Osisko Taps Permitting Expert to Navigate Critical Development Phase

MONTREAL, QC – February 02, 2026 – Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE: ODV, TSXV: ODV) has bolstered its executive team with a strategic hire aimed at navigating the complex and increasingly scrutinized world of mining regulations. The company announced the appointment of Ms. Sarah Harrison as its new Vice President, Permitting and Compliance, effective immediately.

Ms. Harrison, a regulatory professional with over 13 years of experience in the mining sector, joins Osisko from JDS Energy & Mining Inc. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it advances its flagship Cariboo Gold Project in British Columbia and aims to transition from a developer to an intermediate gold producer.

"We're pleased to welcome Sarah to our growing team and benefit from her hands-on experience across permitting, regulatory, and environmental compliance within western Canada's mining ecosystem," noted Sean Roosen, Chairman and CEO of Osisko Development, in the company's official announcement.

A Strategic Move to De-Risk Development

The appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to de-risk the company's ambitious development pipeline. While Osisko's flagship Cariboo Gold Project is described as "fully permitted" and "shovel ready," industry experts note that securing permits is only the first hurdle. The subsequent phases of construction and operation require constant and rigorous compliance to avoid costly delays, enforcement actions, and damage to investor confidence.

Ms. Harrison’s extensive background, which includes leadership roles at Artemis Gold's Blackwater Gold Mine and the Arctic Canadian Diamond Company, equips her to manage this critical next stage. Her experience spans the entire mine lifecycle, from initial exploration and environmental assessments to the complexities of major permit amendments for large-scale operations.

This move reinforces the message to investors following a recent US$143.8 million public offering. With significant capital raised to accelerate work at Cariboo, ensuring a smooth operational rollout without regulatory friction is paramount. The presence of a seasoned compliance expert at the executive level signals a proactive approach to managing the inherent risks of mine development.

Navigating a Complex Regulatory Gauntlet

Ms. Harrison’s appointment is particularly significant given the evolving regulatory landscape in British Columbia, a jurisdiction known for its stringent environmental standards. Osisko’s Cariboo project was notably the first to be fully assessed under the province's rigorous 2018 Environmental Assessment Act, a process that concluded in October 2023.

While successfully navigating this new framework was a major achievement, it also sets a high bar for ongoing operational compliance. Furthermore, the province is moving towards consent-based decision-making with First Nations under its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). This new paradigm, which requires deep and sustained collaboration with Indigenous communities, adds another layer of complexity that demands expert navigation.

The critical nature of continuous compliance is underscored by the recent history of other major projects in the region. The Blackwater Gold Project, where Ms. Harrison previously served as Environmental Manager, provides a clear case study. Despite having comprehensive environmental management plans, the project received warnings and notices of non-compliance from the BC Environmental Assessment Office in 2022 and 2025 for issues related to sediment control, water monitoring, and site fueling practices. This experience provides Ms. Harrison with invaluable, first-hand knowledge of the intense scrutiny projects face post-approval and the practical steps required to maintain a project’s good standing with regulators.

The Growing Primacy of ESG in Mining

This strategic hire also reflects a broader industry trend: the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in attracting investment and securing a social license to operate. Today, a company's ability to manage its environmental footprint and regulatory obligations is not just a technical requirement but a core component of its value proposition.

Investors are increasingly sophisticated, scrutinizing companies for robust ESG policies and the expertise to implement them. The appointment of a dedicated VP of Permitting and Compliance with a strong track record is a tangible demonstration of Osisko's commitment to responsible development. It addresses the growing demand from capital markets for companies that can prove they are managing non-financial risks effectively.

This focus is amplified by ongoing public discourse in British Columbia regarding long-term environmental liability and the costs of cleaning up abandoned industrial sites. By investing in top-tier compliance leadership, Osisko is positioning itself to avoid future liabilities and build a reputation as a responsible operator, which can be a significant competitive advantage in securing financing and community support.

A Look at Osisko's Project Pipeline

While the immediate focus for Ms. Harrison will undoubtedly be the Cariboo Gold Project, her expertise will be vital across Osisko Development's entire portfolio. The company's project pipeline is complemented by the Tintic Project, a brownfield property in a historic mining district in Utah. As this project advances from exploration toward potential development, it will present its own unique set of permitting and regulatory challenges within the U.S. jurisdiction.

By bringing Ms. Harrison into a senior leadership role, Osisko is embedding high-level compliance and permitting strategy into its corporate DNA. This ensures that as the company pursues its objective of becoming an intermediate gold producer, its growth is built on a foundation of regulatory certainty and sustainable practices. Her role will be pivotal in steering both current and future projects through the intricate and non-negotiable demands of modern resource development.