UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement
☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
☒ Definitive Proxy Statement
☐ Definitive Additional Materials
☐ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
PARAMOUNT GOLD NEVADA CORP.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
☒ No fee required
☐ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials
☐ Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
November 1, 2024
Dear Stockholder of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.:
I am pleased to invite you to attend the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Stockholders of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp., to be held on December 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM eastern standard time. We have determined that it is in the best interest of our stockholders, our Board of Directors, and our employees to conduct our Annual General Meeting online at https://meetnow.global/MM6HWWL with no meeting password required. Stockholders will require their control number to enter the meeting. You will not be able to attend the annual meeting in person.
At the virtual meeting, we will update you on the progress we are making at our projects, the Grassy Mountain Gold Project and the Sleeper Gold Project, and our outlook for the business in 2025. Following that discussion and after addressing any questions you may have; we will cover the business matters outlined in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.
We are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders over the Internet. You may read, print and download our 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders and our Proxy Statement at www.edocumentview.com/PZG. On November 1, 2024, we mailed our stockholders a notice containing instructions on how to access these materials and how to vote their shares. The notice provides instructions on how you can request a paper copy of these materials by mail, by telephone or by email. If you requested your materials via email, the email contains voting instructions and links to the materials on the Internet.
You may vote your shares by regular mail or online via webcast at the virtual Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting is being held so that stockholders may consider the election of directors, and the ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as Paramount Gold Nevada Corp’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2025.
The Board of Directors of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. has determined that the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting are in the best interests of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. and its stockholders. For the reasons set forth in the Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” all directors and “FOR” each matter to be considered.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the officers and employees of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp., I would like to take this opportunity to thank our stockholders for the confidence you place in us through your investment. We look forward to your attendance at the meeting.
Sincerely, |
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/s/ Rachel Goldman |
Rachel Goldman CEO and Director |
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT |
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PROPOSAL No. 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
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2
Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.
665 Anderson Street
Winnemucca, Nevada 89445
(844) 488-2233
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Stockholders of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (the “Company”) will be held virtually via the Internet at https://meetnow.global/MM6HWWL with no meeting password required at 11:00 a.m., eastern standard time, on Tuesday, December 12, 2024 for the following purposes:
These proposals are more fully described in the Proxy Statement following this Notice.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote (i) FOR the election of all eight nominees to serve as directors of the Company; and (ii) FOR the ratification of the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The Company is pleased, pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), to furnish proxy materials over the Internet to our stockholders. We believe these rules allow us to provide you with the information you need while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Thursday, October 17, 2024, as the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. A list of the stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 17, 2024, will be available for inspection by any of our stockholders for any purpose relevant to the Annual Meeting during normal business hours at our principal offices, 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada, 89445, beginning on the mail date, November 1, 2024, and at the Annual Meeting.
Stockholders are cordially invited to attend the virtual Annual Meeting online via webcast. While you will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting at a physical location, we have designed the virtual Annual Meeting to ensure that our stockholders are given the same rights and opportunities to actively participate in the Annual Meeting as they would at an in-person meeting, using online tools to facilitate shareholder access and participation. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please mark, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy to ensure that your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date, whose shares are registered directly in their name, and not in the name of a broker or other nominee, may vote their shares online via webcast at the virtual Annual Meeting, even though they have sent in proxies.
By order of the Board of Directors, |
|
/s/ Rachel Goldman |
Rachel Goldman CEO and Director |
November 1, 2024
3
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Please vote via the Internet or telephone.
Internet : www.proxyvote.com
Phone : 1-800-690-6903
If you request a proxy card, please mark, sign and date the proxy card when received and
return it promptly in the self-addressed, stamped envelope we will provide.
Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.
665 Anderson Street
Winnemucca, Nevada 89445
(844) 488-2233
4
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
December 12, 2024
ABOUT THE MEETING
This proxy statement for Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (“Paramount” or the “Company”) is furnished in connection with the solicitation by our Board of Directors of proxies of stockholders for shares to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held virtually via the Internet at https://meetnow.global/MM6HWWL with no meeting password required, at 11:00 a.m., eastern standard time, on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof. Stockholders will require their control number to enter the meeting. This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy are first being made available to our stockholders on or about November 1, 2024.
Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Material – Our Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders are available at www.edocumentview.com/PZG.
What is the date, time and place of the Annual Meeting?
Paramount’s 2024 Annual Stockholders Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m., eastern standard time, virtually via the Internet at https://meetnow.global/MM6HWWL with no meeting password required. Stockholders will require their control number to enter the meeting.
Why is the Annual Meeting a virtual meeting?
We have determined that it is in the best interest of our stockholders, our Board, and our employees to conduct our Annual Meeting as a “virtual meeting” held online via live webcast. There will not be a physical meeting location. We believe that hosting a virtual meeting will facilitate stockholder attendance and participation at our Annual Meeting by enabling stockholders to safely participate remotely from any location around the world. We have designed the virtual Annual Meeting to provide the same rights and opportunities to participate as stockholders have at an in-person meeting, including the right to vote and ask questions through the virtual meeting platform.
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders on the cover page of this proxy statement, consisting of: (1) the election of directors; (2) the ratification of the selection of Moss Adams LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.; and (3) any other matters that properly come before the Annual Meeting.
Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only our stockholders of record at the close of business on October 17, 2024, the Record Date for the Annual Meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to participate in the annual meeting. If you were a stockholder of record on that date, you will be entitled to vote all of the shares you held on that date at the meeting, or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) of the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 66,058,111 shares of common stock outstanding, all of which are entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting.
