shareholder of the Company.
DIRECTORS' APPROVAL
The directors of the Company have approved the contents and the sending of this Circular.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Vancouver, British Columbia Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo May 24, 2023 Chairman of the Board
"Luis Mauricio F. Azevedo"
APPENDIX "A" BOARD OF DIRECTORS MANDATE [See Next Page]

BOARD MANDATE
Approved by the Board on 29 September 2022
A. INTRODUCTION
The Board of Directors (Board) has a stewardship responsibility for the conduct of the business of Bravo Metals Corp. (BRAVO or Company) and the activities of management. Whereas management is responsible for the dayto-day conduct of the business, it is the role of the Board to provide oversight and direction regarding the Company's strategic plan and long-term goals. The Board's fundamental objectives are to enhance and preserve long-term shareholder value, to ensure that the Company meets its obligations on an ongoing basis and that the Company operates in a reliable and safe manner. In performing its functions, the Board should also consider the legitimate interests that its other stakeholders, such as employees, customers and communities, may have in the Company. In overseeing the conduct of the business, the Board, through the Chief Executive Officer, shall set the standards of conduct for the Company, and any of its subsidiary companies.
B. PROCEDURES & ORGANIZATION
The Board operates by delegating certain of its authorities to management and by reserving certain powers to itself. The Board retains the responsibility for managing its own affairs including selecting its Chair and Lead Director, nominating candidates for election to the Board and constituting committees of the Board. Subject to the Articles of the Company and the British Columbia Business Company's Act (the "Act"), the Board may constitute, seek the advice of and delegate powers, duties and responsibilities to committees of the Board.
C. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board's principal duties and responsibilities fall into a number of categories which are outlined below.
1. Legal Requirements
The Board is responsible for overseeing that management is in compliance with all regulatory requirements whereby all documents and records are prepared, approved, and maintained.
- (a) The Board shall meet at least quarterly, and
- (b) The Board has the statutory responsibility to:
- i. Manage or, to the extent it is entitled to delegate such power, to supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company by the senior officers of the Company.
- ii. Act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company.
- iii. Exercise the care, diligence, and skill that reasonable, prudent people would exercise in comparable circumstances.
- iv. Act in accordance with its obligations contained in the Act and the regulations thereto, the Company's Articles, securities legislation of each province and territory of Canada, and other relevant legislation and regulations.
2. Independence
The Board has the responsibility to put in place appropriate structures and procedures to permit the Board to function independently of management.

- (a) The majority of the Board must be independent directors.
- (b) The Board must have an independent Chair or an independent Lead Director, as the term "independent" is defined within the meaning of all applicable Canadian Law and the rules of each stock exchange on which the Company's securities are listed (collectively, the "Applicable Regulations"), except if and to the extent that the Applicable Regulations permit otherwise.
- (c) In addition, each member of the Board and each member of each committee of the Board shall meet such other qualification requirements as may be set forth in the Applicable Regulations.
- (d) The Board shall annually make an affirmative determination as to the independence of each member of the Board under the Applicable Regulations.
- (e) Also, the Board will include an "in camera" session for the independent directors at each Board meeting, and the independent directors shall also meet as often as necessary in order to fulfill their responsibilities.
3. Strategy Determination
The Board has the responsibility to put in place long-term goals and a strategic planning process for the Company and to participate with management directly or through its committees in developing and approving the mission of the business of the Company and the strategic plan by which it proposes to achieve its goals, which strategic plan takes into account, among other things, the opportunities and risks of the Company's business.
4. Managing Risk
The Board has the responsibility to identify and understand the principal risks of the business in which the Company is engaged, to achieve a proper balance between risks incurred and the potential return to shareholders, and to put in place systems which effectively monitor and manage those risks with a view to the long-term viability of the Company.
5. Division of Responsibilities
The Board has the responsibility to:
- (a) Appoint and delegate responsibilities to committees where appropriate to do so.
- (b) Develop position descriptions for:
- i. Board.
- ii. Chairman.
- iii. Lead Director.
- iv. Chair of each Board Committee.
- v. Chief Executive Officer.
- vi. Chief Financial Officer.
- vii. President.
To assist it in exercising its responsibilities, the Board hereby establishes three standing committees of the Board:

