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NBR & KFN Procurement Hierarchy Agreement

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NBR & KFN Procurement Hierarchy Agreement

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When sourcing, Northern Blackrock will agree to follow a four-step procurement hierarchy as follows for qualified personnel, suppliers, contractors, or services:

1 - Local(KFN) Indigenous Persons & Indigenous Owned Businesses

2 - Other Indigenous Persons & Indigenous Businesses

3 - Local(Northern Saskatchewan) Persons/Businesses

4 - Other

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During operations, Northern BlackRock Inc. intends to unbundle large contracts into smaller ones, each valued under $100,000, where feasible. This strategy will allow local businesses, including those from Kakinawpikahk, to bid on more manageable contract segments, thus improving their chances of participation.

Northern BlackRock Inc. will offer select, time-bound Evergreen Contracts to KFN construction and drilling companies, primarily in subcontractor roles. While direct engagement will be limited due to higher costs, we will encourage our preferred contractor to include KFN companies where feasible. Profit-sharing will not be guaranteed but evaluated on a case-by-case basis to maintain cost efficiency.

Northern BlackRock Inc. will maintain a registry of KFN businesses to inform procurement decisions. While local businesses will be considered for contracts, there will be no formal first-refusal rights or spending targets. Contract summaries may be shared upon request.

Transparency in contracting will be upheld by providing Kakinawpikahk businesses with adequate notice (90 days) for bidding on contracts, ensuring fair participation within the KFN Preferred Supplier Program.

Northern BlackRock Inc. will upgrade the community access road as part of the $500 million mine construction budget. No additional infrastructure projects are included at this time. Community access to any new facilities will be considered based on operational requirements and capacity.

Community project funding will begin after the mine reaches profitability, ensuring support aligns strictly with the financial performance of the project. Contributions will be evaluated annually based on available surplus.

Non-negotiable Clause

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1 - Local strong employment capacity and regional job opportunities.

2 - Local reliable infrastructure for long-term community & mining activities.

3 - Joint development of economic growth

4 - Developing ongoing partnership and mutual trust

5 - Environmental and cultural site protection

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Hello and Welcome.

We are honoured to be with you today and to discuss our shared vision for a successful future for both the Kakinawpikahk people.

We are excited to be here today as the negotiation representatives for Northern BlackRock company.

We are:

John

Andressa

Sarah

Nnenna

Amber

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Northern BlackRock Inc. acknowledges that our Vancouver and Saskatoon offices are on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Métis Nations, as well as Treaty 6 lands. Our northern Saskatchewan operations are located on Treaty 6 and 10 lands, home to Dene, Cree, and Métis peoples.

We recognize and respect Indigenous peoples' longstanding stewardship of these lands since time immemorial. Through partnership, we commit to responsible development that supports employment, training, and community investment while upholding our shared responsibility to the land and future generations.

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Northern BlackRock Inc. plans to develop the mine’s construction and drilling infrastructure in three distinct phases, with an investment of $500 million for the operation to achieve capacity.

Current exploration of black rock at the site projects the reserves to accommodate a 50-year project life cycle.

The proposed project is expected to be a 4-phase operation.

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Total Mine Construction Timeline:

Phase 1: Exploration & Site Preparation Year 0 - Year 1

Phase 2: Construction & Drilling Year 1 - Year 6

Phase 3: Ongoing Operations & Progressive Reclamation Year 7 - Year 40

Phase 4: Operations & Decommissioning Year 41 - Year 50

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Form an Local Engagement Team of 6 (partially funded)

Engagement Events: 50% up to $1000/event (maximum of 5 events per year)

Funded Roles for KFN (2):

Total value: $120,000 per year

Form a Joint Engagement Committee (3 KFN members)

Committee to meet min of 3 times a year or more if needed.

Committee Events: 100%

Total value: $10,000 per year

10% of the project’s goods and services from KFN community

$1.5 M investment in infrastructure over 5 years - initial date can be discussed

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$300,000(plus GST) investment for infrastructure/renewable resource projects within the community over 5 years

Total Value: $1.5 Million

$375,000 (plus GST) annual payment, made biannually, contingent on First Nations administration's payment management structure for Years 1 - 10.

Payments cease if NBR does not pursue the project in 18 months.

Total Value: $3,750,000 (plus GST)

Total direct Community Investment = $5.25 Million

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1. For hiring and training, we will commit to:

- 30% Indigenous workforce for the first 5 years, increasing as more training is completed.

- $2 million annual investment in training programs, focusing on apprenticeships, certifications, and pre-employment job readiness.

- A scholarship program for Indigenous students (10 annual scholarships, $5,000 each) with return-to-work contracts to ensure trained individuals work at the mine.

There will be no financial penalties for missing hiring targets, but instead, additional training investments if goals aren’t met.

We will also incorporate hiring flexibility and consider work experience as an alternative to formal education.

2. For promotion and retention, we will

- Follow a ladder-based promotion system and set a goal that includes 10% of supervisors to be Indigenous within 7 years.

- Ensure that a minimum of15 apprenticeships per year are given out for First Nation workers.

- Mentorship and career development programs are in place

3. For cultural sensitivity and support in the workplace, there will be:

- Mandatory cultural sensitivity training for all employees.

- A Site Elders Program for mentorship & emotional support.

- Flexible work schedules for traditional activities (hunting, fishing, ceremonies).

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Business Development Pillar

This pillar addresses the IBA’s business development aspects, explicitly focusing on securing local business contracts, procurement opportunities, and economic benefits.

Workforce Capacity

As we negotiate with the people of Kakinawpikahk First Nation, this pillar addresses workplace capacity by creating meaningful employment opportunities, building skills, and ensuring that the community benefits from the project both now and in the future.

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Community Engagement

This pillar influences the IBA by involving local communities in decisions, building trust, and promoting sustainable benefits such as jobs, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

Community Investment

A key partnership area to develop mutual investment and cultivate economic stability and growth for all stakeholders.

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Form an Local Engagement Team of 6 (partially funded)

Engagement Events: 50% up to $1000

Funded Roles for KFN (3):

Total value: $120,000 per year

Form a Joint Engagement Committee (3 KFN members)

Committee to meet min of 3 times a year or more if needed.

Committee Events: 100%

Total value: $10,000 per year

$1.5 M investment in infrastructure over 5 years - initial date can be discussed