A list of stockholders will be available at our headquarters at 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada, 89445, as of the mail date, November 1, 2024, through to the Annual Meeting and at the Annual Meeting itself for examination by any stockholder.
Why am I receiving these materials?
You are receiving these materials because, as of October 17, 2024, the Record Date for the Annual Meeting, you owned shares of Paramount common stock. Paramount has made these materials available to you on the Internet or has delivered printed versions of these materials to you by mail, in connection with the Company’s Board of Directors’ solicitation of proxies for use at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. eastern standard time. These proxy materials give you information to determine how to vote in connection with the Annual Meeting.
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What proposals will be voted on at the Annual Meeting?
Stockholders will vote on three proposals at the Annual Meeting:
What are the Board of Directors’ voting recommendations?
The Board recommends that you vote your shares:
Where is Paramount’s head office? And what is Paramount’s main telephone number?
Our head office is located at 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada, 89445. Our telephone number is (844) 488-2233.
Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy material instead of a full set of proxy materials?
Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, the Company has elected to provide access to its proxy materials via the Internet. Accordingly, the Company is sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice”) to the Company’s stockholders. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or request a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice. In addition, stockholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis. The Company encourages stockholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials on the Internet to expedite the stockholders’ receipt of proxy material, help lower the cost of the Annual Meeting and reduce the environmental impact of its annual meetings.
However, if a stockholder would prefer to receive printed proxy materials, the stockholder may follow the instructions included in the Notice.
How can I get electronic access to the proxy material?
The Notice will provide you with instructions regarding how to access the proxy materials on the Internet for the Annual Meeting. Also, the Notice will indicate how to instruct Paramount to send future proxy materials to you by email. Choosing to receive your future proxy materials by email will save us the cost of printing and mailing documents to you and will reduce the impact of our Annual Meeting of stockholders on the environment. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting site. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will remain in effect until you terminate it. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K accompanies the proxy materials but is not considered part of the proxy soliciting materials.
All proxy materials will be accessible at www.edocumentview.com/PZG and available on the Company’s website at www.paramountnevada.com.
Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
For each matter, stockholders have one vote for each share of Company common stock held by such stockholder as of the Record Date (defined in the next sentence). Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 17, 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at the Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 66,058,111 shares of Paramount’s common stock issued and outstanding.
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How do I register to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on the Internet?
If you are a registered stockholder, you do not need to register to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on the Internet. Please follow the instructions on the notice or proxy card that you received.
If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you must register in advance to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on the Internet.
To register to attend the annual meeting online by webcast you must submit proof of your proxy power (legal proxy) reflecting your Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. holding along with your name and email address to Computershare. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time on December 9, 2024.
You will receive confirmation of your registration by email after we receive your registration materials.
Requests for registration should be directed to Computershare at the following:
Computershare
Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. Legal Proxy
P.O. Box 43001
Providence, RI
02940-3001
USA
How do I vote my shares if I am a stockholder of record?
There are four ways to vote:
How do I vote my shares if I am a beneficial owner of shares held in street name as of the Record Date?
There are four ways to vote:
What is the quorum requirement for the Annual Meeting?
One-third of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter by a voting group, represented virtually online or by proxy, constitutes a quorum of that voting group for the action on the matter, and abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum. Your shares will be counted for purposes of determining if there is a quorum, whether representing votes for, against or abstained, if you:
If a quorum is not present, the Annual Meeting will be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.
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How are proxies voted?
All stock represented by valid proxies received prior to the Annual Meeting will be voted and, where a stockholder specifies by means of the proxy a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the shares will be voted in accordance with the stockholder’s instructions.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed at the Annual Meeting, who will separately count “FOR” and “AGAINST” votes, abstentions, and broker non-votes. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a nominee holding stock for a beneficial owner does not receive instructions with respect to the proposals from the beneficial owner.
What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?
If you are a stockholder of record and you either indicate when voting on the Internet or by telephone that you wish to vote as recommended by the Board or sign and return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions then the proxy holders will vote your shares in the manner recommended by the Board on all matters presented in this proxy statement and with respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion.
Brokers and other nominees who hold common stock in street name and do not receive instructions from their clients on how to vote on a particular proposal are not permitted to vote on these proposals. The absence of votes from brokers is referred to as broker non-votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum.
Can I revoke my proxy?
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is exercised. You may revoke your proxy in any one of three ways:
What happens if I do not vote?
The presence, virtually online or by proxy, of one-third of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter by a voting group is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. For purposes of determining whether the stockholders have approved matters other than the election of directors, abstentions are treated as shares present or represented and voting, so abstaining has the same effect as a negative vote. Shares held by brokers who do not receive voting instructions on any proposal are not permitted to vote. They are counted as present for the purposes of determining the existence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting.
If my stock is held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my stock for me?
If a stockholder’s shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and the stockholder wishes to vote virtually online at the Annual Meeting, the stockholder must contact his or her broker or bank and obtain from the record holder a “legal” proxy issued in the stockholder’s name. Absent specific instructions from the beneficial owners of the shares, brokers who hold shares in “street name” for clients no longer have the authority to vote on proposals when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners. Proxies submitted without a vote by brokers on these matters are referred to as “broker non-votes.” Broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists at the Annual Meeting.
Who bears the cost of soliciting proxies?
Paramount may require the use of a proxy solicitation firm. Paramount would bear the cost of soliciting proxies and will reimburse brokerage firms and others for expenses involved in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners or soliciting their execution. Paramount estimates, if required, that the costs associated with solicitations of the proxies requested by this proxy statement would be approximately $15,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses.
