AI assistant
Pelangio Exploration Inc. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2025
May 27, 2025
46380_rns_2025-05-26_3d91501d-df6a-4bdb-b095-0bcef97518fd.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
Open in viewerOpens in your device viewer

PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
Meeting to be held:
June 25, 2025 at 10:00 am
Suite 1800, 372 Bay Street, Sterling Tower
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2W9
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
This portion of the page is intentionally left blank.
These security-holder materials are being sent to both registered and non-registered owners of securities. If you are a non-registered owner, and the issuer or its agent has sent these materials directly to you, your name and address and information about your holdings of securities, have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the intermediary holding on your behalf.
By choosing to send these materials to you directly, the issuer (and not the intermediary holding on your behalf) has assumed responsibility for (i) delivering these materials to you, and (ii) executing your proper voting instructions. Please return your voting instructions as specified in the request for voting instructions.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL & SPECIAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC.
TAKE NOTICE that an annual general meeting & special (the "Meeting") of the shareholders ("Shareholders") of PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC. (the "Corporation") will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 372 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2W9 at 10:00 a.m. EDT (local time) for the following purposes:
- to receive financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2024, together with the Auditors Report thereon;
- to elect directors for the ensuing year;
- to re-appoint auditors for the ensuing year, and to authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors;
- to re-approve the Stock Option Plan of the Corporation, as more particularly described in the accompanying Management Information Circular; and
- to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Accompanying this Notice of Meeting are: (1) the Management Information Circular, which provides additional information relating to the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting; (2) a form of proxy or voting instruction form; (3) a return envelope for use by Shareholders to send in their proxy; and (4) a request card for use by Shareholders who wish to receive the Corporation's interim and annual financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on May 9, 2025 will be entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof.
If you are a registered Shareholder of Common Shares and are unable to attend the Meeting in person, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed form of proxy. A proxy will not be valid unless it is deposited at the offices of AGM Connect™ ("AGM Connect" or "AGMC"), 1800-372 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5H 2W9, or submitted electronically through: https://portal.agmconnect.com/pxlogin no later than 48 hours prior to the Meeting (10:00 a.m. EDT, Monday June 23, 2025).
If you are a non-registered Shareholder of Common Shares and a non-objecting beneficial owner and receive a voting instruction form (VIF), please complete and return the form in accordance with the instruction. If you do not complete and return the VIF in accordance with such instructions, you may lose your right to vote at the meeting.
If you are a non-registered Shareholder of Common Shares and an objecting beneficial owner and receive these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your broker or such other intermediary. If you do not complete and return the materials in accordance with such instructions, you may lose your right to vote at the Meeting.
DATED at Toronto, Ontario as of May 9, 2025.
By Order of the Board
"Ingrid Hibbard"/S
Ingrid Hibbard
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 4 -
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL & SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC.
TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025
GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
Management Solicitation
THE MANAGEMENT ("MANAGEMENT") OF PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC. (THE "CORPORATION", "PELANGIO", "US", "WE", AND "OUR") IS FURNISHING THIS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR ("MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR") TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS (THE "SHAREHOLDERS") FOR THEIR USE AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (THE "MEETING") OF OUR SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AT 10:00 A.M. (LOCAL TIME), WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025 at THE OFFICES OF AGM CONNECT, SUITE 1800, 372 BAY STREET, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5H 2W9 FOR THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THE NOTICE OF MEETING.
The solicitation of proxies is made by or on behalf of Management of the Corporation. It is expected that the solicitation will be primarily by mail. Our directors, or officers, at nominal cost, may also solicit proxies personally or by telephone. The cost of this solicitation will be borne by us. Except as otherwise stated, the information contained herein is given as of May 9, 2025. In person attendance at the Meeting will be limited to registered shareholders, duly appointed proxyholders, and essential personnel.
Appointment and Revocation of Proxies
The persons named in the accompanying form of proxy are nominees of the Corporation's management. A SHAREHOLDER OF RECORD DESIRING TO APPOINT SOME OTHER PERSON (who need not be a Shareholder) to represent the Shareholder at the Meeting may do so, either by:
(a) STRIKING OUT THE PRINTED NAMES AND INSERTING THE DESIRED PERSON'S NAME IN THE BLANK SPACE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF PROXY; OR
(b) BY COMPLETING ANOTHER PROPER FORM OF PROXY.
The completed proxy must be deposited to AGM Connect, 1800-372 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2W9, not less than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the Meeting or any adjournment of the Meeting.
A proxy given by a Shareholder of record for use at the Meeting may be revoked in any manner permitted by law. A Shareholder of record may revoke a proxy by depositing an instrument or act in writing executed by the Shareholder of record, or by the Shareholder's attorney authorized in writing, or if the Shareholder of record is a corporation or association, under its corporate seal, or by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized, at the registered office of the Corporation at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, at which the proxy is to be used, or with the chair of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, and upon either of such deposits the proxy is revoked. The registered office of the Corporation is The Canadian Venture Building, 82 Richmond St. East, Suite 208, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1P1.
Signature of Proxy
The enclosed instrument of proxy will not be valid unless executed by the Shareholder of record or his attorney authorized in writing, or if the Shareholder of record is a corporation or association, the proxy should be signed in its corporate name under its corporate seal or by an authorized officer whose title should be indicated. A proxy signed by a person acting as attorney or in some other representative capacity should reflect such person's capacity following his signature and should be accompanied by the appropriate instrument evidencing qualification and authority to act (unless such instrument has been previously filed with the Corporation). In addition, AGM Connect provides both telephone voting and internet voting as described on the proxy itself which contains complete instructions.
Voting of Proxies
All common shares ("Common Shares") of the Corporation represented at the Meeting by properly executed proxies will be voted or against or withheld from voting in accordance with your instructions as a Shareholder of record on any ballot that may be called and if you, as a Shareholder of record, specify a choice on the enclosed form of proxy with respect to any matter to be acted upon, your shares will be voted for or against or withheld from voting in accordance with your instructions as specified in the proxy you deposit.
Except where otherwise stated, a simple majority of 50% plus 1 of the votes cast at the Meeting is required to approve all the business matters of the Meeting.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 5 -
IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROXY, IT IS INTENDED THAT ANY PERSON DESIGNATED BY MANAGEMENT IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM OF PROXY WILL VOTE THE COMMON SHARES REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY:
- FOR THE NOMINEES OF MANAGEMENT FOR DIRECTORS;
- FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF JONES & O'CONNELL LLP, CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS AS AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION; AND FOR AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTORS TO FIX THE REMUNERATION OF THE AUDITORS;
- FOR THE RE-APPROVAL OF THE STOCK OPTION PLAN OF THE CORPORATION
- FOR THE TRANSACTION OF SUCH FURTHER AND OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
Exercise of Discretion by Proxies
The form of proxy affords the Shareholder an opportunity to specify that the Common Shares registered in the Shareholder’s name shall be voted for or withheld from voting in respect of the election of directors and the appointment of auditors and shall be voted for or against the authorization of the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors.
The form of proxy accompanying this Management Information Circular confers discretionary authority upon the named proxy holder with respect to amendments or variations to the matters identified in the accompanying Notice of Meeting and with respect to any other matters, which may properly come before the Meeting.
As of the date of this Management Information Circular, Management knows of no such amendment or variation or other matters to come before the Meeting. However, if any other matters, which are not now known to Management, should properly come before the Meeting, then the Management designees intend to vote in accordance with the judgment of Management. In particular, in the event that any vacancies occur in the slate of nominees, it is intended that such discretionary authority shall be exercised to vote the Common Shares represented by such proxies for the election of such other person or persons nominated in accordance with the best judgment of management.
Voting of Shares
The board of directors ("Board" or "Board of Directors") has fixed the record date of the Meeting at the close of business on May 9, 2025 (the "Record Date"). Shareholders of record of the Corporation as at that date are entitled to receive notice of the Meeting and to vote at the Meeting.
The authorized capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares. As at May 9, 2025, 197,760,219 Common Shares were issued and outstanding. Each Common Share carries the right to one vote at the Meeting on a poll.
Two or more holders of not less than ten percent of the shares entitled to vote at the Meeting present in person or represented by proxy will constitute a quorum at the Meeting.
Principal Holders of Voting Securities
To our knowledge, there are no persons beneficially owning or exercising control or direction, directly or indirectly, over 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all issued and outstanding Common Shares.
Advice to Beneficial Holders of Common Shares
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to many Shareholders of the Corporation, 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 in this Management Information Circular as "Beneficial Shareholders" or "Non-Registered Holders") should note that only proxies deposited by Shareholders whose names appear on the records of the Corporation as the registered holders of Common Shares can be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting. If Common Shares are listed in an account statement provided to a Shareholder by a broker, then, in almost all cases, those shares will not be registered in the Shareholder’s name on the records of the Corporation. Such shares will more likely be registered under the name of the Shareholder’s broker or an agent or nominee of that broker. In Canada, the vast majority of shares are registered under the name of CDS & Co. (the registration name for The Canadian Depositary for Securities, which acts as nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms). Shares held by brokers or their agents or nominees can only be voted (for or against resolutions) upon the instructions of the Beneficial Shareholder. Without specific instructions, a broker and its agents and nominees are prohibited from voting shares for the broker’s clients.
There are two kinds of Beneficial Shareholders or Non-Registered Holders – those who object to their name being made known to the issuers of securities which they own (called OBOs for Objecting Beneficial Owners) and those who do not object to the issuers of the securities they own knowing who they are (called NOBOs for Non-Objecting Beneficial Owners). Subject to the provision of National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of Reporting Issuers ("NI 54-101"), issuers can
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 6 -
request and obtain a list of their NOBOs from intermediaries via their transfer agents and use this NOBO list for distribution of proxy-related materials directly (not via Broadridge Investor Communications ("Broadridge")) to NOBOs.
We are taking advantage of those provisions of NI 54-101 that permit us to directly deliver proxy-related materials to our NOBOs who have not waived the right to receive them (and are not sending proxy-related materials using notice-and-access this year). As a result, NOBOs can expect to receive a scannable Voting Instruction Form ("VIF") together with the Notice of Meeting, this Management Information Circular and related documents from AGM Connect. These VIFs are to be completed and returned to AGM Connect in the envelope provided. In addition, AGM Connect provides both telephone voting and internet voting as described on the VIF itself which contain complete instructions. In that regard, AGM Connect is required to follow the voting instructions properly received from NOBOs. AGM Connect will tabulate the results of the VIFs received from NOBOs and will provide appropriate instructions at the Meeting with respect to the Common Shares represented by the VIFs they receive. NOBOs should carefully follow the instructions of SGM Connect, including those regarding when and where to complete VIFs that are to be returned.
