Orea Mining Corp. announced that Rock Lefrançois, Orea's former President & CEO, has been appointed to Orea's board of directors, replacing outgoing director Marie-Hélène Bérard. Rock Lefrançois is a professional geologist with 35 years of international experience in the search, evaluation and development of gold and base metal deposits throughout the Americas.

During his 15 years of engagement with mid-tier mining companies he was responsible for the implementation of project generative and acquisition programs and the management of exploration and extensive resource and reserve definition drilling programs, and he collaborated on economic assessments. For the last 20 years, Mr. Lefrançois has been involved in the management and development of publicly traded junior exploration and mine development companies. In the position of President & COO of NioGold Mining Corp., he was a key contributor to the consolidation of the largest land position in the Malartic Gold Camp in Abitibi, Canada, the definition of 2 Moz of gold resources and the negotiation of strategic partnerships with gold producers.

NioGold was taken over by the Osisko group of companies in 2016. In the position of COO of Columbus Gold Corp. (now Orea Mining Corp.), Mr. Lefrançois was responsible for the management of a joint venture between Columbus and gold producer Nordgold for the completion of a Bankable Feasibility Study and an Environmental and Social Impact Study on the Montagne d'Or open pit gold mine project (4.8 Moz resources, 2.8 Moz reserves), located in French Guiana, South America, leading to a mine construction decision by the joint venture and the start of the permitting process.

Mr. Lefrançois served as CEO of Orea from March 2019 to August 2022. Orea also reports that Marie-Hélène Bérard has resigned from the board of directors. Over her 10 years on the board, Marie-Hélène made invaluable contributions to the success and growth of Orea, with her in-depth knowledge of the French administrative system and regulatory framework.

Marie-Hélène brought a wealth of experience to Orea, gained over a long and successful business career both in France and internationally. She continues to act as a director of pre-eminent French public bodies, as well as listed and private companies. Orea's board thanks her sincerely for her contributions over the years and wishes her the very best for the future.