In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, certain members of the Company’s directors, officers, and regular employees, without additional compensation, may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, facsimile or email on the Company’s behalf.
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Where can I find more information about Paramount?
Paramount filed its 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC on September 26, 2024. That report, together with other corporate filings are available for your review on the Internet by visiting the Company website located at https://paramountnevada.com/PageBuilder/SEC-Filings or the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. Copies of any reports, including exhibits, will be furnished to stockholders upon written request. All written requests should be directed to: Corporate Communications, Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada, 89445, USA.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which requires Paramount to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website on the Internet that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including Paramount, that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website address is www.sec.gov. In addition, Paramount’s Exchange Act filings may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of the material may also be obtained upon request and payment of the appropriate fee from the Public Reference Section of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Paramount’s filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators are available for viewing on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) at www.sedar.com.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of our common stock (“Section 16 Insiders”) to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock.
To our knowledge based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and the Section 16 Insiders’ representations to us, for the year ended June 30, 2024, our Section 16 Insiders complied with their respective filing requirements under Section 16(a) on a timely basis.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table shows information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock for the following:
All information is as of the Record Date, except as noted otherwise.
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Name of Beneficial Ownership |
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Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1) |
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Percent of Class |
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FCMI Parent Co. |
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9,276,310 (2)(3)(4) |
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14.04 % |
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Seabridge Gold Inc. |
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2,805,080 (5) |
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4.25 % |
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Rachel Goldman |
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1,030,000 (6) |
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1.54 % |
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Carlo Buffone |
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820,250 (7) |
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1.23 % |
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Glen Van Treek |
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960,501 (8) |
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1.44 % |
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Rudi Fronk |
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382,123 (9) |
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0.58 % |
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Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien |
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119,666 (10) |
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* |
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Christopher Reynolds |
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147,766 (11) |
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* |
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John Carden |
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136,666 (12) |
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* |
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Pierre Pelletier |
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111,666 (13) |
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* |
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Samantha Espley |
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125,000 (14) |
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* |
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All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons) |
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(6)-(14) |
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5.46 % |
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* Denotes ownership which is less than half a percent (0.5%) of the outstanding shares on October 17, 2024 of 66,058,111.
9
MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING
PROPOSAL No. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees
At the Annual Meeting, eight directors will be elected to serve a one-year term or until the next annual stockholders meeting or until such director's successor shall have been elected and qualified following such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
Our Board has nominated Rudi Fronk, Rachel Goldman, Glen Van Treek, Christopher Reynolds, Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien, John Carden, Pierre Pelletier and Samantha Espley. All nominees are currently members of the Board.
Each nominee has expressed his willingness to serve as a director if elected, and we know of no reason why any nominee would be unable to serve. If a nominee becomes unavailable before the election, the proxies may be voted for one or more substitute nominees designated by the Board, or the Board may decide to reduce the number of directors.
Name |
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Age (1) |
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Position |
Rudi Fronk |
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65 |
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Chairman |
Rachel Goldman |
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52 |
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CEO and Director |
Glen Van Treek |
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59 |
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President, COO and Director |
Christopher Reynolds |
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60 |
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Director |
Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien |
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83 |
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Director |
John Carden |
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76 |
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Director |
Pierre Pelletier |
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55 |
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Director |
Samantha Espley |
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59 |
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Director |
Set forth below is certain information with respect to each director nominee:
Rudi Fronk
Mr. Fronk, a graduate of Columbia University from which he holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering and a Master of Science in Mineral Economics, has over 30 years of experience in the gold sector primarily as a senior officer and director of publicly traded gold exploration/development companies.
Mr. Fronk was appointed to Paramount’s Board of Directors in January 2017 and on October 11, 2019, was appointed by the Board of Directors as Chairman. In 1999, Mr. Fronk co-founded Seabridge Gold Inc. (“Seabridge Gold”), a US $900 million market
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cap company with proven and probable gold reserves exceeding 53 million ounces and one of the world’s largest resource bases of gold and copper. He currently serves as Seabridge Gold’s Chairman and CEO, a position he has held since its inception.
Rachel Goldman
Ms. Goldman has 20 years of experience in institutional sales, mining company financings and corporate transactions during her career while at several Canadian brokerage firms where she developed an extensive list of investor and mining company relationships. Prior to Paramount, Ms. Goldman was the Managing Director Institutional Equity Sales at Desjardins Securities from 2016 to 2019. Ms. Goldman holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Finance from Concordia University and serves as an independent director of Red Pine Exploration (TSXV: RPX), and the Denver Gold Group.
Glen Van Treek
Mr. Van Treek is the President, Chief Operating Officer and has been a director of Paramount since February 2015. He was formerly the Chief Operating Officer and V.P. Exploration of Paramount Gold and Silver Corp and served in this role from January 2011 through the April 2015 merger with Coeur Mining, Inc. Throughout his 34-year career, his experience spanned almost all stages of mineral exploration. His global experience included tenures in West Africa and working in almost every country in the Americas . Prior to joining Paramount, for ten years he held various senior positions at Teck Resources Ltd. In Vancouver and most recently he managed the production geology, resource modeling and exploration programs as support for the expansion of ~300,000 tons of copper production at Teck’s Quebrada Blanca mine in Chile. Prior to his experience at Teck, Mr. Van Treek held positions with Placer Dome and other junior exploration companies. He is a graduate geologist from the University of Chile.