Should a NOBO wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person, the NOBO must insert the NOBO's name (or such other person as the NOBO wishes to attend and vote on the NOBO's behalf) in the blank space provided for that purpose on the VIF and return the completed VIF to AGM Connect or the NOBO must submit, to the Corporation or AGM Connect, any other document in writing that requests that the NOBO or a nominee of the NOBO be appointed as proxy holder. In such circumstances with respect to proxies held by management in respect of securities owned by the NOBO so requesting, the Corporation must arrange, without expense to the NOBO, to appoint the NOBO or a nominee of the NOBO as a proxy holder in respect of those securities. Under NI 54-101, if the Corporation appoints a NOBO or a nominee of the NOBO as a proxy holder as aforesaid, the NOBO or nominee of the NOBO, as applicable, must be given the authority to attend, vote and otherwise act for and on behalf of management in respect of all matters that may come before the Meeting and any adjournment or continuance thereof, unless corporate law does not permit the giving of that authority. Pursuant to NI 54-101, if the Corporation appoints a NOBO or its nominee as proxy holder as aforesaid, the Corporation must deposit the proxy within the timeframe specified above for the deposit of proxies if the Corporation obtains the instructions at least one (1) business day before the termination of that time. If a NOBO or a nominee of the NOBO is approved as a proxy holder pursuant to such request, the appointed proxy holder will need to attend the Meeting in person in order for their votes to be counted.
NOBOs that wish to change their vote must contact AGM Connect to arrange to change their vote in sufficient time in advance of the Meeting
The Company will not be paying for intermediaries to deliver to OBOs (who have not otherwise waived their right to receive proxy-related materials) copies of the proxy-related materials and related documents. Accordingly, an OBO will not receive copies of the proxy-related materials and related documents unless the OBO's intermediary assumes the costs of delivery.
Meeting Materials Received by OBOs from Intermediaries
OBOs who receive meeting materials will typically be given the ability to provide voting instructions in one of two ways:
i. Usually, an OBO will be given a Voting Instruction Form ("VIF"), which must be completed and signed by the OBO in accordance with the instructions provided by the intermediary. In this case, the mechanisms described above for Registered Shareholders cannot be used and the instructions provided by the intermediary must be followed.
ii. Occasionally, an OBO may be given a proxy that has already been signed by the intermediary. This form of proxy is restricted to the number of Common Shares owned by the OBO but is otherwise not completed. This form of proxy does not need to be signed by the OBO but must be completed by the OBO and returned to AGM Connect in the manner described above for Registered Shareholders.
The purpose of these procedures is to allow OBOs to direct the proxy voting of the Common Shares that they own but that are not registered in their name. Should an OBO who receives either a form of proxy or a VIF wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on their behalf), the OBO should strike out the names of the persons designated on the enclosed form of proxy and insert the OBO's name (or the name of his or her alternate appointee) in the blank space provided for that purpose or, in the case of a VIF, follow the corresponding instructions provided by the intermediary. In either case, OBOs who received meeting materials from their intermediary should carefully follow the instructions provided by the intermediary.
To exercise the right to revoke a proxy, an OBO who has completed a proxy (or a VIF, as applicable) should carefully follow the instructions provided by the intermediary. Proxies returned by intermediaries as "non-votes" because the intermediary has not received instructions from the OBO with respect to the voting of certain Common Shares or, under applicable stock exchange or other rules, the intermediary does not have the discretion to vote those Common Shares on one or more of the matters that come before the Meeting, will be treated as not entitled to vote on any such matter and will not be counted as having been voted in respect of any such matter. Common Shares represented by such "non-votes" will, however, be counted in determining whether there is a quorum.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 7 -
In accordance with the requirements of NI 54-101, we have distributed copies of the Notice of Meeting, this Management Information Circular and related documents (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") to the clearing agencies and Intermediaries for onward distribution to OBOs. Intermediaries are required to forward the Meeting Materials to OBOs unless in the case of certain proxy-related materials the OBO has waived the right to receive them. Very often, Intermediaries will use service companies such as Broadridge to forward the Meeting Materials to OBOs. With those Meeting Materials, Intermediaries or their service companies should provide OBOs of Common Shares with a "request for voting instruction form" which, when properly completed and signed by such OBO and returned to the Intermediary or its service company, will constitute voting instructions which the Intermediary must follow. The purpose of this procedure is to permit OBOs of Common Shares to direct the voting of the Common Shares that they beneficially own. The Corporation will pay for Intermediaries to deliver the proxy-related materials and request for voting instruction form to OBOs.
Should an OBO wish to vote at the Meeting in person, the OBO must insert the OBO's name (or such other person as the OBO wishes to attend and vote on the OBO's behalf) in the blank space provided for that purpose on the request for voting instruction form and return the completed request for voting instruction form to the Intermediary or its service provider or the OBO must submit, to their Intermediary, any other document in writing that requests that the OBO or a nominee of the OBO be appointed as proxy holder. In such circumstances an Intermediary who is the registered holder of, or holds a proxy in respect of, securities owned by an OBO is required under NI 54-101 to arrange, without expense to the OBO, to appoint the OBO or a nominee of the OBO as a proxy holder in respect of those securities. Under NI 54-101, if an Intermediary appoints an OBO or the nominee of the OBO as a proxy holder as aforesaid, the OBO or nominee of the OBO, as applicable, must be given the authority to attend, vote and otherwise act for and on behalf of the Intermediary, in respect of all matters that may come before the Meeting and any adjournment or continuance thereof, unless corporate law does not permit the giving of that authority. Pursuant to NI 54-101 an Intermediary who appoints an OBO or its nominee as proxy holder as aforesaid is required under NI 54-101 to deposit the proxy within the timeframe specified above for the deposit of proxies if the Intermediary obtains the instructions at least one (1) business day before the termination of that time. If the OBO or a nominee of the OBO is appointed a proxy holder pursuant to such request, the appointed proxy holder will need to attend the Meeting in person in order for their votes to be counted.
OBOs should carefully follow the instructions of their Intermediary, including those regarding when and where the completed request for voting instructions is to be delivered.
Only registered Shareholders have the right to revoke a proxy. OBOs of Common Shares who wish to change their vote must, sufficiently in advance of the Meeting, arrange for their respective Intermediaries to change their vote and if necessary, revoke their proxy in accordance with the revocation procedures set out above.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE CORPORATION
The Corporation was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the "ABCA") on February 27, 2008. On September 6, 2008, Pelangio Mines Inc. ("Mines") transferred all of its property, other than 19 million Common Shares of Detour Gold Corporation ("Detour") and $500,000, to the Corporation pursuant to a court- approved plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement"). In connection with the Arrangement, Mines changed its name to "PDX Resources Inc." ("PDX") and subsequently amalgamated with a subsidiary of Detour and the amalgamated corporation was dissolved. Any reference to "Mines" herein is a reference to Mines as it was prior to the Arrangement and any reference to "PDX" is a reference to PDX as it was post-Arrangement and prior to the dissolution.
Subsequent to the Arrangement, on September 10, 2008, the Corporation's Common Shares were listed and commenced trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") under the symbol "PX".
Pursuant to the approval of Shareholders at an annual and special shareholders meeting on June 25, 2009, the Corporation was continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "CBCA") on June 25, 2009.
Pursuant to the approval of Shareholders at an annual and special shareholders meeting on May 29, 2018, the Corporation completed the consolidation of its issued and outstanding shares on a ten to one basis effective July 6, 2018.
All share and per share information in this Management Information Circular give effect to the Consolidation on a retroactive basis, unless otherwise indicated.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 8 -
MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE MEETING
Receiving and Considering the Audited Financial Statements
The Corporation’s Audited Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and the report of the Auditors thereon were filed on SEDAR+ on April 29, 2025.
Election of Directors
At the Meeting, it is proposed that five directors be elected to serve on the Board until the next annual general meeting or until their successors are elected or appointed in accordance with the CBCA and the by-laws of the Corporation.
For details regarding the Corporation’s majority voting policy, see “Corporate Governance – Majority Voting Policy”.
Except as noted under "Voting of Proxies", proxies received in favour of Management designees will be voted for the following proposed director nominees (or for substitute nominees in the event of contingencies not known at present).
No class of share holds the right to elect a specified number of directors or to cumulate their votes with respect to the election of directors.
The following table sets out the names of the nominees for directors, the date that each such person first became a director, the principal occupation of each such person and the number of Common Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised, by each such person. All five of the nominees are currently directors of the Corporation. The information contained in this table, including the information as to the number of Common Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised, is based upon information furnished to the Corporation by the respective nominees as at May 9, 2025.
| Name and Municipality of Residence | Board/Committee Membership | Director Since (1) & Status | Stock Options Held | Common Shares Beneficially Owned or Over Which Control is Exercised(2) | Other Directorships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingrid J. Hibbard, Ontario, Canada | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer | February 27, 2008 Non-independent | 920,000 | 13,242,514 | N/A |
| Jean Claude (JC) St-Amour (1)(2) Ontario, Canada | Director and Chairman | February 27, 2019 Independent | 782,500 | 810,000 | Imagine Lithium Inc. Sky Gold Corp Mink Ventures Corp |
| Kamar Jones Georgia, United States | Director | July 4, 2024 Independent | 175,000 | 2,360,000 | N/A |
| David V. Mosher (1) (2) Nova Scotia, Canada | Director | February 27, 2008 Independent | 742,500 | 1,144,650 | Erdene Resource Development Corp |
| Kevin P. Thomson(1) Ontario, Canada | Director, Senior Vice President, Exploration | May 30, 2017 Non-Independent | 1,165,000 | 470,000 | N/A |
Notes:
(1) Member of the Company's Audit Committee
(2) Member of the Company's Compensation Committee
With the exception of Mr. Jones, all the above nominees were elected to their present term of office by a vote of Shareholders at the Company’s 2024 meeting of Shareholders.
Ingrid J. Hibbard, LL.B is currently a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Ms. Hibbard has spent her life in the mining industry, beginning with Ingamar Explorations Limited, an exploration company formed by her parents, which acquired large tracts of exploration land, including land surrounding Detour Lake. Ms. Hibbard is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Pelangio Exploration Inc. and was the Chief Executive Officer of PDX Resources Inc. (formerly Pelangio Mines Inc.) from 1997 to 2009. Ms. Hibbard has played a key role throughout the history of the Detour Lake mine property including as President of Pelangio-Larder Mines Limited which, in 1998, acquired the property under a joint venture with Franco-Nevada Mining Company Limited from Placer Dome (CLA) Ltd. (now Newmont) up to Pelangio’s sale of the Detour Lake assets to Detour Gold Corporation in 2007. Ms. Hibbard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and an LL.B from the University of Western Ontario and is called to the Bar in both Ontario and Manitoba. Ms. Hibbard’s law practice focused on mining and securities law, with clients ranging from junior exploration companies to major mining companies.
