Big Ridge Gold Corp. (TSXV: BRAU | OTCQB: ALVLF) has announced the appointment of Garett Macdonald to its Board of Directors, adding over 30 years of mine-building and operations experience to its leadership team. The move comes as Big Ridge works on a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its flagship Hope Brook Gold Project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Macdonald's regional project development background is seen as strategically relevant as the company advances Hope Brook toward production. Investors may be watching the appointment as a signal of the company's intent to strengthen operational governance at a critical project stage.

Key Points

  • Big Ridge Gold Corp. (TSXV: BRAU | OTCQB: ALVLF) announced the board appointment of Garett Macdonald on September 15, 2026.
  • Macdonald brings over 30 years of mine-building, operations, and executive leadership experience, including prior work in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Big Ridge granted Macdonald 300,000 stock options at $0.51 per share, expiring September 15, 2031, vesting immediately upon grant.
  • Investors may watch progress on the Hope Brook Gold Project PEA as the company advances toward a production decision.

Macdonald's Track Record in Newfoundland and Labrador Gold Development

Garett Macdonald previously served as President and CEO of Maritime Resources, where he led the Hammerdown gold project from concept through to first gold production in Newfoundland and Labrador. Maritime Resources was subsequently acquired by New Found Gold for $292 million in 2025. Macdonald is currently Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Hemlo Mining Corporation. His earlier career included consulting on the feasibility study for Dalradian Resources' Curraghinalt gold project and contributing to development of the Rainy River project in Northern Ontario alongside New Gold and Rainy River Resources.

Board Options Grant and Compensation Structure

In connection with the board appointment, Big Ridge awarded Macdonald a total of 300,000 stock options under the company's Amended and Restated Option Plan. The options are exercisable at $0.51 per share, expire on September 15, 2031, and vest immediately upon grant. The immediate vesting structure means Macdonald holds exercisable options from the date of appointment. The company did not disclose the total current size of its board or whether any other governance changes were made concurrently with this appointment.

Hope Brook PEA Progress and Strategic Context for the Appointment

The release states that Big Ridge is currently working on a Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Hope Brook Gold Project, its flagship asset located in Newfoundland and Labrador, where the company holds a 100% interest. President and CEO Mike Bandrowski described this as "a critical time" for the company, citing both the ongoing PEA work and the project's advancement toward production as key reasons Macdonald's operational expertise is considered a meaningful addition. Big Ridge also holds 100% interests in the Oxford Gold Project in Manitoba and the Destiny Gold Project in Quebec.