Christopher Reynolds
Mr. Reynolds has over 30 years of mineral industry and public accounting experience and has been a director of Paramount since February 2015 and a director of Paramount Gold and Silver Corp. from December 2009 through April 2015 when the merger with Coeur Mining, Inc. was completed. Since May 2011, he has been the Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Seabridge Gold Inc., a TSX and NYSE listed corporation. From October 2007 to April 2011, he served as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Norsemont Mining Inc. and, prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, CFO and Secretary of Southern Era Diamonds Inc. He has held various finance and accounting positions at Southern Platinum Corp., TVX Gold Inc., Inmet Mining Corporation and Price Waterhouse, now PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Reynolds served as a director of Arizona Star Resource Corp. Mr. Reynolds is a CPA, CGA and received a B.A. (Economics) from McGill University.
Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien
Mr. Gonzalez-Urien has been a director of Paramount since February 2015 and a director of Paramount Gold and Silver Corp. since March 2009 through the merger with Coeur Mining, Inc. in April 2015. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Seabridge Gold since January 2006 and as a consulting geologist for Seabridge Gold since March 2003.He is an exploration geologist with over 30 years of experience in the mining industry. From 1989 through 2001 Mr. Gonzalez-Urien held various executive positions with Placer Dome Inc. including senior vice president of the parent company and president of Placer Dome Exploration Inc. During this period, he was charged with responsibility for Placer Dome’s worldwide exploration activities. Prior to Placer Dome, Mr. Gonzalez-Urien held senior positions with BHP-Utah Inc. and Noranda. He holds a degree in geology from the University of Santiago, Chile, followed by post graduate studies in geology at the University of California, Berkley.
John Carden, Ph.D.
Dr. Carden has more than 40 years of experience in exploration management, teaching and research. He has been a director of Paramount since February 2015 and a director of Paramount Gold and Silver Corp. from September 2006 through the completion of the merger with Coeur Mining, Inc. in April 2015. Since 2001 he has been a geologic consultant and a director of a number of junior resource companies, each which were TSX Venture Exchange listed companies. Dr. Carden worked as a senior exploration geologist for Exxon Minerals, Atlas Precious Metals, Tenneco, and Echo Bay Mines and later was Director of U.S. Exploration from 1992 until 1998 for Echo Bay Mines. From 2008 to 2017, Dr. Carden has acted as a geologic consultant to Otis Gold Corp managing the Company’s exploration programs. He is a Licensed Professional Geologist in the State of Washington. Dr. Carden received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in geology From Kent State University in Ohio, and his doctorate in geology from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska in 1978.
Pierre Pelletier
Mr. Pelletier is an environmental engineer, with a Master of Business Administration from Queens University and has been a director of Paramount since September 2016. He has over 20 years of extensive international experience spanning the operational, technical, and financial aspects of the environmental consulting industry managing complex environmental and social impact projects. From 2012 through to the end of 2016, he served as managing director of Environmental Resources Management Canada Ltd., a
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leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting services with an emphasis on the mining and oil and gas sectors. Prior to that, from 1998 through 2009, Mr. Pelletier served as a Project Manager for Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (“Rescan”), managing projects and technical development. In 2010, he became President and Chief Operating Officer for Rescan and remained in this role through 2012.
Samantha Espley
Ms. Espley is a director of Paramount since her appointment in July 2022. She is a visionary business executive and certified corporate director with decades of governance experience and leadership in the global mining industry with technical, operating, and corporate roles: Vale (1990-2020) including as a Corporate Director, Technology and Innovation, BESTECH (2020-2022) Vice- President of Mining, and Stantec (2022-Present) Senior Executive Advisor, Energy and Mines. She is a director of Northern Graphite Corporation (2024-Present) and the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame (2024-Present), and the past president of Canadian Institute of Mining, and a Fellow and President-Elect of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. She holds engineering degrees from University of Toronto (BASc) and Laurentian University (MASc,), is a licensed professional engineer.
Required Vote
Regarding the election of directors, if a quorum is present, a majority of the votes properly cast for the election of directors is sufficient to elect directors. Votes to withhold authority are considered properly cast; broker non-votes are not treated as votes cast. As a result, banks and brokers will not be able to vote on the election of directors without instructions from the beneficial owners. We encourage all stockholders who hold shares through a bank, broker, or other holder of record to provide voting instructions to such parties to ensure that their shares are voted at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE UNDER PROPOSAL No. 1.
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PROPOSAL No. 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board has selected the firm of Moss Adams LLP as Paramount’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and is submitting this selection for ratification by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. If our stockholders do not ratify the selection of Moss Adams LLP, the Board will consider making a change of its auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
Fees Paid to Auditors
The following table sets forth the fees accrued or paid to Moss Adams LLP for the year ended June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023.
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2024 |
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2023 |
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Audit Fees (1) |
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$ |
282,201 |
|
191,638 |
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
|
|
|
- |
Tax Fees (3) |
|
$ |
9,500 |
|
17,000 |
All Other Fees |
|
$ |
- |
|
- |
Total |
|
$ |
291,701 |
|
208,638 |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with the Audit Committee Charter, all audit (including audit-related) and non-audit services performed by Moss Adams LLP, as described above, were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by Moss Adams LLP was compatible with the maintenance of its independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee Charter authorizes the Audit Committee to appoint a subcommittee of one or more members of the Audit Committee and/or to pre-approve non-audit services by establishing detailed pre-approval policies as to the particular service, provided that the Audit Committee is informed of each service pre-approved (no less frequently than at each meeting of the Audit Committee) and that no pre-approval shall be delegated to Paramount’s management except as permitted by applicable law and regulation. In considering whether to pre-approve any non-audit services, the Audit Committee (or its delegates) considers whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm.