JC St-Amour M.Sc., CFA is currently Chairman of the Corporation. Mr. St-Amour has over 25 years of mining industry experience in executive leadership roles, corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions. He has a master’s degree in geology and is a Chartered
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
Financial Analyst with strengths and expertise in capital markets, financial and investment analysis, asset valuation, and managing financing and M&A transactions in the natural resource sector. During his career, Mr. St-Amour has held various executive leadership roles at the management and Board of Directors level in junior mining as well as investment banking firms. From Jan 2021 – February 2024 Mr. St-Amour served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Vanstar Mining Resources Inc. and led the Company through its successful acquisition by IAMGOLD. From July 2020 – Present, he has held the position of President of Imagine Lithium Inc. and from April 2013 – Present he has been President of Upper Canada Advisors, a management consulting and advisory company.
Kamar Jones was first appointed as a director of the Corporation on July 4, 2024. Mr. Jones is a seasoned executive with a unique blend of expertise in capital markets and mining consulting. With nearly three decades of experience, he has developed a robust understanding of the financial mechanisms that drive market success and the operational intricacies essential to mining consulting. Mr. Jones has been involved in multiple turnaround mining projects.
David V. Mosher, B.Sc. (Geo) is currently a director of the Corporation. Mr. Mosher is a corporate director, consultant, and President of Mosher Enterprises Ltd and director of Carolina Rush Corporation and Erdene Resource Development Corp. Mr. Mosher was previously a director of Roscan Minerals Corporation, Harvest Gold Corporation, and former President and CEO (1992-2008) and director (1988-2008) of High River Gold Mines Ltd., and former director of Equinox Minerals Limited (2004-2011) and Mines/PDX from October 2003 to March 2009. Mr. Mosher has a B.Sc. from Acadia University.
Kevin P. Thomson, PGeo. is currently a director and the Senior Vice President, Exploration of the Corporation. Mr. Thomson is a senior mining professional with more than 30 years' experience, including international technical, corporate and project management experience in West Africa and Canada. His experience ranges from project generation and grass-roots exploration to resource development, project assessment and due diligence. Mr. Thomson previously resided in Ghana for 12 years, during which time he served as Group Exploration Manager at Perseus Mining Limited and Regional Exploration Manager at Newmont Mining Corp. Mr. Thomson holds an Hons. B.Sc. Geology & Physical Geography from McMaster University and is a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (#0191).
Board and Committee Meeting Attendance for the year ended December 31, 2024
| Name | Board/Committee Membership | Meeting Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Percentage | ||
| Ingrid J. Hibbard | Board | 4/4 | 100% |
| Kamar Jones(1) | Board | 2/2 | 100% |
| David V. Mosher | Board | 4/4 | 100% |
| Audit Committee | 4/4 | 100% | |
| Compensation Committee (Chair) | 0/1 | 0% | |
| Jean Claude (JC) St-Amour | Board (Chair) | 4/4 | 100% |
| Audit Committee (Chair) | 4/4 | 100% | |
| Compensation Committee | 1/1 | 100% | |
| Kevin P. Thomson | Board | 4/4 | 100% |
| Audit Committee | 4/4 | 100% |
Notes:
(1) Mr. Jones joined the Board in July 2024.
Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
None of the proposed directors of Pelangio or the personal holding company of a proposed director is as of the date hereof or, within the ten years prior to the date of this Management Information Circular, has been:
(a) a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any issuer (including the Corporation) that was the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the issuer access to any exemptions under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days that was issued while he or she was acting in that capacity or that was issued after he or she ceased to act in that capacity but that resulted from an event that occurred while he or she was acting in that capacity; or
(b) a director or executive officer of any issuer that, while that person was acting in that capacity or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity become 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 the assets of that person.
Penalties or Sanctions
No proposed director of Pelangio, or the personal holding company of a proposed director, has been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to Canadian securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
or regulatory body including a self-regulatory body that would be likely to be considered important to a reasonable security holder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
Personal Bankruptcies
No proposed director of Pelangio, or the personal holding company of a proposed director, has, during the ten years prior to the date of this Management Information Circular, been declared bankrupt or made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or has been subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement, or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold his or her assets.
Appointment of Auditors and Authorization to Fix Remuneration
In accordance with the recommendations of the Audit Committee, the Board recommends that at the Meeting the Shareholders vote for the appointment of Jones & O'Connell, LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as the Corporation's auditor to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and that the Shareholders authorize the Board to fix the remuneration of the auditors, Jones & O'Connell, LLP Chartered Professional Accountants. Jones & O'Connell, LLP Chartered Professional Accountants were appointed as our auditors on February 27, 2025 and have since then served as our auditors.
Re-Approval of Rolling Option Plan
As at May 9, 2025, there are 7,340,000 Options granted under the Plan and 12,426,022 Options available for grant under the Plan.
The Pelangio Board of Directors recommends that Shareholders vote in favour of the ordinary resolution (the "Option Plan Resolution") re-approving the Plan as is required at each annual meeting of the Company. All proxies appointing Management's designees will be voted in favour of the Option Plan Resolution, unless the proxy contains instructions to vote against the Option Plan Resolution. To be effective, the Option Plan Resolution must be passed by not less than a majority of the votes cast by the Shareholders present in person or by proxy at the Meeting.
The Option Plan Resolution
The complete text of the Option Plan Resolution, which Management intends to place before the Meeting for confirmation and ratification, with or without modification, is as follows:
"IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by a resolution of the shareholders of Pelangio Exploration Inc. (the "Corporation") that:
- the Rolling Option Plan, is hereby re-approved and is hereby directed to be attached to the minutes of this Meeting as a Schedule thereto; and
- any one (or more) director(s) or officer(s) of the Corporation is authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Corporation, to take all necessary steps and proceedings and to execute, deliver and file any and all applications, certificates, forms, declarations, agreements, articles and other documents and instruments and do all such other acts and things (whether under corporate seal of the Corporation or otherwise) that may be necessary or desirable to give effect to this resolution."
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 11 -
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following describes the Corporation's corporate governance practices pursuant to the disclosure requirements of National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance. Policies, codes and mandates referenced herein are available on the Corporation's website at www.pelangio.com.
Board of Directors
The Board is currently composed of five directors, three of whom are non-management directors. The Board reviews the independence status of each individual director annually. In that regard, the Board considers a director to be independent if they have no direct or indirect material relationship with the Corporation, which in the view of the Board of Directors could reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with the exercise of the director's independent judgment. In that regard, the Board has determined that three of the directors are independent as set out below:
| Ingrid J. Hibbard | - | Non-independent |
|---|---|---|
| JC St-Amour | - | Independent |
| Kamar Jones | - | Independent |
| David V. Mosher | - | Independent |
| Kevin Thomson | - | non-independent |
Ms. Hibbard and Mr. Thomson are members of Management and therefore are not independent directors.
For a list of other directorships held by each Nominee and for more information about each director including share ownership, please see "Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting - Election of Directors".
Mr. JC St-Amour has been appointed the Chairman pursuant to the Corporation's Policy and Mandate for the Chairman of the Board.
The independent directors do not hold regularly scheduled meetings at which members of management are not in attendance, rather a portion of each meeting is set aside for meetings of the independent directors if requested. The Board uses its committee structure to facilitate the functioning and operation of the Board independently of management.
The Board has established three committees of directors, being the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Technical Committee. The Audit and Compensation Committees are responsible for key corporate governance matters as discussed below and the Audit and Compensation Committees are composed solely of independent directors. Each Board committee operates independently of management.
The Board requires that directors provide disclosure to it of all boards and committees that they are members of, and all offices held at other issuers. We also require conflicts of interest to be disclosed to the Board. In the event that conflicts of interest arise, a director who has such a conflict is generally required to abstain from voting for or against the approval of the matter. In addition, in considering transactions and agreements in respect of which a director has a material interest the Board will require that the interested person absent themselves from portions of Board or committee meeting so as to allow independent discussion of points in issue and the exercise of independent judgment.
The Board believes that all directors should attend all meetings of the Board and all meetings of each committee on which a director is a member. Please see "Matters to be Acted on at the Meeting – Election of Directors", above, for a summary of the attendance of the Board and committee members from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
Board Mandate
The Board has adopted a written mandate, the Board of Directors Mandate in which it has explicitly assumed responsibility for our stewardship and responsibility for overseeing the management of our business. It is available at www.pelangio.com. In that regard, the Board carries out its mandate directly or through its committees described below. The responsibilities of the Board include:
- to the extent feasible, satisfying itself as to the integrity of the CEO and other executive officers and that the CEO and other executive officers create a culture of integrity throughout the organization;
- adopting a strategic planning process and approving, on at least an annual basis, a strategic plan which takes into account, among other things, the opportunities and risks of the business;
- identifying the principal risks to our business, and the implementation of appropriate system to manage those risks;
- succession planning (including appointing, training and monitoring senior management);
- reviewing and assessing our internal control and management information systems; and
- developing our approach to corporate governance, including developing a set of corporate governance principles and guidelines that are specifically applicable to us.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 12 -
Position Descriptions
The Board has developed a Mandate for the Chairman of the Board as well as a Description of Duties of the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), both of which policies are on the Corporation's website at www.pelangio.com.
Chair
The Chair's primary responsibility to the Board of Directors is to oversee the operations and affairs of the Board and to provide leadership to the Board to enhance the Board's effectiveness. The Board has ultimate responsibility for the supervision of management of the Corporation.
CEO
The CEO will report to the Board and provide dynamic leadership to the organization. Key responsibilities for the CEO will include:
- Working with the Board of Directors and the senior management team to formulate the strategic direction of the organization
- Developing and managing an effective organization structure
- Developing a strong team
- Communicating strong business leadership and vision to all employees
- Motivating, guiding and directing employees and contractors to fully contribute to business objectives
- Providing hands-on leadership in pursuing major acquisitions and divestitures, and corporate development opportunities
- Developing positive and productive relationships with key business relationships, suppliers and investors
- Actively promoting and contributing to developing the culture of the organization
- Ensuring the development and maintenance of financial and administrative systems and controls
- Arranging for financing as required and acting as a visible, highly credible representative to financial markets, including analysts and investment dealers
- Creating a positive profile of the organization in the business and community at large
- Effectively capitalizing on the market potential
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Board does not have a formal process for the orientation of new Board members regarding the role of the Board, its committees and its directors and the nature of operation of the business. New Board members are provided with written material to familiarize themselves with the Corporation and are provided the opportunity to meet with the President and CEO.
In addition, the Board also provides the opportunity for continuing education for our directors. The interested Board member either suggests courses or our President and CEO will suggest relevant courses for the Board member to attend.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board has developed a Code of Conduct and Business Ethics designed to encourage and promote a culture of ethical business conduct. A copy has been provided to each of the Corporation's directors, officers, employees and consultants. Our Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.pelangio.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Board has also implemented a Whistleblower Policy, whereby directors, officers, employees and consultants may relay any concerns they may have regarding the Corporation's financial practices to the chair of the Board's Audit Committee. This policy is also posted at www.pelangio.com.
See "Corporate Governance – Board of Directors", above, for a discussion of steps taken to allow for the exercise of independent judgment.
Nomination of Directors and Diversity
The Board as a whole undertakes the nomination of individuals to the Board.