Audit & Risk Committee, Compensation Committee and Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) Committee. The Board may also establish other standing committees from time to time.
- (c) Each committee shall have a written mandate that clearly establishes its purpose, responsibilities, members, structure and functions.
- (d) Each mandate shall be reviewed by both the committee itself and the Board regularly.
- (e) The Board is responsible for appointing committee members.
2
6. Appointment, Training & Monitoring Senior Management
The Board has the responsibility:
- (a) To appoint the Chief Executive Officer, to monitor and assess the Chief Executive Officer's performance, to satisfy itself as to the integrity of the Chief Executive Officer, and to provide advice and counsel in the execution of the Chief Executive Officer's duties.
- (b) To develop or approve the corporate goals or objectives that the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for.
- (c) Based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board, to approve the annual salary, bonus and other benefits, direct and indirect, of the Chief Executive Officer.
- (d) To approve the appointment of all corporate officers, acting upon the advice of the Chief Executive Officer and to satisfy itself as to the integrity of such corporate officers.
- (e) To review and discuss with management the Company's leadership development and training program. Also, the Board will consult with management to put in place a management succession planning process. to adopt an orientation program for new directors. This program will include, but not be limited to, access to recent minutes of Board meetings, corporate documents, interviews with senior managers, and when appropriate, site visits.
- (f) To create a culture of integrity throughout the Company.
- (g) To communicate to management the Board's expectations of management.
- (h) To set out expectations and responsibilities of directors including attendance at meetings and review of meeting materials.
7. Policies, Procedures & Compliance
The Board has the responsibility:
- (a) To oversee that the Company has in place policies and structures that lead the Company to operate at all times within applicable laws, regulations and our ethical standards.
- (b) To approve and monitor compliance with significant policies and procedures by which the Company is operated.
8. Reporting & Communication
The Board has the responsibility:
(a) Based on the recommendations of the ESG Committee of the Board, approve the nomination of new director nominees.

- (b) To oversee the Company's policies and programs that enable the Company to communicate effectively with its shareholders, other stakeholders and the public generally.
- (c) To review and discuss the process whereby the financial performance of the Company is reported to shareholders, other security holders and regulators on an accurate, timely and regular basis.
- (d) To review the procedures that management has put in place to facilitate the timely reporting of developments that have a significant and material impact on the value of the Company.
- (e) To report annually to shareholders on its stewardship of the affairs of the Company for the preceding year. 3
- (f) To develop the Company's approach to corporate governance and to develop a set of corporate governance principles and guidelines.
9. Monitoring & Acting
The Board has the responsibility:
- (a) To monitor the Company's progress towards it goals and objectives and to revise and alter its direction through management in response to changing circumstances.
- (b) To take action when performance falls short of its goals and objectives or when other special circumstances warrant.
- (c) To oversee the adequacy of the Company's control and information systems for the effective discharge of its responsibilities.
- (d) To review the regular assessments of the Board conducted by the ESG Committee.
- (e) To review the risks of the Company and ensure adequate processes are in place to identify, monitor, mitigate and/or address the risks identified.
- (f) To oversee the Company's Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy and monitor and review the processes that are in place to maintain compliance with the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act.
APPENDIX "B" AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE MANDATE [See Next Page]

AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE MANDATE
Approved by the Board on 29 September 2022
A. PURPOSE
The overall purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee (the "Committee") of Bravo Metals Corp. (BRAVO or Company) is to assist the Board of Directors (Board) of the Company in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for:
-
- The integrity, quality and transparency of the Company's financial statements.
-
- The Company's internal control over financial reporting.
-
- The Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to financial reporting.
-
- The appointment (subject to shareholder ratification) of the Company's external auditor and approval of its compensation as well as responsibility for its independence, qualifications and performance of all audit and audit related work.
-
- Such other duties as assigned to it from time to time by the Board.
The function of the Committee is oversight. The members of the Committee are not employees of the Company. The Company's management is responsible for the preparation of the Company's financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The Company's external auditor is responsible for the audit and quarterly review, when applicable, of the Company's financial statements in accordance with applicable auditing standards and laws and regulations.
In carrying out its oversight role, the Committee and the Board recognize that the Company's management is responsible for:
-
- Implementing and maintaining suitable internal controls and disclosure controls.
-
- The preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company's financial statements.
-
- The appropriateness of the accounting principles and reporting policies that are used by the Company.
B. COMPOSITION, PROCEDURES AND ORGANIZATION
-
- The Committee shall consist of at least three members of the Board. The Board will appoint members to the Committee and the Committee will elect a Committee Chair from among the Committee's membership.
-
- The Board will ensure that the Chair of the Committee and its members are independent and financially literate, as defined in National Instrument 52-110 (NI 52-110).
-
- The Committee will meet at least four times a year. The Chair of the Committee has the authority to convene additional meetings, as circumstances warrant. The Committee may invite members of management, the auditor or others to attend meetings and provide pertinent information, as necessary. The Committee will hold private meetings with each of the external auditor, and senior management. Meeting agendas will be prepared and provided in advance to members, along with appropriate briefing materials.
-
- No business shall be transacted by the Committee, except at a meeting where a majority of the members 1

are present, either in person or by teleconference or video conference.
-
- The Committee may:
- (a) Engage outside legal, audit or other counsel and/or advisors at the Company's expense, without the prior approval of the directors of the Company.
- (b) Set and pay the compensation of any advisors employed by the Committee.
- (c) Review any corporate counsel's reports of evidence of a material violation of security laws or breaches of fiduciary duty.
- (d) Seek any information it requires from employees all of whom are directed to cooperate with the Committee's request – or external party.
- (e) Meet and/or communicate directly with the Company's officers, the external auditor or outside counsel, as necessary.
-
- The Committee's business will be recorded in minutes of the Committee meetings, which shall be submitted to the Board. The Committee Secretary will normally be the Company's Corporate Secretary or the Company's Brazilian Subsidiary Corporate Secretary or such persons as designated by the Committee.
C. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Financial Statements & Related Disclosure Documents
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee as they relate to the financial statements and related disclosure documents are to:
- (a) Review and discuss with management and the external auditor, when the external auditor is engaged to perform an interim review, the interim and annual consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures contained in Management's Discussion and Analysis and recommend these documents to the Board for approval, prior to the public disclosure of this information by the Company. Such discussion shall include:
- i. The external auditor's judgment about the quality, not just the acceptability, of accounting principles applied by the Company.
- ii. The reasonableness of any significant judgments made.
- iii. The clarity and completeness of the financial statement disclosure.
- iv. Any accounting adjustments that were noted or proposed by the external auditor but were not made (whether immaterial or otherwise).
- v. Any communication between the audit team and their national office relating to accounting or auditing issues encountered during their work.
2
- (b) Review and recommend approval to the Board of the following financial sections of:
- i. Annual Report to shareholders.
- ii. Annual Information Form.
- iii. Prospectuses.
- iv. Annual and interim press release disclosing financial results, when applicable.
- v. Other financial reports requiring approval by the Board.
- (c) Review disclosures related to any insider and related party transactions.
-
- Internal Controls
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee as they relate to internal and disclosure controls as well as

