ESG Policy

Corporate

ESG Policy

Introduction

Although the Company is at the early stages of exploration of its mineral properties, the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee (“CGNC Committee”) and management recognise the importance of establishing an ESG policy early, one that is both aligned to the early stage nature of the Company’s work, but will also provide a template that the Company can use to guide the evolution of its ESG policies through its various stages of growth in the future. This policy is intended to provide a framework to be used by the CGNC Committee and management to translate policies into practices, procedures and job responsibilities within the corporate governance structure.

Some of the main issues that would most likely impact the mining industry with regards to ESG include, but are not limited to: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Air Quality, Energy Management, Water Management, Waste and Hazardous Material Management, Biodiversity Impacts, Security, Human Rights and Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Community Relations, Labour Relations, Workforce Health and Safety, Business Ethics, Risk Management and Transparency.

Environmental

The Company's exploration projects are to be conducted using environmental best practices with a goal of protecting human health, minimizing the impact on the local ecosystem and with an aim of reclaiming any disturbance created by our exploration and mining activities to a high environmental standard. Our commitment includes:

fully compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and other obligations;
consultation with local stakeholders prior to initiating activities to better understand potential impacts;
implementation of best practices to prevent pollution and mitigate impacts on the environment;
minimizing releases into the air, land or water and ensure appropriate disposal of waste;
meeting or exceed government imposed environmental and reclamation obligations;
clearly communicating to all employees, consultants, contractors and partners the Company’s policies and practices in regards to the respect for and protection of the environment in which we work.

Health and Safety

The Company will provide safe and promote healthy working conditions and comply with all occupational health and safety laws and regulations in the areas in which it operates and is committed to preventing occupational illness and injury. To express that commitment, we issue the following summary:

as the employer, the Company is responsible for the health and safety of its workers while they are working for the Company and will adopt a positive safety culture and behaviour;
management and site supervisors will be responsible for ensuring that the workers, under their supervision receive appropriate training and resources and will model best practices;
it is the duty of each worker to report to the supervisor or manager, as soon as possible, any hazardous conditions, injury, accident, or illness related to the workplace;
the Company will, where possible, eliminate hazards and, thus, the need for personal protective equipment. If that is not possible, and where there is a requirement, workers will be required to use, and the Company will supply, appropriate safety equipment, clothing, devices, and materials for personal protection;
communicate with all employees, consultants, contractors and partners so that they understand and abide by the occupational health and safety programs that are adopted for each project at every stage of development;
the Company will strictly adhere to all health and safety related orders and instructions related to the jurisdictions where it is active.

Social License

The Company conducts its exploration business with a view to respecting and enhancing the economic and social situations of the communities which are located proximal to the Company’s projects. The means by which this is accomplished include:

conducting a dialogue with the communities that we operate near starting at or before the very early stages of exploration and throughout the life of the program;
maximizing local content as far as possible and as appropriate (employees, suppliers, etc.);
respecting local customs and cultures;
minimizing the impact on the communities where we operate;
where appropriate, entering into formal agreements to foster cooperation and achieve mutual benefit for its community partners and the Company.

Human Rights

The Company does not tolerate discrimination, intimidation or harassment on the basis of race, colour, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, national or ethnic origin or religious beliefs. Employees are entitled to work in an environment which is respectful of their dignity, rights, needs and individual differences. To meet our commitment, the Company will:

provide equal opportunity and treat employees and contractors fairly and without prejudice;
will not tolerate any instances of bullying, harassment or assault in the workplace;
provide fair remuneration;
be committed to continual improvement of its human rights policies and practices;
where appropriate, provide its employees with training opportunities which will assist in obtaining its goals in this area.

Diversity

The Company believes in diversity and the value that diversity brings to the entire organization. Promoting and respecting different perspectives and ideas provides the Company with the opportunity to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds which contributes to greater organizational strength. Workplace diversity is understanding, accepting, and valuing differences between people including those:

of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations;
with differences in education, personalities, skill sets, experiences, and knowledge bases.

As the Company continues its growth trajectory, the policies and actions with regards to diversity and inclusion will continue to evolve. Inclusion in the workplace is centered on a collaborative, supportive, and respectful environment that increases the participation and contribution of all employees. Inclusion removes barriers, discrimination, and intolerance.

Risk Management

The Company issues a Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) on a quarterly basis which includes disclosure of Risks and Uncertainties that have been identified by management. Risks include, for example, the health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, variations in commodity prices, access to capital, share capital liquidity risks, capital management, changes in government regulatory policy, including permitting and mineral title, forward looking statements, among others. These risks are reviewed quarterly by management, reviewed by the Audit Committee and recommended to the board for approval. The MD&A is posted to the Company’s web-site, SEDAR and the OTCQB web site for stakeholder access. The Company strives to manage these risks to the best of its abilities while recognizing that broad range of factors which are beyond its control which may effect the operations and activities of the Company.

Governance

This ESG Policy, along with the Company’s other policies, including the Code of Conduct, Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee Policy and the Audit Committee Charter (“Governance Policies”), is intended to be a component of the governance framework within management and its committees directs the affairs of the Company. While the board is accountable for oversight of the governance process, management is responsible for the governance processes and their workings, and for their results.

The Governance Committee will review the Company’s Governance Policies on an annual basis and will make recommendations to management and the board for expanded policies in compliance with government and regulatory requirements and within industry standards.

Non compliance with any of the Company’s Governance Policies by employees, consultants, contractors, directors and management may be grounds for disciplinary action, which may include termination.