First Nation LP (“FNLP”), Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) (“Newmont”) and Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA) (NYSE: ORLA) (“ORLA”) is proud to announce the establishment of a C$6.6 million education, training and skills development fund, which will be managed by Opiikapawiin Services LP (“OSLP” or “Opiikapawiin”), a 100% owned service organization by 24 First Nations. This investment will support members of Northwestern Ontario’s 24 First Nations with opportunities to advance their skills, careers and cultural practices. The C$6.6 million will be contributed over ten years. ORLA Mining owns and operates the Musselwhite mine in Northwestern Ontario.
The fund will support a wide range of programs that promote education, careers and cultural revitalization, including career development, trade training, mentorship, on-field learning, literacy, STEM initiatives, scholarships and access to digital tools and technology.
“This fund builds on a long-standing partnership that shows what is possible when we work together with a shared purpose to help communities succeed. It ensures that our youth today have the opportunity to gain the education, training and knowledge needed to take charge of building a bright and prosperous future. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Newmont Corporation and Orla Mining Ltd. for choosing to contribute to this fund and reinvest in our communities. Through this initiative, we are creating a new path for future generations to thrive through sustainable change, while ensuring that the vision of our Elders and ancestors is carried forward.”
– Eliezar McKayFNLP chairman
This initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between FNLP and the Musselwhite mine, previously owned by Newmont (formerly Goldcorp), and now by Orla.
The 24 First Nations equally own 51% of Wataynikaneyap Power, along with Fortis Inc. and other private investors. First Nations have been working on energy security as a regional issue for more than thirty years. Goldcorp’s primary interest in becoming involved was to meet their power needs while supporting First Nation ownership. They provided funding for pre-development costs to supplement First Nation capacity in the project. Goldcorp’s early investment helped catalyze the development of one of the next projects Canadas key Indigenous-led infrastructure initiatives. Today, the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system sends cleaner, more reliable electricity to remote First Nations Northwestern Ontarioreplacing diesel production and significantly improving the quality of life across the region.
Rather than demand payment based on the promissory note established for the project’s pre-development costs, Newmont and Orla agreed to send the money back to the region through a new charitable organization. Community members looking to further enhance their training and skills development will have another option for support.
“It is important for Orla to support and contribute to the momentum and priorities identified by FNLP member states. We are proud to build on these historic partnerships with indigenous communities in Northern Ontario and recognizing that true partnership means working together with respect, understanding and shared purpose. The Development Fund will stimulate and transform one unifying project into the next, and we hope that the generation of young people who take part in these new opportunities will in turn be able to do the same. We look forward to being part of this next chapter in the region.”
– Silvana CostaHead of Sustainability, Orla Mining
“Although Newmont has since divested our assets Ontarioour commitment to lasting, positive impact remains. This investment honors the spirit of partnership that shaped our time in the region and looks forward – supporting youth, education and Indigenous-led development for generations to come.”
– David ThorntonManaging Director, Newmont America
About Orla Mining Ltd.
Orla’s business strategy is to acquire, develop and exploit mineral properties where the company’s expertise can significantly enhance stakeholder value. The Company has three material projects, consisting of two operating mines and one development project, all 100% owned by the Company: (1) Red Roadin the state of Zacatecas, Mexicoan operational gold and silver open pit and heap leach mine. The site covers over 139,000 hectares and contains a large mineral resource of oxides and sulphides, (2) Musselwhite Mine, in Northwestern Ontario, Canadaan underground gold mine in operation for over 25 years producing over 6 million ounces of gold, with a long history of resource growth and conversion, and (3) South Railroad, in Nevada, United Statesa feasibility stage, open pit, heap leach gold project located at the Carlin trend in Nevada. The technical reports for the company’s material projects are available on Orla’s website at www.orlamining.com, and on SEDAR+ and EDGAR under the company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca And www.sec.govrespectively.
About First Nation Limited Partnership
First Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario working together to connect 17 remote communities to the provincial power grid and eliminate diesel generation as a primary energy source. FNLP was formed in 2015 to gain ownership and control of participating First Nations’ interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. The 51% interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP is owned equally by each of the 24 First Nation communities and FNLP will retain their ability to grow their ownership to 100% over time.
About Opiikapawiin Services
Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) was founded by a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. OSLP is primarily responsible for managing projects and programs for Wataynikaneyap Power PM through a service agreement, covering community engagement, community readiness, education and training, business readiness, stakeholder engagement, communications and capacity building. OSLP is also supporting the First Nation Partnership in managing its investment in Wataynikaneyap Power. For more information please visit: www.oslp.ca
For more information please contact:
Orla Mining
Andrew Bradbury
Vice President Investor Relations & Business Development, Orla Mining
www.orlamining.com
investor@orlamining.com
Newmont Corporation
John Mullally
Head of External Relations and Social Performance, Newmont Canada
https://www.newmont.com
globalcommunications@newmont.com
FNLP, Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP)
Josie Zussino
Head of Communications and Governance, Opiikapawiin Services LP
www.oslp.ca
(807) 620-9148
j.zussino@oslp.ca
contact@oslp.ca
SOURCE Orla Mining Ltd.
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