Nomination of directors has been conducted through discussion by the Board and upon advice of the President and CEO taking into consideration the skill set of the proposed nominee and the skill sets of the existing Board members.
The President and CEO provides a list of nominees suggested by either herself, Shareholders, or the Board, because of their corporate banking, financing, accounting, technical or geological expertise, which expertise would strengthen the overall skill set of the Board so that the Board would have an appropriate mix of expertise and professional background.
The Corporation believes that ensuring diversity is not only fundamental to its future growth and progress but is an integral part of all its business activities. The Corporation recognizes and appreciates the benefits of having diversity on its Board and in its senior management. At the same time, the Corporation also recognizes that Board and senior management appointments must be based on performance, ability and potential. The Board has not adopted a formal policy regarding the identification and nomination of directors who are women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities or members of visible minorities (collectively, the
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
"Designated Groups"). Also, the Corporation recognizes the benefits of diversity within its Board, at the executive level and at all levels of the organization but does not believe that a formal policy would enhance the representation of Designated Groups on the Board beyond the current recruitment and selection process.
The Board as a whole is responsible for assessing the effectiveness of the process for identifying, evaluating and recommending director nominees. Similarly, with respect to senior management appointments, the Board is responsible for assessing the effectiveness of the process for identifying, evaluating and appointing senior management.
As of the date of this Management Information Circular, the Corporation has not adopted a target number or percentage, or a range of target numbers or percentages, for the members of any Designated Group to hold positions on the Board or to be members of senior management by a specific date, as it believes that imposing targets based on specific selection criteria would limit the Corporation's ability to ensure that the overall composition of the Board and senior management meets the needs of the Corporation and its shareholders.
As of the date of this Management Information Circular, the Corporation has a total of five directors and four members of senior management. One director (or 20% of the Board) is a member of a Designated Group and two members of senior management (or 50% of senior management) are members of a Designated Group, including the Vice President of operations in Africa.
Majority Voting Policy
The Board of Directors has adopted a majority voting policy, which requires that a Director Nominee who receives more "withheld" votes than "for" votes, will promptly submit his or her resignation to the Compensation Committee for consideration. After review, the Compensation Committee will put forward a recommendation to the Board, and the Board's decision to accept or reject the resignation will be disclosed to the public. The Director Nominee who submitted his or her resignation will not participate in the deliberations regarding the resignation. This policy does not apply in the case of contested director elections.
Compensation
Compensation of the President and CEO, Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), any other senior officer, and the directors is recommended to the Board by the Compensation Committee and passed by the Board. See "Corporate Governance – Board Committees - Compensation Committee", below.
Compensation is determined in relation to current compensation standards in similar corporations and by assessment of individual performance. See "Statement of Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis".
Retirement Policy & Advisory Committee
In 2013, a retirement policy was adopted providing that directors may serve on the Board until the annual meeting of shareholders following their 80th birthday, and may not be re-elected after reaching age 80, unless this requirement is waived by the Board on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee.
Assessment
The Board, its committees and individual directors are annually assessed with respect to their effectiveness and contribution. The Compensation Committee annually reviews members, attendance, membership on committees of directors, and contributions of ideas.
Board Committees
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee's role is to: (i) establish a remuneration and benefits plan for directors, executives and other key employees; (ii) review the adequacy and form of compensation of directors and senior management; (iii) establish a plan of succession; (iv) undertake the performance evaluation of the CEO in consultation with the Chair; and (v) make recommendations to the Board as set out in the Compensation Committee Charter which the Compensation Committee has adopted and which sets out its mandate, and is available on the Corporation's website. As noted above, the Compensation Committee is currently composed of David Mosher (Chair), and JC St-Amour, all of whom are independent.
Each of the members of the Compensation Committee has experience setting and monitoring appropriate compensation levels in such entities. The Compensation Committee does not use outside consultants regarding compensation and policies.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee's primary duties and responsibilities are to:
(a) provide an open avenue of communication between Management, the independent auditors, the internal auditors and the Board and assist the Board in its oversight of the Corporation;
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
(b) review and monitor the integrity, adequacy and timeliness of the Corporation’s financial reporting and disclosure practices;
(c) implement processes for identifying the principal financial risks of the Corporation and the control systems in place to monitor them;
(d) review and monitor compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to financial reporting; and
(e) review the independence and performance of the Corporation’s independent auditor.
The Audit Committee also performs any other activities consistent with the Audit Committee Charter (attached hereto as Appendix A), the Corporation’s by-laws and the governing laws as the Audit Committee or Board deems necessary or appropriate.
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving annual and quarterly financial statements, MD&A, and any reports, opinions or significant transactions in connection with the financial statements of the Corporation.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Corporation’s Audit Committee currently composed of JC St-Amour (Chair), David Mosher, and Kevin Thomson. Each of the members of the Audit Committee is independent and financially literate within the meanings set out in National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees (“NI 52-110”).
Relevant Education and Expertise
Please see “Election of Directors” for the relevant education and expertise of each committee member.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee is responsible for approving non-audit services. The Chairman of the Audit Committee will review requests for additional services submitted by Management and estimated costs thereof. The Chairman may approve such services or refer the request to the full committee or the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee has adopted the following pre-approval policies:
(a) Annually, the Audit Committee will review a list of audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit services, and recommend pre-approval of these services for the upcoming year.
(b) All additional requests to engage our auditor for other services will be addressed on a case-by-case specific engagement basis. The engagement may only commence upon approval by the Audit Committee.
The Corporation has not relied on the de minimis non-audit service exemption contained in Section 2.4 of NI 51-110 since the commencement of the Corporation’s most recently completed financial year.
External Auditor Service Fees
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our auditors for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, are:
| Fiscal year ended December 31, | 2024(1) | 2023(2) |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Fees (for audit of Pelangio’s annual financial statements for the respective year) | 32,750 | 59,920 |
| Audit-Related Fees | - | 5,350 |
| Total Audit and Audit-Related Fees | 32,750 | 65,270 |
| Tax Fees | - | - |
| All Other Fees | 9,000 | - |
| Total Fees | 9,000 | 65,270 |
(1) Jones & O’Connell, LLP were appointed as auditors of the Corporation effective February 13, 2025;
(2) McGovern Hurley LLP served as the auditors of the Corporation until February 13, 2025.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 15 -
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations requires the Corporation to disclose its executive compensation by providing in this Management Information Circular the disclosure required by Form 51-102F6V. The disclosure of executive compensation below is being made in accordance with Form 51-102F6V. Set out below, are particulars of compensation paid to the following persons (the "Named Executive Officers" or "NEOs"):
(a) the CEO;
(b) the CFO;
(c) the most highly compensated executive officer, other than the CEO and CFO, at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose total compensation was, individually, more than $150,000 for that financial year (as determined in accordance with the requirements under Form 51-102F6V – Statement of Executive Compensation); and
(d) any individual who would be an NEO under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was neither an executive officer of the Corporation, nor acting in a similar capacity, at the end of that financial year.
As at December 31, 2024, the end of the most recently completed financial year of the Corporation, the Corporation had three NEOs, Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO, and former CFOs, Paul Rokeby and Sabino Di Paola. The Corporation does not have any executive officers whose total compensation exceeded $150,000 for the fiscal year ended 2024.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is primarily responsible for, among other things, the periodic review of the Corporation's short-term and long-term policies for attracting, retaining, developing and motivating executive officers of the Corporation. The Compensation Committee meets periodically to review compensation policies relating to the Corporation and its subsidiaries and to approve specific compensation awards and benefits. The CEO does not participate in discussions or reviews relating to her own compensation.
The Corporation's Compensation Committee currently comprises David Mosher (Chair), and JC St-Amour. Each of the members of our Compensation Committee is independent within the meaning set out in NI 52-110. In addition, none of our executive officers have served on the Compensation Committee (or in the absence of such committee the entire Board of Directors) of another issuer whose executive officer is a member of our Compensation Committee or the Board. See "Corporate Governance – Board Committees - Compensation Committee".
Executive Compensation Policies
The objectives of our compensation program are to:
- motivate executives to achieve corporate performance objectives and align their interests with the interests of our Shareholders;
- reward executives for exceptional contributions to corporate performance; and
- attract and retain qualified executive officers.
The Corporation's executive compensation policies are designed to recognize, and reward executive officers based upon individual and corporate performance, to be competitive with compensation arrangements of other junior gold exploration companies similar to the Corporation, and ideally to be consistent with the executive's contribution. In that regard, the Compensation Committee's policy is that executive officers of the Corporation, including the CEO and other Named Executive Officers, should be compensated based on the market value of the jobs they perform, their levels of performance and the performance of the Corporation while recognizing that the financial reality currently facing junior gold explorers. The Compensation Committee monitors levels of executive remuneration to determine whether overall compensation reflects the Corporation's objectives and philosophies and meets the Corporation's desired relative compensation position and will adjust compensation as appropriate.
Elements of Compensation
Executive officer compensation comprises base salary, annual bonus (short-term incentives) and participation in the Plan (long-term incentives). The Board and Compensation Committee consider the risks associated with the Corporation's compensation plans to be minimal. Cash compensation is closely monitored in the context of the Corporation's ongoing cash position. The Board and Management's ongoing oversight of the Corporation's operations and public disclosure minimizes any risks associated with Plan compensation.
In establishing executive officer compensation, the Compensation Committee periodically references externally prepared industry surveys and the range of publicly available compensation data for executive officers of similar stage and profile junior exploration companies with similarly experienced and proven management.
The Compensation Committee sets out to establish target levels for base salaries and salary ranges which, over time, will be competitive with salaries for positions of similar responsibility and experience at public junior exploration companies of a similar profile. Individual levels, which are set annually, may vary from this objective, depending upon individual performance levels.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 16 -
As noted above, the Corporation provides annual incentive compensation to executive officers, including the NEOs, through the provision of incentive bonuses. Incentive bonuses may be awarded annually, on a discretionary basis and with particular consideration of the Corporation's cash and working capital resources, to executive officers based upon a review of corporate and individual performance over the prior financial year relative to each executive officer's area of responsibility.
The Plan permits the granting of options ("Options") to purchase Common Shares to eligible participants. The Plan was designed to encourage executives, directors, officers, consultants and employees to focus on the long-term interests of the Corporation and its Shareholders. In making a determination as to whether a grant of long-term incentive stock options is appropriate, and if so, the number of options that should be granted, the Compensation Committee will consider:
- the number and terms of outstanding incentive stock options held by the grantee;
- the portion of the potential ownership of the Corporation that the Compensation Committee intends to transfer as compensation;
- the potential dilution to Shareholders and the cost to the Corporation;
- general industry standards;
- the limits imposed by the terms of the Plan and by the TSX-V; and
- the utility of rewarding NEOs' efforts to increase value for Shareholders without using cash from treasury.
Pursuant to the Corporation's Insider Trading Policy (a copy of which is available on the Corporation's website), insiders (in such context including directors, officers, employees and specified consultants), may not at any time
- Sell securities of the Corporation short;
- engage in any transaction in publicly traded options on Common Shares, including put or call options; or
- engage in short-term, speculative trading in the Corporation's securities.