Required Vote
To become effective, the proposal to ratify the appointment of Moss Adams LLP as Paramount’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 30, 2025, requires the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present virtually online or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF MOSS ADAMS LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM UNDER PROPOSAL No. 2.
13
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES; ANNUAL MEETING ATTENDANCE
Our Board of Directors currently consists of eight directors, they are: Rachel Goldman, Glen Van Treek, Rudi Fronk, Dr. John Carden, Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien, Christopher Reynolds, Pierre Pelletier and Samantha Espley. The rules of the NYSE American require that a majority of our directors be independent directors. The Board has determined that Dr. Carden and Messrs., Fronk, Gonzalez-Urien, Reynolds, and Pelletier and Ms. Espley are independent directors having satisfied the independence requirements pursuant to the “non-employee director” definition of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and National Instrument 58-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) and pursuant to the “independent director” definition in Section 803A of the rules of the NYSE American. Mr. Reynolds is considered a “financial expert”.
During our last fiscal year, our Board met a total of eleven times. Each of our directors attended no less than 75% of our director meetings and no less than 75% of any committee meetings on which they serve.
An annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, if any, on such date, and at such time as shall be fixed exclusively by resolution of the board of directors of the Corporation or a duly authorized committee thereof. Except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of stockholders of the Company for any purpose(s) may be called at any time only by or at the direction of (a) the board of directors of the Company, (b) the chairman of the board of directors or (c) two or more directors.
Although we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of the Board at our annual meeting of stockholders, we encourage directors to attend, and historically more than a majority have done so either in person or made themselves available by webcast or telephone.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board of Directors separates the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Currently, Rudi Fronk is our acting non-Executive Chairman and Rachel Goldman is our Chief Executive Officer. Each year, our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee assesses these roles and the board leadership structure to ensure the interests of Paramount, and its stockholders are best served.
Committees of the Board
The Board has five standing committees: an Audit Committee; a Compensation Committee; a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee; an Independent Committee; a Technical Committee; and a Search Committee. A minimum of three directors serve on each committee. Current membership on the various committees is as follows:
The committees generally meet throughout the year to review matters within each committee’s jurisdiction as more fully set forth below. Our Audit Committee met four times during the last fiscal year. Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and our Compensation Committee both met once during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Our Independent and Technical Committees did not meet during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
Copies of the charters for the Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Technical Committee and the Compensation Committee are available on Paramount’s website located at www.paramountnevada.com.
14
The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee is to review, on an annual basis or as it deems appropriate, the performance of our executive officers, to review the amount and form of compensation payable to our executive officers and to report to the Board on an annual basis, making recommendations regarding compensation of our executive officers. In addition, the Compensation Committee administers our equity compensation plans.
The Audit Committee oversees the accounting and financial reporting processes of Paramount and audits of the financial statements of Paramount. The Audit Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate the independent registered public accounting firm that examines our financial statements.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is comprised of all the independent board members. The committee focuses on a wide array of responsibilities including, but not limited to the following: to determine criteria for selecting new directors; identify or seek out individuals qualified to become directors; consider nominations of director candidates validly made by stockholders; review and make recommendations to the Board concerning qualification, appointment and removal of committee members; review and make recommendations to the Board concerning any amendments to the Company’s corporate governance documents; and to review and make recommendations to the Board concerning corporate governance issues, issues of broad social significance and responsible conduct.
The primary purpose of the Independent Committee is to approve the terms and pricing of potential financings including associated documents.
The Technical Committee’s primary purpose is to meet with management to discuss areas of focus, processes and programs, for the betterment of project development.
The Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is comprised of three independent directors, currently consisting of Messrs. Fronk (Chair), Gonzalez-Urien, and Dr. Carden.
The Compensation Committee assists the Board in overseeing executive compensation and administers Paramount’s executive bonus and equity compensation plan. The Compensation Committee’s primary responsibilities include:
The Compensation Committee’s further responsibilities are discussed more fully in its charter.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the Board has reviewed and discussed the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement with management. Based on this review and these discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the section entitled “Executive Compensation” be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into Paramount’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board,
Rudi Fronk, Chair
Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien
Dr. John Carden
15
The Audit Committee
The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Reynolds (Chair), Pelletier, and Dr. John Carden. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent under NYSE American rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and experienced in financial matters and has not participated in the preparation of Paramount’s financial statements at any time during the past three years. The Board has also determined that Mr. Reynolds is the “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of applicable SEC regulations. During our last fiscal year, our Audit Committee met a total of four times.
The Audit Committee assists the Board in its oversight of Paramount’s financial reporting, focusing on the integrity of Paramount’s financial statements, Paramount’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the qualifications an independence of Paramount’s independent auditor and the performance of Paramount’s internal audit function and independent auditor. The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities include:
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities and key practices are more fully described in its written charter. In accordance with the rules of the NYSE American, the Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of its written charter on an annual basis.
Audit Committee Report
Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC designed to improve disclosures related to the functioning of corporate audit committees and to enhance the reliability and credibility of financial statements of public companies, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors submits the following report:
Audit Committee Report to Stockholders
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Company’s accounting functions and internal controls. The Audit Committee is composed of three directors, each of whom is independent as defined by the Listing Rules. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board of Directors and held four meetings in fiscal 2024. A copy of the charter is available on the Company’s website at www.paramountnevada.com by choosing the “Corporate” link then clicking on the “Governance” section.
Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures and the financial reporting process. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards and to issue a report thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes. The Audit Committee has established a mechanism to receive, retain and process complaints on auditing, accounting and internal control issues, including the confidential, anonymous submission by employees, vendors, customers and others of concerns on questionable accounting and auditing matters.