financial risks of the Company are to:
- (a) Periodically review and assess with management and the external auditor the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's systems of internal control over financial reporting and disclosure, including policies, procedures and systems to assess, monitor and manage the Company's assets, liabilities and expenses. In addition, the Committee will review and discuss the appropriateness and timeliness of the disposition of any recommendations for improvements in internal control over financial reporting and disclosure procedures.
- (b) Obtain and review reports of the external auditor on significant findings and recommendations on the Company's internal controls, together with management's responses.
- (c) Periodically discuss with management, the Company's policies regarding financial risk assessment and financial risk management, including an annual review of insurance coverage. While it is the responsibility of management to assess and manage the Company's exposure to financial risk, the Committee will discuss and review guidelines and policies that govern the process. The discussion may include the Company's financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including hedging, foreign exchange, internal controls, and cash and short-term investments.
3. External Auditor
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee as they relate to the external auditor of the Company shall be to:
- (a) Receive reports directly from and oversee the external auditor.
- (b) Discuss with representatives of the external auditor the plans for their quarterly reviews, when applicable, and annual audit, including the adequacy of staff and their proposed fees and expenses. The Committee will have separate discussions with the external auditor, without management present, on:
- i. The results of their annual audit and applicable quarterly reviews.
- ii. Any difficulties encountered in the course of their work, including restrictions on the scope of activities or access to information.
- iii. Management's response to audit issues and, when applicable, quarterly review issues.
- iv. Any disagreements with management.
- (c) Pre-approve all audit and allowable non-audit fees and services to be provided by the external auditor in accordance with securities laws and regulations. The Committee will pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the external auditor in advance of work being started on such services. The Committee Chair may approve proposed audit and non-audit services between Committee meetings and will bring any such approvals to the attention of the Committee at its next meeting.
- (d) Recommend to the Board that it recommend to the shareholders of the Company the appointment and termination of the external auditor.
- (e) Receive reports in respect of quarterly reviews, when applicable, and audit work of the external auditor and, where applicable, oversee the resolution of any disagreements between management and the external auditor. 3
- (f) Ensure that, at all times, there are direct communication channels between the Committee and the external auditor of the Company to discuss and review specific issues, as appropriate.
- (g) Meet separately, on a regular basis, with management and the external auditor to discuss any issues or concerns warranting Committee attention. As part of this process, the Committee shall provide sufficient

opportunity for the external auditor to meet privately with the Committee.
- (h) At least annually, assess the external auditor's independence and receive a letter each year from the external auditor confirming its continued independence.
- (i) Allow the external auditor of the Company to attend and be heard at any meeting of the Committee.
- (j) Review and approve the Company's hiring policies regarding partners, employees and former partners and employees of the external auditor to ensure compliance with NI 52-110.
- (k) Review and report quarterly to the Board on the Company's compliance with the Anti-Bribery/Anti-Corruption Policy.
- (l) At least annually, evaluate the external auditor's qualifications, performance and independence and report the results of such review to the Board.
4. Whistleblower
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee as they relate to the Whistleblower Policy of the Company shall be to establish and review procedures established with respect to employees and third parties for:
- (a) The receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company, confidentially and anonymously, regarding accounting, financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, or auditing matters.
- (b) Dealing with the reporting, handling and taking of remedial action with respect to alleged violations of accounting, financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, or auditing matters, as well as certain other alleged illegal or unethical behavior, in accordance with the Company's related policy and procedures.
5. Compliance
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee as they relate to the Company's Compliance are to:
- (a) Review disclosures made by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer regarding compliance with their certification obligations as required by the regulators.
- (b) Review the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer's quarterly and annual assessments of the design and operating effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, respectively.
- (c) Review the findings of any examination by regulatory agencies, and any auditor observations.
- (d) Receive reports, if any, from management and corporate legal counsel of evidence of material violation of securities laws or breaches of fiduciary duty.
6. Reporting Responsibilities
It is the duty and responsibility of the Committee to:
- 4
- (a) Regularly report to the Board on Committee activities, issues and related recommendations.
- (b) Report annually to the shareholders, describing the Committee's composition, responsibilities and how they are discharged, and any other information required by legislation.

7. Other Responsibilities
Other responsibilities of the Committee are to:
- (a) Perform any other related activities as requested by the Board.
- (b) Review and assess the adequacy of the Committee mandate annually, requesting Board approval for proposed changes.
- (c) Institute and oversee special investigations, as needed.