The Board did not grant any Options pursuant to the Plan, to directors, officers, employees and consultants in 2024.
NEO Compensation
The Compensation Committee approves the salary and contract ranges for each NEO based on assessment of factors such as current competitive market conditions, compensation levels within the peer group and particular skills of the individual.
Summary Compensation Tables
The following table below sets forth the compensation, excluding compensation securities of each NEO and of each director who is not an NEO, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Table of Compensation Excluding Compensation Securities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Position | Year | Cash Compensation ($) | Bonus ($) | Committee or Meeting Fees ($) | Value of Perquisites ($) | Value of all Other Compensation ($) | Total Compensation ($) |
| Ingrid Hibbard, (1) | 2024 | 45,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 45,000 |
| President, CEO and Director | 2023 | 45,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 45,000 |
| Paul Rokeby, (2)(3) | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Former CFO | 2023 | 39,402 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 39,402 |
| Sabino Di Paola, (3) | 2024 | 53,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 53,000 |
| Former CFO | 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Donna McLean (4) | 2024 | 12,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 12,000 |
| CFO | 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| JC St-Amour | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Director | 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| David Mosher | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Director | 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Kevin Thomson, | 2024 | 57,879 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 57,879 |
| Director and SVP, Exploration | 2023 | 85,994 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 85,994 |
| Kamar Jones | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Director | 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Al Gourley | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Director | 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 17 -
Notes:
(1) The CEO is also a director of the Corporation, but she does not receive any additional compensation for her role as a director;
(2) During part fiscal 2023, the former CFO was a partner of MNP LLP, which invoiced the Corporation on an hourly basis for the time the CFO spent on the Corporation's affairs;
(3) On May, 23, 2023, Paul Rokeby retired as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and Sabino Di Paola was appointed as CFO of the Corporation.
(4) Effective September 1, 2024, Ms. McLean was appointed as CFO. Ms. McLean is a consultant retained by Grove Corporate Services Ltd. ("Grove"). From September 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 Grove provided CFO and other services to the Corporation.
Compensation Securities
No compensation securities were granted to directors in the year ended December 31, 2024.
Equity Compensation Plan
The Plan is a "rolling stock option plan" whereby the maximum number of Common Shares issuable under the Plan is limited to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time.
| Equity Compensation Plan Information as at December 31, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options (a) | Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options (b) | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under option plan (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | |
| Stock Option Plan | |||
| (equity compensation plan approved by Shareholders) | 6,257,500 | $0.13 | 11,008,522 |
The purpose of the Plan is to provide incentive to the Corporation's employees, officers, directors, and consultants responsible for the continued success of the Corporation. The Plan provides that the Board may from time-to-time grant Options to any person who is a bona fide employee, officer or director of us or one of our subsidiaries or a consultant to us or to one of our subsidiaries. The Options are non-assignable and non-transferable otherwise than by will or by laws governing the devolution of property in the event of death of the optionee. Each Option entitles the holder to one Common Share, subject to certain adjustments. The Board determines the exercise price for Options granted pursuant to the Plan on the date of the grant, which price may not be less than the market value. Market value is the closing board lot sale price of the Common Shares on the trading date immediately preceding the date of grant and if there is no board lot sale price, the last board lot sale price prior thereto. The term of the Options granted is determined by the Board, which term may not exceed a maximum of 10 years from the date of the grant. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, Options vest in four equal tranches, with 25% of the Options granted vesting on the date of grant and 25% vesting at each six-month interval thereafter. Options vest immediately if, within 12 months of a change of control (as defined in the Plan), (i) the Optionee's employment, engagement or directorship is terminated for reasons other than cause or (ii) the Optionee has suffered a material adverse change in the location, salary, duties or responsibilities assigned to the Optionee and has provided 30 days' notice in writing to the Corporation or related entity to the Corporation of such material adverse change. Pursuant to the Plan, the Board may impose additional terms and conditions on Options. The Plan does not contemplate that the Corporation will provide financial assistance to any Optionee in connection with the exercise of the Option.
The Plan includes the following restrictions:
(a) The number of Common Shares issuable to insiders, at any time, under the Plan and any other security-based compensation arrangement of the Corporation shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares;
(b) The number of Common Shares issued to insiders, within any one-year period, under the Plan and any other security compensation arrangement of the Corporation shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares;
(c) The total number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance to any one person pursuant to Options granted under the Plan in any one year shall not exceed 5% of the outstanding Common Shares on the date of grant;
(d) The number of Options granted under the Plan in any one-year period to any one consultant may not exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; and
(e) The number of Options granted under the Plan in any one-year period to any employee or a related entity of the Corporation conducting Investor Relations Activities, as defined in Policy 1.1 of the TSX-V Corporate Finance Manual may not exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.
Unless otherwise determined by the Board, if the holder of the Option ceases to be an eligible holder under the Plan as a result of:
(a) disability or retirement on or after the normal retirement age prescribed by the Corporation's applicable retirement plan or policy or due to early retirement as may be approved by the Board, the holder has up to 90 days to exercise any vested Options;
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 18 -
(b) termination of employment, engagement or directorship within the six months following a change of control, the holder has 180 days from the date of such termination to exercise any vested Options;
(c) death, the holder’s estate has 365 days to exercise any vested Options; and
(d) any reason other than death, disability, retirement, change of control or cause, the holder has 90 days to exercise vested Options;
provided that no Option may be exercised following the expiration of the applicable exercise period.
If a holder’s employment, engagement or directorship is terminated for cause, all Options of that holder shall lapse and become null and void immediately upon termination.
In the event that Pelangio:
- subdivides, consolidates, or reclassifies its outstanding Common Shares, or makes another capital adjustment or pays a stock dividend, the number of Common Shares receivable under the Plan will be increased or reduced proportionately;
- amalgamates, consolidates with or merges with or into another body corporate, holders of Options under the Plan will, upon exercise thereafter of such Option, receive in lieu of Common Shares, such other securities, property or cash which the holder would have received upon such amalgamation, consolidation or merger if the Option was exercised immediately prior to the effective date of such amalgamation, consolidation or merger; and
- makes any other change affecting the Common Shares, the Board may make any adjustment it deems necessary or equitable by the Board to reflect the event;
The Plan also provides that if:
- the exchange or replacement of our shares with those in another Corporation is imminent because of a proposed merger, amalgamation or other corporate arrangement or reorganization, the Board may, in a fair and equitable manner, determine the manner in which all unexercised Options shall be treated including, requiring the acceleration of the time for the exercise of the Options by the holder and of the time for the fulfillment of any conditions or restrictions on such exercise; and
- an offer to purchase all of the Common Shares is made by a third party, the Board may require the acceleration of the time for the exercise of the Option and the time for the fulfillment of any conditions or restrictions on such exercise.
The Board may, subject to the terms and conditions in the Plan and the requirements of the securities regulators and the TSX-V, from time to time amend, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part. Pursuant to the Plan, the Board is specifically authorized to amend or revise the terms of the Plan without obtaining Shareholder approval in the following circumstances:
(a) to change the vesting provisions (provided that the Board may not change the vesting provisions of Options held by a person conducting Investor Relations Activities without TSX-V acceptance); and
(b) other amendments of a housekeeping nature, including the correction or rectification of any ambiguities, defective or inconsistent provisions, errors, mistakes or omissions herein and updating provisions herein to reflect changes in the governing laws, including tax laws and the TSX-V requirements.
The Board may also amend or terminate any outstanding Options, including, but not limited to, substituting another award of the same or of a different type or changing the date of exercise, provided, however, that the holder of the Option must consent to such action if it would materially and adversely affect the holder. The exercise price of any outstanding Option may not be reduced unless Shareholder approval is obtained. The Plan also requires that disinterested Shareholder approval be obtained in accordance with regulatory requirements if the exercise price of any outstanding option granted to an insider is reduced or the exercise period extended to the benefit of insiders.
In addition, the Plan and any outstanding Options thereunder may be amended or terminated by the Board if the amendment or termination is required by any securities regulators, a stock exchange or a market as a condition of approval of a distribution to the public of Common Shares, or to obtain or maintain a listing or quotation of our Common Shares.
On April 17, 2023, the Board ratified certain minor amendments made to the Plan at the request of the TSX-V, including confirming that the Board may make amendments to the vesting provisions of the Plan without obtaining Shareholder approval but may not change the vesting provisions of Options held by a person conducting Investor Relations Activities without TSX-V acceptance. Any Shareholder may obtain a copy of the Plan by request to our Corporate Secretary at 416-848-7727.
Management and Employment Contracts
Management functions of the Corporation are substantially performed by senior officers or directors of the Corporation and not, to any substantial degree, by any other person with whom the Corporation has contracted.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 19 -
Unpaid CEO’s salary until June 30, 2017, in the amount of $112,500 has been accrued. Beginning July 1, 2017, the CEO has been paid a salary of $45,000 per annum until such time as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, determines the accrued amount be paid in whole or in part.
The CEO’s employment agreement may be terminated upon 60 days written notice to the Corporation. See "Termination and Change of Control Benefits" for a discussion of change of control benefits.
During fiscal 2023, the former CFO invoiced the Corporation for his services as CFO through MNP, an accounting partnership of which the former CFO was a partner. MNP also provided general financial accounting services to the Corporation. The former CFO did not have a written agreement with the Corporation or a set salary in respect of his services. The Compensation Committee reviewed annually the amounts payable to the former CFO through this arrangement and determined that the amounts invoiced during 2023 were reasonable and in line with industry practices.
The consulting agreement with Grove provides that either party to the agreement may elect to terminate the consulting agreement with 90 days’ notice.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
The employment agreement of the CEO, as amended, provides that, upon a change of control (as defined therein) of the Corporation, the CEO, as applicable, shall be entitled to elect to terminate the employment agreement within 120 days of such change of control, and the Corporation shall be obligated to pay (i) an amount equal to three-times base annual salary; (ii) an amount equal to three-times the bonus paid or payable, if any, in respect of the immediately preceding fiscal year; and (iii) an amount equal to two-times the present value (as agreed between the employee and the Corporation, acting reasonably and failing such agreement, determined by the auditors of the Corporation), of the benefits payable to the employee under the terms of the employment agreement. If the CEO had terminated her employment due to a change of control as at December 31, 2024, the CEO would have been entitled to an aggregate payment of approximately $135,000.
Under the Plan, the CEO’s unvested Options vest upon a change of control (as defined in the Plan) if her employment is terminated for any reason other than for cause by Pelangio or if the CEO terminated her own employment following such change of control because there was a material adverse change in location, salary, duties or responsibilities of the CEO in the 12 months following such change of control and she provided written notice to Pelangio within 30 days of such material adverse change. In the event that a change of control had occurred as at December 31, 2024, such provision would result in the vesting of Options worth nil, as the exercise price of all unvested options were above the market price of the Pelangio Shares as of such date.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
- 20 -
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
No existing or proposed director, executive officer or any employee of the Corporation is indebted to the Corporation, or any other entity where the indebtedness is the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or similar arrangement provided by us or any of our subsidiaries by our present and former executive officers, directors and employees.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
There was no indemnification payable this financial year to our directors or officers.