In connection with these responsibilities, the Audit Committee met with management and the independent registered public accounting firm to review and discuss the June 30, 2024, audited consolidated financial statements. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards Update No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1, AU section 380), as adopted by the PCAOB in Rule 3200T. In addition, the Audit Committee received the written disclosures from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence from the Company and its management.
16
Based upon the Audit Committee’s discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, and the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2024 filed with the SEC on September 26, 2024.
The Audit Committee also has appointed, subject to stockholder ratification, Moss Adams LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2024.
Respectfully submitted, |
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE |
Christopher Reynolds, Chairman |
John Carden |
Pierre Pelletier |
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee currently consists of Dr. Carden (Chair), Messrs. Fronk, Gonzalez-Urien, Reynolds, Pelletier and Ms. Espley. All members of the Committee are independent directors. During our last fiscal year, the committee met three times.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee assists the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities relating to the composition of the Board and further assists the Board by regularly assessing and making recommendations to improve the Company’s governance practices.
The Committee’s primary responsibilities include considering and making recommendations to the Board with respect to nominees for election to the Board consistent with criteria approved by the Board or the Committee, including director candidates submitted by Paramount’s stockholders.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s responsibilities and key practices are more fully described in its charter.
Director Nominees
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating director nominees. The Committee may consider candidates recommended by Paramount’s directors, members of management, professional search firms or stockholders. These candidates may be considered at any point during the year. The members of the Nominating Committee evaluate potential nominees, whether proposed by stockholders or otherwise, by reviewing their qualifications, reviewing results of personal and reference interviews and reviewing other relevant information. Candidates whose evaluations are favorable are then chosen by a majority of the members of the Nominating Committee to be recommended for nomination by the full Board. The full Board then selects and nominates candidates for election as directors by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.
To date, our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has not paid a fee to any third party to identify or evaluate prospective nominees.
Qualifications
In evaluating nominees for election as a director, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers a number of factors, including the following:
17
The Independent Committee
The Independent Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of three members, they are: Dr. Carden (Chair), Mr. Pelletier and Ms. Espley.
The committee, on behalf of the Board, is authorized to negotiate and approve the terms associated with offerings including all associated documents. The committee may authorize an officer to execute and deliver transaction documents that the committee deems such terms and provisions necessary or desirable.
In addition, the Independent Committee is authorized to consider, and if deemed advisable, to approve the participation in the offering of any related party to the Company, including any officer, director or significant stockholder.
The Technical Committee
The Technical Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of four members, they are: Messrs. Pelletier (Chair), Gonzalez-Urien; Van Treek and Ms. Espley.
The committee, on behalf of the Board is to have periodic discussions with management related to the areas of focus related to process, programs, including environmental, social and those related to project development. The committee is to ensure that management is taking appropriate measures to achieve compliance with appropriate laws and legislation, and to ensure that principal risks and opportunities related to the area of focus are identified. The committee is to ensure that management has the proper resources allocated to address these risks and opportunities. The committee is to provide advice, counsel and recommendations to management as the committee deems appropriate.
Related Person Transaction Policies and Procedures
It is our practice and policy to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations regarding related party transactions, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. A related person is any executive officer, director, or more than 5% stockholder of the Company, including any of their immediate family members, and any entity owned or controlled by such persons. Our Audit Committee has been charged with responsibility for approving all related party transactions as part of the Audit Committee’s overall responsibilities as set forth in its charter. In considering related party transactions, the Audit Committee takes into account the relevant available facts and circumstances. In the event a director has an interest in the proposed transaction, the director must recuse himself from the deliberations and approval.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, independent directors as a group, were compensated $136,583 (2023 - $108,750) for their services as directors of the Company’s Board. During the year ended June 30, 2024, the Company recorded non-cash transactions to recognize stock-based compensation for directors in the amount of $63,006 versus the prior year ended June 30, 2023 whereby $34,442 was recorded for stock-based compensation.
18
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Set out below is information as of October 17, 2024, with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance under our 2015 Plan and 2016 Plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category |
|
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and RSUs |
|
|
Weighted- average exercise price per share of outstanding options and RSUs |
|
|
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans |
|
|||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
|
3,130,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
|
|
1,094,000 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
|
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
3,130,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,094,000 |
|
As of October 17, 2024, 1,725,000 restricted share units (“RSUs”) were outstanding, and 1,405,000 stock options were outstanding under our Equity Incentive Plans to acquire 3,130,000 shares of common stock.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Summary Compensation Table summarizes the total compensation of our named executive officers (“NEOs”) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and the prior two fiscal years to the extent required under the SEC rules.
Summary Compensation Table
19
Narrative to Summary Compensation Table
Executive Employment Arrangements
On August 10, 2016, we amended the employment agreements with Mr. Van Treek and Mr. Buffone. On February 6, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Goldman. In January 2024 the Board approved salary increases for Ms. Goldman, Mr. Van Treek, and Mr. Buffone whereby amended contracts were executed. For a description of the terms and conditions of the employment agreements, please see the section entitled “Employment Agreements” below.
2024 Salaries
The named executive officers receive a base salary to compensate them for services rendered to our Company. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities.
2024 Bonuses
In January 2024, the Board of Directors approved cash bonuses for each of the Company’s executives. Ms. Goldman, Mr. Van Treek and Mr. Buffone in the amounts of $132,000, $110,250 and $70,000 respectively.
2023 Bonuses
Cash bonuses for Ms. Goldman and Mr. Van Treek in the amounts of $40,000 and $30,000 respectively were paid in early 2024 on the successful completion of the Sprott financing.
