Building for Berg: Surge Copper's Strategic Board Renewal for a Critical Future

VANCOUVER, BC – July 29, 2026 – In the world of resource development, board appointments can often be routine affairs, footnotes in a company's journey. But the slate of directors announced today by Surge Copper Corp. is something different. It’s a meticulously crafted statement of intent, a clear signal that the company is not just planning for the future of its massive Berg Copper Project, but is actively building the leadership architecture required to navigate it. As three long-serving directors prepare to step down, the nomination of three new experts in mine development, Indigenous relations, and project finance represents a pivotal evolution for a company on the cusp of a major transition.

This isn't merely a corporate reshuffle; it's a direct response to the complex realities of building a major mine in the 21st century. With the Berg Project's highly positive Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) now complete—outlining a 28-year mine life and a C$4.6 billion after-tax net present value—the project moves from the theoretical to the tangible. The next phases involve the intricate and demanding work of environmental assessment, permitting, community partnership, and securing staggering levels of capital. Surge’s board renewal is a proactive move to embed the precise expertise needed for this next chapter.

A Board Built for a New Reality

The composition of the proposed board speaks volumes about the company’s forward-looking strategy. The new nominees—Tony Scott, Nalaine Morin, and David Farrell—bring a formidable combination of skills that directly map onto the Berg Project's future milestones. Their collective experience represents a masterclass in modern mine development.

Tony Scott, currently Chief Business Development Officer at Artemis Gold, brings over 25 years of deep technical and operational experience from senior roles at giants like Teck Resources and Placer Dome. His background in mine evaluation, technical due diligence, and corporate strategy is exactly the kind of expertise needed to translate a PFS into a technically sound, operationally efficient reality. Leif Nilsson, Surge's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted this, noting, “Tony brings a rare combination of technical, operational, project finance, and corporate development experience.”

David Farrell brings the financial heft. With a career that includes negotiating over US$25 billion in financing and M&A transactions at Endeavour Financial and a long tenure as an independent director at Fortuna Mining Corp., he possesses the capital markets and governance acumen essential for a project with an initial capital cost of C$4.7 billion. His experience will be critical in structuring the complex financing required to bring Berg to life. As Nilsson stated, “David brings extensive public-company governance, structured finance, and transaction experience developed over a distinguished career in the mining industry.”

Beyond the Ore Body: Prioritizing People and Planet

Perhaps the most telling appointment is that of Nalaine Morin. As the Senior Vice President for Environment & Social Affairs at Skeena Gold + Silver and former Lands Director for the Tahltan Central Government, Ms. Morin is a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous relations and environmental assessment. Her nomination is a powerful acknowledgment that in modern British Columbia, a project's social and environmental license is as critical as its mineral resource.

Ms. Morin's career has been dedicated to ensuring Indigenous Nations have a central role in decision-making on their lands. This experience is not just beneficial; it is essential. The Berg Project lies within the Wet'suwet'en Yintah, and building a foundation of trust and true partnership will be paramount to its success. Her appointment aligns with best practices seen across the province, where Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs) and adherence to the principles of the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act are becoming the standard for responsible development. As Nilsson commented, “Nalaine is a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous relations and environmental assessment for major resource projects.” Her presence on the board signals to First Nations, regulators, and ESG-focused investors that Surge is committed to a process built on respect and collaboration.

This focus is further evidenced by the company’s recent actions, including the January appointment of Jennifer Anthony as Vice President, Environment & Regulatory Affairs, and the launch of a comprehensive 2026 field program to gather baseline environmental data essential for the rigorous provincial assessment process.

Powering the Future: Berg's Role in a Critical Minerals Strategy

The strategic importance of this board renewal extends far beyond the company itself. The Berg Project is not just another copper deposit; it is one of Canada’s most significant undeveloped critical mineral assets. In a world grappling with the energy transition and geopolitical supply chain vulnerabilities, copper is indispensable. Surge's project, with its potential to produce 8.6 billion pounds of copper equivalent over its life, is positioned to be a key contributor to Canada's economic and national security.

The provincial government has already recognized this potential. In February, the Berg Project was accepted into British Columbia's Critical Minerals Office, a move designed to provide coordinated support and streamline the regulatory pathway for priority projects. By strengthening its board with seasoned developers and financiers, Surge is aligning its corporate capacity with this national strategic imperative. The company is preparing not just to meet market demand but to become a long-term, reliable pillar in the North American critical minerals supply chain, powered by British Columbia's low-carbon hydroelectric grid.

The willingness of these high-calibre candidates to join the board serves as a powerful endorsement of the project's quality and potential. As Christian Kargl-Simard, Chair of the Board, stated, “The recruitment of Tony, Nalaine, and David reflects both the progress Surge has made and the increasingly significant opportunity ahead of the Company.” This planned renewal, which sees the departure of valued directors Patrick Glazier, Jim Pettit, and John Dorward, is a testament to a board focused on evolution, ensuring the right skills are in place for the right time. For Surge Copper, that time is now, and the task ahead is to build a project that is not only economically robust but also environmentally sound and socially responsible.