The Corporation maintains liability insurance for its directors and officers in the aggregate amount of $2,000,000 subject to a $25,000 loss deductible payable by the Corporation. The Corporation paid the premium, in the amount of $12,689 for the period from June 30, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Other than as set forth in this Management Information Circular, none of our directors or executive officers, nor any person who has held such a position since the beginning of our most recently completed financial year, nor any of our proposed nominees for election as a director of the Board, nor any of their respective associates or affiliates, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting other than the election of directors and the appointment of auditors.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Other than as disclosed herein, we are not aware of any material interest, direct or indirect of: any Shareholder who holds more than 10% of the voting rights attached to the Common Shares, any of our proposed nominees for election as a director of the Board, any of our subsidiaries' directors, any executive officers of the Corporation or subsidiaries of the Corporation or any associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing, in any transaction which has been entered into since the commencement of our most recent completed financial year or in any proposed transaction which, in either case, has materially affected or will materially affect us or any of our subsidiaries.
SHAREHOLDERS PROPOSALS
Pursuant to Section 137 of the CBCA, any notice of a Shareholder proposal intended to be raised at next year's annual meeting of our Shareholders of the Corporation must be submitted to the Company at its registered office, to the attention of the Secretary, between January 22, 2026 and March 22, 2026, to be considered for inclusion in the management information circular for the annual meeting of our Shareholders next year. It is our position that Shareholder proposals need be recognized only if made in accordance with the foregoing procedure and the provisions of the CBCA.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Financial information is provided in our audited comparative financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the report of our Auditors thereon and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis. These documents and other additional information relating to us are available at www.sedarplus.ca under our name. Copies of such documents can also be obtained from our Corporate Secretary by contacting the Corporate Secretary at 82 Richmond Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1P1, and will be provided to Shareholders free of charge.
OTHER MATTERS
Management is currently not aware of any other matters to come before the Meeting other than those referred to in the Notice of Meeting. However, if any other matters, which are not currently known to the Management, shall properly come before the Meeting, the form of proxy given pursuant to the solicitation by Management will be voted on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the persons designated in such proxy.
BOARD APPROVAL
The contents of this Management Information Circular have been approved, and its mailing has been authorized by, the directors of the Corporation.
DATED as of May 26, 2025
"Ingrid Hibbard"/S
Ingrid Hibbard
President and Chief Executive Officer Pelangio Exploration Inc.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
APPENDIX A
PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC.
(the "Company") Audit Committee Charter
The Audit Committee (the "Committee") is a committee of the board of directors (the "Board") of the Company. The role of the Committee is to provide oversight of the Company's financial management and of the design and implementation of an effective system of internal financial controls as well as to review and report to the Board on the integrity of the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries and associated companies. This includes helping directors meet their responsibilities, facilitating better communication between directors and the external auditor, enhancing the independence of the external auditor, increasing the credibility and objectivity of financial reports and strengthening the role of the directors by facilitating in-depth discussions among directors, management and the external auditor. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining those controls, procedures and processes, and the Committee is appointed by the Board to review and monitor them. The Company's external or is ultimately accountable to the Board and the Committee as representatives of the Company's shareholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
External Auditor
- To recommend to the Board, for shareholder approval, an external auditor to examine the Company's accounts, controls and financial statements on the basis that the external auditor is accountable to the Board and the Committee as representatives of the shareholders of the Company.
- To oversee the work of the external auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor's report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding financial reporting.
- To evaluate the audit services provided by the external auditor, pre-approve all audit fees and recommend to the Board, if necessary, the replacement of the external auditor.
- To pre-approve any non-audit services to be provided to the Company by the external auditor and the fees for those services.
- To obtain and review, at least annually, a written report by the external auditor setting out the auditor's internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the auditor's internal quality-control reviews and the steps taken to resolve those issues.
- To review and approve the Company's hiring policies regarding partners, employees and former partners and employees of the present and former external auditor of the Company. The Committee has adopted the following guidelines regarding the hiring of any partner, employee, reviewing tax professional or other person providing audit assurance to the external auditor of the Company on any aspect of its certification of the Company's financial statements:
(a) No member of the audit team that is auditing a business of the Company can be hired into that business or into a position to which that business reports for a period of three years after the audit;
(b) No former partner or employee of the external auditor may be made an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for three years following the end of the individual's association with the external auditor;
(c) The CFO must approve all office hires from the external auditor; and,
(d) The CFO must report annually to the Committee on any hires within these guidelines during the preceding year.
- To ensure that the head audit partner assigned by the external auditor to the Company, as well as the audit partner charged with reviewing the audit of the Company, are changed at least every five years.
- To review, at least annually, the relationships between the Company and the external auditor in order to establish the independence of the external auditor.
Financial Information and Reporting
- To review the Company's annual audited financial statements with the CEO and CFO and then the full Board. The Committee will review the interim financial statements with the CEO and CFO.
- To review and discuss with management and the external auditor, as appropriate:
(a) The annual audited financial statements and the interim financial statements, including the accompanying management discussion and analysis; and,
(b) Earnings guidance and other releases containing information taken from the Company's financial statements prior to their release.
- To review the quality and not just the acceptability of the Company's financial reporting and accounting standards and principles and any proposed material changes to them or their application.
- To review with the CFO any earnings guidance to be issued by the Company and any news release containing financial information taken from the Company's financial statements prior to the release of the financial statements to the public. In addition, the CFO must review with the Committee the substance of any presentations to analysts or rating agencies that contain a change in strategy or outlook.
Oversight
- To review the internal audit staff functions, including:
(a) The purpose, authority and organizational reporting lines;
(b) The annual audit plan, budget and staffing; and
(c) The appointment and compensation of the controller, if any. - To review, with the CFO and others, as appropriate, the Company’s internal system of audit controls and the results of internal audits.
- To review and monitor the Company’s major financial risks and risk management policies and the steps taken by management to mitigate those risks.
- To meet at least annually with management (including the CFO), the internal audit staff, and the external auditor in separate executive sessions and review issues and matters of concern respecting audits and financial reporting.
- In connection with its review of the annual audited financial statements and interim financial statements, the Committee will also review the process for the CEO and CFO certifications (if required by law or regulation) with respect to the financial statements and the Company’s disclosure and internal controls, including any material deficiencies or changes in those controls.
Membership
- The Committee shall consist solely of three or more members of the Board, each of whom the Board has determined has no material relationship with the Company and is otherwise "unrelated" or "independent" as required under applicable securities rules or applicable stock exchange rules.
- Any member may be removed from office or replaced at any time by the Board and shall cease to be a member upon ceasing to be a director. Each member of the Committee shall hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or until the member ceases to be a director, resigns or is replaced, whichever first occurs.
- The members of the Committee shall be entitled to receive such remuneration for acting as members of the Committee as the Board may from time to time determine.
- All members of the Committee must be "financially literate" (i.e., have the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements such as a balance sheet, an income statement and a cash flow statement).
Procedures
- The Board shall appoint one of the directors elected to the Committee as the Chair of the Committee (the "Chair"). In the absence of the appointed Chair from any meeting of the Committee, the members shall elect a Chair from those in attendance to act as Chair of the meeting.
- The Chair will appoint a secretary (the "Secretary") who will keep minutes of all meetings. The Secretary does not have to be a member of the Committee or a director and can be changed by simple notice from the Chair.
- No business may be transacted by the Committee except at a meeting of its members at which a quorum of the Committee is present or by resolution in writing signed by all the members of the Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, provided that if the number of members of the Committee is an even number, one-half of the number of members plus one shall constitute a quorum.
- The Committee will meet as many times as is necessary to carry out its responsibilities. Any member of the Committee or the external auditor may call meetings.
- The time and place of the meetings of the Committee, the calling of meetings and the procedure in all respects of such meetings shall be determined by the Committee, unless otherwise provided for in the bylaws of the Company or otherwise determined by resolution of the Board.
- The Committee shall have the resources and authority necessary to discharge its duties and responsibilities, including the authority to select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees and other retention terms (including termination) of special counsel, advisors or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate.
- The Committee shall have access to any and all books and records of the Company necessary for the execution of the Committee’s obligations and shall discuss with the CEO or the CFO such records and other matters considered appropriate.
- The Committee has the authority to communicate directly with the internal and external auditors.
Reports
- The Committee shall produce the following reports and provide them to the Board:
(a) An annual performance evaluation of the Committee, which evaluation must compare the performance of the Committee with the requirements of this Charter. The performance evaluation should also recommend to the Board any improvements to this Charter deemed necessary or desirable by the Committee. The performance evaluation by the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate. The report to the Board may take the form of an oral report by the Chair or any other member of the Committee designated by the Committee to make this report.
(b) A summary of the actions taken at each Committee meeting, which shall be presented to the Board at the next Board meeting.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
APPENDIX B
PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC.
(the "Company")
Incentive Stock Option Plan
March 17, 2008, amended and restated as of May 26, 2009; April 14, 2010; April 25, 2011; May 29, 2018; October 28, 2020; June 30, 2021; December 8, 2022; and April 17, 2023 (the "Plan").
- Purpose of the Plan
1.1 The purpose of the Plan is to assist the Corporation in attracting, retaining and motivating directors, key officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries and to closely align the personal interests of such directors, officers, employees and consultants with those of the shareholders by providing them with the opportunity, through Options, to acquire Shares of the Corporation.
1.2 The grant and exercise of any Options under the Plan are subject to compliance with the applicable requirements of each stock exchange on which the Shares of the Corporation are or become listed and of any governmental authority or regulatory body to which the Corporation is subject.