2024 RSU Grant
Ms. Goldman received 355,000 RSU’s, Mr. Van Treek received 300,000 RSU’s and Mr. Buffone received 245,000 RSU’s which vest as follows: ¼ of each RSU grant vest provided the PZG share price outperforms the average share price performance of the 13 identified peer group companies by 10% over the 12-month period from date of RSU grant; ¼ of each of the RSU grant vests provided the PZG share price outperforms the average share price of the 13 peer group companies over the second year from the date of the RSU grant; ¼ of each RSU grant vest upon delivery of the Consolidated Permit Package from DOGAMI for Grassy Mountain; and the remaining ¼ of each RSU grant vests 4 years after the grant date, provided the executive is still an employee of the Company.
Equity Based Compensation
On June 16, 2015, we adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive and Equity Compensation Plan (the “2015 Plan”). On December 14, 2016, stockholders ratified the 2016 Stock Incentive and Equity Compensation Plan (the “2016 Plan”). The Board adopted three amendments to the 2016 Plan to increase the number of shares available: the first on October 17, 2018, approved by stockholders on December 12, 2018; the second on October 20, 2021, approved on December 9, 2021; and the third on October 24, 2023, approved on December 12, 2023.
The purpose of the 2015 Plan and the 2016 Plan is to attract, retain and reward officers, employees, directors, consultants and advisors to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, provide equitable and competitive compensation opportunities, authorize incentive awards that appropriately reward achievement of our goals and recognize individual contributions without promoting excessive risk and promote creation of long-term value for stockholders by closely aligning the interests of participants with the interests of stockholders.
Types of Awards
The 2015 Plan and the 2016 Plan authorize a broad range of awards, including:
Employment Agreements
20
On August 10, 2016, we entered into amended employment agreements (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”) with Mr. Van Treek and Mr. Buffone. In February 2020 we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Rachel Goldman. In January 2024, on the recommendation of the compensation committee, the Board approved salary increases for all named Executives. These changes became effective as of January 26, 2024 and amended contracts were executed. The material terms of such agreements are summarized below:
Base Salary, Annual Bonus and Equity Compensation
The Employment Agreements provide Ms. Goldman, Mr. Van Treek, and Mr. Buffone with annual base salaries of $240,000, $225,000 and $210,000 respectively. Each executive is entitled to participate in the Company’s benefit plans, and paid vacation in accordance with Company policies. The Employment Agreements also provide that each executive shall be granted cash performance bonuses and equity incentives on a periodic basis at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Termination by the Company Other Than for Just Cause, Disability or Death and Termination by the Employee for Good Reason
The Employment Agreements for Ms. Goldman, Mr. Van Treek and Mr. Buffone provide for amounts to be paid upon termination of employment by the Company other than for just cause, disability or death or is terminated by the executive for good reason in the following aggregate amounts: (i) any unpaid earned annual compensation to and including the date of termination; (ii) an amount equal to two times the annual salary plus two times the average annual bonus paid to the executive in the previous two years; and (iii) an amount equal to all outstanding and accrued vacation pay to the date of termination.
Good reason shall include, without limitation, the occurrence of the following: (a) a material change (other than those that are clearly consistent with a promotion) in the executive’s position or duties, responsibilities, title or office; (b) a reduction by the Company of the executive’s salary; (c) any material breach by the Company of any provision of the employment agreement.
Termination for Just Cause and Termination by the Executive Other Than Good Reason
The Employment Agreements provide if employment of the executive is terminated by the Company for just cause or is terminated by the executive other than for good reason, the Company shall pay to the executive any earned but unpaid annual salary and the Company shall have no further obligation to the executive.
Change of Control
The Employment Agreements for Ms. Goldman, Mr. Van Treek and Mr. Buffone provide for amounts to be paid if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company or by the executive for good reason in the following aggregate amounts: (i) any unpaid earned annual compensation to and including the date of termination; (ii) an amount equal to two times the annual salary plus two times the average annual bonus paid to the executive in the previous two years; and (iii) an amount equal to all outstanding and accrued vacation pay to the date of termination.
The Employment Agreements also provide, immediately prior to the control change, the Company may pay an additional discretionary bonus to the executives. The additional discretionary bonus may be any amount and shall be determined by the Board of Directors in their sole and absolute discretion.
21
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End June 30, 2024
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Cash Compensation
Each year, an independent director is eligible to receive a cash retainer of $20,000 for serving on our Board of Directors. The chairperson of the audit committee receives a $7,000 cash retainer in addition their director cash compensation and the chairpersons of the technical, and corporate governance and nominating committees each receive a $5,000 cash retainer in addition to their director cash compensation. The Chairman of our Board of Directors receives an annual cash retainer of $40,000.
Equity Compensation
Directors are eligible to receive equity compensation as determined by the Compensation Committee from the 2015 Plan and the 2016 Plan. The purpose of the 2015 Plan and the 2016 Plan is to attract, retain and reward officers, employees, directors, consultants and advisors to the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, provide equitable and competitive compensation opportunities, authorize incentive awards that
22
appropriately reward achievement of our goals and recognize individual contributions without promoting excessive risk and promote creation of long-term value for stockholders by closely aligning the interests of participants with the interests of stockholders.
In 2024, each non-chair, non-employee director was granted 60,000 stock awards pursuant to and part of the Company’s board renumeration plan. The shares vest as follows: 1/3 vesting immediately, 1/3 after one year from the grant and the remaining 1/3 vesting two years from the grant.