- Definitions
2.1 For the purposes of the Plan, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below:
(a) "Affiliate" has the same meaning ascribed to that term as set out in the OSA;
(b) "Associate" has the same meaning ascribed to that term as set out in the OSA;
(c) "Black-out Period" means that period during which a trading black-out period is imposed by the Corporation to restrict trades in the Corporation's securities by an Eligible Person;
(d) "Board" means the board of directors of the Corporation;
(e) "change of control" means the acquisition by a person, or combination of persons acting in concert, of:
(i) a sufficient number of the voting rights attached to the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation at the time of such acquisition, to affect materially the control of the Corporation; or
(ii) more than 20% of the voting rights attached to the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation at the time of such acquisition;
(f) "Compensation Committee" means the committee of the Board constituted as provided in Section 3 hereof and if none is so constituted, means the full Board;
(g) "Consultant" means a person, other than an employee, executive officer, or director of the Corporation, or of a related entity of the Corporation that:
(i) is engaged to provide services to the Corporation or a related entity of the Corporation, other than services provided in relation to a distribution;
(ii) provides the services under a written contract with the Corporation or a related entity of the Corporation; and
(iii) spends or will spend a significant amount of time and attention on the affairs and business of the Corporation or a related entity of the Corporation;
and includes, for an individual consultant, a company of which the individual consultant is an employee or shareholder, and a partnership of which the individual consultant is an employee or partner and for a consultant that is not an individual, an employee, executive officer or director of the consultant provided that the individual employee, executive officer or director spends or will spend a significant amount of time and attention on the affairs and business of the Corporation or a related entity of the Corporation;
(h) "Corporation" means Pelangio Exploration Inc. or its successor;
(i) "Disability" means a physical or mental incapacity of a nature which the Board determines prevents or would prevent the Optionee from satisfactorily performing the substantial and material duties of his or her position with the Corporation or its related entities;
(j) "Eligible Person" means, from time to time, any bona fide director, executive officer or employee of the Corporation or of a related entity of the Corporation and any bona fide Consultant;
(k) "Executive Officer" has the same meaning ascribed to that term as set out in National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations;
(l) "Exchange" means any principal exchange (as determined by the Board in its sole discretion) upon which the Shares are listed;
(m) "Grant Date" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Subsection 5.1 hereof;
(n) "Insider" has the meaning ascribed to that term as set out in the OSA and includes Associates and Affiliates of an Insider, but excludes a director or officer of a subsidiary or Affiliate of the Corporation unless such director or senior officer
(i) in the ordinary course receives or has access to information as material facts or material changes concerning the Corporation before the material facts or material changes are generally disclosed;
(ii) is a director or senior officer of a major subsidiary (as defined in National Instrument 55-101); or
(iii) is an Insider of the Corporation in a capacity other than as a director or senior officer of the subsidiary or Affiliate;
(o) "Market Value" of a Share means, on any given day:
(i) where the Share is not listed on an Exchange, the fair market value of a Share on that day determined by the Board in good faith; and
(ii) where the Share is listed on an Exchange, the closing board lot sale price per share of the Shares on the Exchange on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date and if there was not a board lot sale on the Exchange on such date, then the last board lot sale prior thereto;
(p) "NI 45-106" means National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus and Registration Exemptions;
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
(q) "Option" means an option, granted pursuant to Section 5 hereof, to purchase a Share;
(r) "Option Period" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Subsection 6.3 hereof;
(s) "Option Price" means the price per Share at which Shares may be purchased under the Option, as determined pursuant to Paragraph 5.1(b) hereof and as may be adjusted in accordance with Section 10 hereof;
(t) "Optionee" means an Eligible Person to whom an Option has been granted;
(u) "OSA" means the Securities Act, (Ontario), as amended;
(v) "person" includes an individual, corporation, partnership, party, trust, fund, association and any other organized group of persons and the personal or other legal representative of a person to whom the context can apply according to law;
(w) "Plan" means the Incentive Stock Option Plan of the Corporation as set forth herein as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time;
(x) "related entity" has the same meaning ascribed to that term as set out in Section 2.22 of the NI 45-106;
(y) "Retirement" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Subsection 8.1 hereof;
(z) "Securities Regulators" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 11 hereof;
(aa) "Share" means, subject to Section 10 hereof, a Common share without nominal or par value in the capital of the Corporation; and
(bb) "Shareholder" means a registered holder of Shares.
2.2 Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts referred to in this Option Plan are in Canadian funds.
2.3 As used in this Plan, words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.
3. Administration of the Plan
3.1 The Plan shall be administered by the Board with the assistance of the Compensation Committee and the chief executive officer as provided herein.
3.2 The chief executive officer of the Corporation shall periodically make recommendations to the Compensation Committee as to the grant of Options.
3.3 The Compensation Committee shall, on at least an annual basis, make recommendations to the Board as to the grant of Options.
3.4 The Board may wait until such time as the financial statements of the preceding fiscal year are approved by the Board before making any determination regarding the grant of Options.
3.5 In addition to the powers granted to the Board under the Plan and subject to the terms of the Plan, the Board shall have full and complete authority to interpret the Plan, to prescribe such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan and to make such determinations and to take such actions in connection therewith as it deems necessary or advisable. Any such interpretation, rule, determination or other act of the Board shall be conclusively binding upon all persons.
3.6 The Board may authorize one or more officers of the Corporation to execute and deliver and to receive documents on behalf of the Corporation.
4. Shares Subject to the Plan
4.1 Effective June 30, 2021, 2020, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be issued pursuant to Options granted under the Plan shall not exceed that number which represents 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares from time to time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10 hereof.
4.2 The total number of Shares that may be reserved for issuance to any one person pursuant to Options granted under the Plan in any one-year period shall not exceed 5% of the Shares of the Corporation outstanding on a non-diluted basis on the Grant Date of the Options.
4.3 Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding:
(a) the maximum number of Shares issuable to Insiders of the Corporation, at any time, under all security-based compensation arrangements of the Corporation, shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares;
(b) the maximum number of Shares issued to Insiders of the Corporation, within any one-year period, under all security-based compensation arrangements of the Corporation, shall not exceed 10% of issued and outstanding Shares;
(c) provided that the Common Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, the number of Options granted under the Plan in any one-year period to any one Consultant may not exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares; and
(d) provided that the Common Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, the number of Options granted under the Plan in any one-year period to any employee of the Corporation or a related entity of the Corporation conducting Investor Relations Activities, as defined in Policy 1.1 of the TSX Venture Exchange Corporate Finance Manual may not exceed an aggregate of 2% of the issued and outstanding Shares.
Any entitlement to acquire Common Shares granted pursuant to the Plan or any other Options prior to the grantee becoming an Insider shall be included for the purposes of the limits set out in Paragraph (b) above.
4.4 Options may be granted in respect of authorized and unissued Shares. Shares in respect of which Options have expired, were cancelled or otherwise terminated for any reason (other than exercise of the Option) shall be available for subsequent Options under the Plan.
4.5 No fractional Shares may be purchased or issued under the Plan.
5. Grants of Options
5.1 Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board shall, in its sole discretion and from time to time, determine those Eligible Persons to whom Options shall be granted and the date on which such Options are to be granted (the "Grant Date"). The Board shall also determine, in its sole discretion, in connection with each grant of Options:
(a) the number of Options to be granted;
(b) the Option Price applicable to each Option, provided that the Option Price shall not be less than the Market Value per Share on the Grant Date (For greater clarity, the maximum Option Price must not be less than the Discounted Market Price as defined under TSXV Policy 4.4 and 1.1); and
(c) the other terms and conditions (which need not be identical and which, without limitation, may include non-competition provisions) of all Options covered by any grant.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
6. Eligibility, Vesting and Terms of Options
6.1 Options may be granted to Eligible Persons only.
6.2 Subject to the adjustments provided for in Section 10 hereof, each Option shall entitle the Optionee to purchase one Share.
6.3 The option period (the "Option Period") of each Option commences on the Grant Date and expires on a date as determined by the Board in its sole discretion provided in no event shall the Option Period expire later than 4:30 p.m. (Toronto time) on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. If an Option expires during a Black-Out Period then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Option shall expire 10 business days after the Black-Out Period is lifted by the Corporation.
6.4 Subject to Section 8, an Option which is subject to vesting, may, once vested, be exercised at any time during the Option Period. Subject to Section 8, an Option which is not subject to vesting may, once vested, be exercised at any time during the Option Period.
6.5 Unless otherwise determined by the Board, Options shall vest as follows:
(a) one-quarter (1/4) of the Options granted shall vest on the Grant Date;
(b) an additional one-quarter (1/4) of the Options granted shall vest six months from the Grant Date;
(c) an additional one-quarter (1/4) of the Options granted shall vest twelve months from the Grant Date;
(d) the remaining one-quarter (1/4) of the Options shall vest eighteen months from the Grant Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may in its sole discretion vary the vesting schedule including without limitation the terms under which vesting of the Option may be accelerated.
6.6 Notwithstanding Section 6.5, any Optionee whose employment, engagement or directorship is terminated:
(a) by the Corporation or a related entity of the Corporation, for any reason other than for cause, or breach of contract in the case of a Consultant, at any time in the 12 months following a change of control of the Corporation, or
(b) by the Optionee, if the Corporation or a related entity to the Corporation makes a material adverse change in the location, salary, duties or responsibilities assigned to the Optionee, at any time in the 12 months following a change of control of the Corporation and the Optionee has provided notice in writing to the Corporation within 30 days of such material adverse change to terminate employment, engagement or directorship, then any outstanding Options that have not yet vested on the date of termination shall be deemed to have vested on such date.
6.7 An Option is personal to the Optionee and is non-assignable and non-transferrable otherwise than by will or by the laws governing the devolution of property in the event of death of the Optionee.
7. Option Agreement
7.1 Upon the grant of an Option, the Corporation and the Optionee shall enter into an option agreement, in a form set out in Appendix A or in such form as approved by the Board, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which agreement shall set out the Optionee's agreement that the Options are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan as it may be amended or replaced from time to time, the Grant Date, the name of the Optionee, the Optionee's position with the Corporation, the number of Options, the Option Price, the expiry date of the Option Period, vesting terms and such other terms and conditions as the Board may deem appropriate.
8. Termination of Employment, Engagement or Directorship
8.1 Any Optionee whose employment, engagement or directorship with the Corporation or its related entity is terminated due to retirement on or after such Optionee's normal retirement date under the Corporation's applicable retirement plan or policy of his or her employer or due to early retirement with the consent of the Board (collectively, "Retirement") shall have 90 days from the date of such termination to exercise any Option granted hereunder to the extent such Option was exercisable and had vested on such date of termination; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable following the expiration of the Option Period applicable thereto.
8.2 Any Optionee whose employment, engagement or directorship with the Corporation or its related entity is terminated due to Disability shall have 90 days from the date of such termination to exercise any Option granted hereunder to the extent such Option was exercisable and had vested on the date of such termination; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable following the expiration of the Option Period applicable thereto.
8.3 Any Optionee whose employment, engagement or directorship with the Corporation or its related entity is terminated at any time in the six months following a change of control of the Corporation shall have 180 days from the date of such termination to exercise any Option granted hereunder to the extent such Option was exercisable and had vested on the date of such termination; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable following the expiration of the Option Period applicable thereto.
8.4 In the event of the death of an Optionee, either while in the employment or engagement or while a director of the Corporation or its related entity or after Retirement, the Optionee's estate may, within 365 days from the date of the Optionee's death, exercise any Option granted hereunder to the extent such Option was exercisable and had vested on the date of the Optionee's death; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable following the expiration of the Option Period applicable thereto. The Optionee's estate shall include only the executors or administrators of such estate and persons who have acquired the right to exercise such Option directly from the optionee by bequest or inheritance.
8.5 In the event an Optionee's employment, engagement or directorship with the Corporation or its related entity terminates for any reason other than death, Disability, Retirement, cause or in the circumstances described in Subsection 8.3 hereof, the Optionee may exercise any Option granted hereunder to the extent such Option was exercisable and had vested on the date of termination no later than 90 days after such termination or such later date within the Option Period first established by the Board for such Option as the Board may fix. In the event an Optionee's employment, engagement or directorship is terminated for cause, each Option held by the Optionee that has not been effectively exercised prior to such termination shall lapse and become null and void immediately upon such termination.