The following table provides information concerning compensation for our non-employee directors for fiscal 2024. Information about Ms. Goldman’s and Mr. Van Treek’s compensation for fiscal 2024 is provided with that of the other NEO’s in the above Executive Compensation section and accompanying tables.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End June 30, 2024
23
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors’ Independence
Our Board currently consists of eight directors. They are Rudi Fronk, Glen Van Treek, Rachel Goldman, Christopher Reynolds, Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien, John Carden, Pierre Pelletier and Samantha Espley. The rules of the NYSE American require that a majority of our directors be independent directors. The Board has determined that Dr. Carden and Messrs. Fronk, Gonzalez-Urien, Pelletier, and Reynolds, and Ms. Espley are independent directors having satisfied the independence requirements pursuant to the “non-employee director” definition of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and pursuant to the “independent director” definition in Section 803A of the rules of the NYSE American. Mr. Reynolds is considered a “financial expert.”
The Board’s Role in Succession Planning
Except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”), the Board of Directors shall consist of at least three (3) individuals and not more than fifteen (15) individuals, with the number of directors within the foregoing fixed minimum and maximum established and changed from time to time as provided in, and in accordance with, the Articles of Incorporation. Each director shall hold office until his or her successor shall be elected or appointed and qualified or until his or her earlier death, retirement, disqualification, resignation or removal. No reduction of the number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director prior to the expiration of his or her term of office. No provision of this Section 3.2 shall restrict the right of the Board of Directors (or, to the extent permitted under the Articles of Incorporation, the stockholders) to fill vacancies or the right of the stockholders to remove directors, each as provided in the Articles of Incorporation or the Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”).
Code of Conduct
The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that applies to all our directors and employees, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. A copy of the Code is currently available on our website at www.paramountnevada.com.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Messrs. Fronk (Chair), Gonzalez-Urien, and Dr. Carden serve as members of our Compensation Committee. None of the members of the Compensation Committee is a current or former officer or employee of Paramount, nor did any Compensation Committee member engage in any “related person” transaction that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K.
Communications with the Board of Directors
Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Board or specific directors by mail addressed to: Board of Directors, c/o Paramount Gold Nevada Corp., 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada, 89445. Attn: Corporate Secretary. If you wish to communicate with a specific director, the communication should be sent to the indicated address with the name of the director appearing on the front cover of your communication.
24
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder and for nominations to be properly brought before a special meeting by a stockholder in each case pursuant to Section 2.12, the stockholder of record must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation, and, in the case of business other than nominations, such other business must be a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (December 12, 2023); provided that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 70 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement (as stated in the Bylaws) of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. The notice must be provided by a stockholder of record and must set forth specific criteria as defined in the Articles of Incorporation. Such proposals must also meet the other requirements and procedures prescribed by Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act relating to stockholders’ proposals.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
To the extent we deliver a paper copy of the proxy materials to stockholders, the SEC rules allow us to deliver a single copy of proxy materials to any household at which two or more stockholders reside, if we believe the stockholders are members of the same family.
We will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the proxy materials to any stockholder residing at the same address as another stockholder and currently receiving only one copy of the proxy materials who wishes to receive his or her own copy. Requests should be directed to the attention of our Corporate Secretary by mail to Paramount Gold Nevada Corp., 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada, 89445.
OTHER MATTERS
Upon written request addressed to our Corporate Secretary at 665 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada 89445 from any person solicited herein, we will provide, at no cost, a copy of our fiscal 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC.
Our Board of Directors does not know of any matter to be brought before the Annual Meeting other than the matters set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting. If any other matter should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy card will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies with respect thereto in accordance with their best judgment.
VIRTUAL ACCESS to the ANNUAL Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held virtually via the Internet at https://meetnow.global/MM6HWWL on December 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM eastern standard time. Stockholders will not require a password and only require their control number to join the meeting.
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01 - Rudi Fronk 04 - John Carden 07 - Pierre Pelletier 02 - Glen Van Treek 05 - Christopher Reynolds 03 - Rachel Goldman 06 - Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold 8 1 B V 08 - Samantha Espley Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. 041UCB + + Proposals — The Board of Directors recommend a vote FOR all the nominees listed A and FOR Proposal 2. 2. Vote on the ratification of Moss Adams L.L.P as our Independent Registered Accountants 1. Election of Directors: For Against Abstain Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box. B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below. qIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q 2024 Annual Meeting Proxy Card You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Online Go to www.investorvote.com/PZG or scan the QR code — login details are located in the shaded bar below. Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/PZG Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada Your vote matters – here’s how to vote! 
The 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. EST, virtually via the internet at https://meetnow.global/MM6HWWL. To access the virtual meeting, you must have the information that is printed in the shaded bar located on the reverse side of this form. Important notice regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The material is available at: www.investorvote.com/PZG Small steps make an impact. Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery, sign up at www.investorvote.com/PZG • IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. • PARAMOUNT GOLD NEVADA CORP. + Notice of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders Proxy Solicited by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting — DECEMBER 12, 2024 Rachel Goldman, Glen Van Treek and Carlo Buffone, or any of them, each with the power of substitution, are hereby authorized to represent and vote the shares of the undersigned, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. to be held on DECEMBER 12, 2024 or at any postponement or adjournment thereof. Shares represented by this proxy will be voted by the stockholder. If no such directions are indicated, the Proxies will have authority to vote FOR the election of the Board of Directors and FOR item 2. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. (Items to be voted appear on reverse side) Non-Voting Items C Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. +
authority to vote FOR the election of the Board of Directors and FOR items 2 and 3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. (Items to be voted appear on reverse side) Non-Voting Items C Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below. +