8.6 The Board may also in its sole discretion increase the periods permitted to exercise all or any of the Options covered by any Grant following a termination of employment, engagement or directorship as provided in Subsections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 or 8.5 above, if allowable under applicable law; provided, however, that the period may not be increased beyond 365 days following a termination of employment, engagement or directorship as provided in Subsections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 or 8.5, above, and in no event shall any Option be exercisable following the expiration of the Option Period applicable thereto.
8.7 The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to a continuation of employment or engagement by, or directorship of, the Corporation or its related entity nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or its related entity to terminate any Optionee's employment, engagement or directorship at any time.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
8.8 Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Board in accordance with Subsection 8.5, references to "termination" or "the date of such termination" or similar references in this Section 8:
(a) in the case of an employee (including executive officers who are also employees), is deemed to be the last day of active employment by the employee with the Corporation or its Related Entity, as the case may be, regardless of any salary continuance, notice period required under applicable law or the reason for termination of employment (whether with or without cause or with or without notice); and
(b) in the case of a Consultant is deemed to be the "termination" or "the date of such termination" of the person engaged as a consultant to provide services to the Corporation or Related Entity.
8.9 For greater certainty, an Option that had not become vested at the time that the relevant termination event referred to in this Section 8 occurred, shall, unless otherwise determined by the Board, not be or become exercisable and shall be cancelled.
9. Exercise of Options
9.1 Subject to the provisions of the Plan, an Option may be exercised from time to time by delivery to the Corporation at its registered office of a written notice of exercise addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation specifying the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, together with the appropriate form of payment acceptable to the Corporation for the aggregate of the Option Prices to be paid for the Shares to be purchased. Certificates for such Shares shall be issued and delivered to the Optionee within a reasonable time following the receipt of such notice and payment.
9.2 No less than 100 Options may be exercised at any one time, except where a smaller number of Options is or remains exercisable pursuant to a grant, in which case, such smaller number of Options must be exercised at one time.
10. Adjustment on Alteration of Share Capital
10.1 In the event of a subdivision, consolidation or reclassification of outstanding Shares or other capital adjustment, or the payment of a stock dividend thereon, the number of Shares reserved or authorized to be reserved under the Plan, the number of Shares receivable on the exercise of an Option and the Option Price therefor shall be increased or reduced proportionately and such other adjustments shall be made as may be deemed necessary or equitable by the Board in its sole discretion and such adjustment shall be binding for all purposes of the Plan.
10.2 If the Corporation amalgamates, consolidates or combines with or merges with or into another body corporate, whether by way of amalgamation, statutory arrangement or otherwise (the right to do so being hereby expressly reserved), any Share receivable on the exercise of an Option shall be converted into the securities, property or cash which the Optionee would have received upon such amalgamation, consolidation, combination or merger if the Optionee had exercised his or her Option immediately prior to the effective date of such amalgamation, consolidation, combination or merger and the Option Price shall be adjusted as may be deemed necessary or equitable by the Board in its sole discretion and such adjustment shall be binding for all purposes of the Plan.
10.3 In the event of a change in the Corporation's currently authorized Shares which is limited to a change in the designation thereof, the shares resulting from any such change shall be deemed to be Shares within the meaning of the Plan.
10.4 In the event of any other change affecting the Shares, such adjustment, if any, shall be made as may be deemed necessary or equitable by the Board in its sole discretion to properly reflect such event and such adjustment be binding for all purposes of the Plan.
10.5 No adjustment provided in this Section 10 shall require the Corporation to issue a fractional Share and the total adjustment with respect to each Option shall be limited accordingly.
10.6 If, at any time when an Option granted under the Plan remains unexercised, an offer to purchase all of the Shares of the Corporation is made by a third party, the Corporation shall use its best efforts to bring such offer to the attention of the Optionee as soon as practicable and the Board may, in a fair and equitable manner, require the acceleration of the time for the exercise of the Options granted under the Plan and of the time for the fulfillment of any conditions or restrictions on such exercise (including without limitation, vesting requirements).
10.7 Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if because of a proposed merger, amalgamation or other corporate arrangement or reorganization, the exchange or replacement of Shares in the Corporation with those in another company is imminent ("Business Combination"), the Board may, in a fair and equitable manner, determine the manner in which all unexercised option rights granted under the Plan shall be treated including, for example, requiring the acceleration of the time for the exercise of such rights by the Optionee and of the time for the fulfillment of any conditions or restrictions on such exercise (including, without limitation, vesting requirements). All determinations of the Board under this Subsection 10.7 shall be binding for all purposes of the Plan.
10.8 In order to permit Optionees to participate in a proposed offer for Shares made by means of a take-over bid circular ("Take-over Bid") or a proposed Business Combination that could result in a Change of Control, the Board may make appropriate provisions for the exercise of options (whether vested or not) conditional upon the Shares resulting therefrom being taken up and paid for under the Take-over Bid or the completion of the Business Combination, as applicable.
11. Regulatory Approval
11.1 Notwithstanding any of the provisions contained in the Plan or any Option, the Corporation's obligation to grant Options and issue Shares and to issue and deliver certificates for such securities to an Optionee pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall be subject to:
(a) compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules, orders of governmental or regulatory authorities in Canada ("Securities Regulators");
(b) compliance with the requirements of the Exchange; and
(c) receipt from the Optionee of such covenants, agreements, representations and undertakings, including as to future dealings in such Shares, as the Corporation determines to be necessary or advisable in order to safeguard against the violation of the securities laws of any jurisdiction.
11.2 The Corporation shall in no event be obligated to take any action in order to cause the issuance and delivery of such certificates to comply with any laws, regulations, rules, orders or requirements.
11.3 Notwithstanding any provisions in the Plan or any Option if any amendment, modification or termination to the provisions hereof or any Option made pursuant hereto are required by any Securities Regulators, a stock exchange or a market as a condition of approval to a distribution to the public of any Shares or to obtain or maintain a listing or quotation of any Shares, the Board is authorized to make such amendments and thereupon the terms of the Plan, any Options, including any option agreement made pursuant hereto, shall be deemed to be amended accordingly without requiring the consent or agreement of any Optionee or Shareholder approval.
12. Miscellaneous
12.1 An Optionee entitled to Shares as a result of the exercise of an Option shall not be deemed for any purpose to be, or to have rights as, a shareholder of the Corporation by such exercise, except to the extent Shares are issued therefor and then only from the date such Shares are issued. No adjustment shall be made
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
for dividends or distributions or other rights which the record date is prior to the date such Shares are issued pursuant to the exercise of Options.
12.2 The Optionee shall be required, as a condition of exercise of an Option, to pay to the Corporation any taxes (including, without limitation, income and payroll withholding taxes imposed by any jurisdiction) which are required to be withheld in connection with the exercise of such Option and any transfer of an Option. The Company shall implement appropriate procedures so that such tax withholding obligations are met, which procedures may include, without limitation, increased withholding from an Optionee's regular compensation, cash payments by an Optionee, or the sale of a portion of the Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option, which sale may be required and initiated by the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Company, any such procedure, including offering choices among procedures, will be applied consistently with respect to all similarly situated Optionees in the Plan, except to the extent any procedure may not be permitted under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction. Under no circumstances shall the Corporation be responsible for the payment of any tax on behalf of any Eligible Person or any transferee of an Option as permitted hereunder or for providing any tax advice to them.
13. Effective Date, Amendment and Termination
13.1 The Plan is effective as of March 17, 2008. This Plan has been amended and restated as of May 26, 2009, April 14, 2010, April 25, 2011, May 29, 2018, October 28, 2020, June 30 2021, December 8, 2022 and April 17, 2023.
13.2 In addition, the Board may, subject to shareholder approval (except as set out below) and Exchange approval, amend the Plan, in whole or part. The Board is specifically authorized to amend or revise the terms of the Plan without obtaining shareholder approval in the following circumstances:
(a) to change the vesting provisions (provided that the Board may not change the vesting provisions of Options held by a person conducting Investor Relations Activities without prior Exchange acceptance);
(b) other amendments of a housekeeping nature, including the correction or rectification of any ambiguities, defective or inconsistent provisions, errors, mistakes or omissions herein and updating provisions herein to reflect changes in the governing laws, including tax laws, and the Exchange's requirements.
13.3 The Board may from time to time, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part. No action by the Board to terminate the Plan pursuant to this Section 13.3 shall affect any Options granted hereunder which became effective pursuant to the Plan prior to such action.
13.4 Except as set out below and subject to Exchange approval, the Board may (without Shareholder approval) amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Option, including, but not limited to, substituting another award of the same or of a different type or changing the date of exercise; provided, however that, the Optionee's consent to such action shall be required unless the Board determines that the action, when taken with any related action, would not materially and adversely affect the Optionee or is specifically permitted hereunder.
The Option Price of any outstanding Option may not be reduced unless Shareholder approval is obtained by way of a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast by the Shareholders at a meeting of Shareholders. The Option Price of any outstanding Option granted may not be reduced and the original Option Period may not be extended to the benefit of Insiders unless disinterested Shareholder approval is obtained in accordance with requirements of the Exchange.
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
Phone: 905-336-3828
Web: www.pelangio.com
APPENDIX A
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN OF
PELANGIO EXPLORATION INC.
OPTION AGREEMENT
This Option Agreement is entered into between Pelangio Exploration Inc. (the "Corporation") and the Optionee named below pursuant to the Corporation's Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") a copy of which are attached hereto, and confirms the following:
- Grant Date:
- Optionee:
- Optionee's Position with the Corporation or related entity:
- Number of Options:
- Option Price
($ per Share): $ - Expiry Date of Option Period:
- Each Option that has vested entitles the Optionee to purchase one Share at any time up to 4:30 p.m. Vancouver time on the expiry date of the Option Period. The Options vest as follows:
(a) one-quarter (1/4) of the Options granted shall vest on the Grant Date;
(b) an additional one-quarter (1/4) of the Options granted shall vest six months from the Grant Date;
(c) an additional one-quarter (1/4) of the Options granted shall vest twelve months from the Grant Date; and
(d) the remaining one-quarter (1/4) of the Options granted shall vest eighteen months from the Grant Date. - The Optionee hereby acknowledges that he or she has not received any advice from the Corporation as to tax or legal ramification of the grant of Options hereunder and has been advised to seek independent tax advice as he or she deems necessary.
- This Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Plan, as amended or replaced from time to time. In the case of any inconsistency between this Option Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall govern.
- Unless otherwise indicated, all defined terms shall have the respective meanings attributed thereto in the Plan.
- By signing this agreement, the Optionee acknowledges that he, she, or its authorized representative has read and understands the Plan.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Option Agreement as of the __ day of _, _.
Per:
Authorized Signatory
Signature of Optionee
Print Name of Optionee