SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ___)

 

[x]Filed by the Registrant

[  ]Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

 

Check the appropriate box:

[  ]Preliminary Proxy Statement

[  ]Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

[x]Definitive Proxy Statement

[  ]Definitive Additional Materials

[  ]Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

(Name of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

 

NOT APPLICABLE

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

[x]No fee required.

[  ]Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

(3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

(4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)Total fee paid:

[  ]Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

[  ]Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)Amount Previously Paid:

(2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3)Filing Party:

(4)Date Filed:

 

 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

NOTICE OF MEETING
AND
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
AND PROXY CIRCULAR

 

 

for the

Annual General Meeting

to be held on

April 26, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The attached Notice of Meeting, Management Information and Proxy Circular and form of proxy and notes thereto for the Meeting are first being made available to shareholders of the Corporation on or about March 11, 2016.

 

 

   

 

March 11, 2016

Dear shareholder:

It is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 2016 annual general meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., Vancouver time, at the offices of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Suite 1200, 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  If you are unable to attend this meeting in person, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed form of proxy to ensure that your vote is counted.

The Notice of Meeting, Management Information and Proxy Circular and form of proxy and notes thereto for the meeting are enclosed.  These documents contain important information and I encourage you to read them carefully.  

Yours truly,

/s/ Frederick H. Earnest

FREDERICK H. EARNEST

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

VISTA GOLD CORP.

 

NOTICE OF MEETING

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the 2016 annual general meeting (the “Meeting”) of the shareholders of Vista Gold Corp. (the “Corporation”) will be held at the offices of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Suite 1200, 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on April 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., Vancouver time, for the following purposes:

1.to receive the annual report to shareholders and the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation, together with the auditor’s report thereon, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015;

2.to elect directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting;  

3.to appoint EKS&H LLLP as auditor to hold office until the next annual general meeting and at a remuneration to be fixed by the Corporation’s Board of Directors through the Audit Committee;  and

4.to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Being made available along with this Notice of Meeting are (i) the Information Circular; (ii) a form of proxy and notes thereto; and (iii)  the Corporation’s annual report to shareholders.

The Corporation’s Board of Directors has fixed March 7, 2016, as the record date for the Meeting.

If you are a registered shareholder of the Corporation and are unable to attend the Meeting in person, please date and execute the accompanying form of proxy for the Meeting and deposit it with Computershare Investor Services Inc. by mail at 100 University Avenue, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2Y1, Attention: Proxy Department or by facsimile at 1-866-249-7775 (toll free in North America) or 1-416-263-9524 (international), by telephone at 1-866-732-8683, online at www.investorvote.com or by smartphone by scanning the QR code on the form of proxy  before 10:00 a.m., Vancouver time, on April 22, 2016, or no later than 48 hours before any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. 

If you are a non-registered shareholder of the Corporation and receive these materials through your broker or another intermediary, please complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your broker or such other intermediary.

This Notice of Meeting, the Information Circular, the form of proxy and notes thereto for the Meeting, are first being made available to shareholders of the Corporation on or about March 11, 2016.

DATED at Littleton, Colorado, this 11th day of March, 2016.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

/s/ Frederick H. Earnest

FREDERICK H. EARNEST

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND PROXY CIRCULAR

This Management Information and Proxy Circular (“Information Circular”) is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the management and the Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) of Vista Gold Corp. (the “Corporation”) of proxies to be voted at the Annual General meeting (the “Meeting”) of the shareholders of the Corporation (“Shareholders”) to be held at the offices of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Suite 1200, 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on April 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., Vancouver time, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting.

It is anticipated that this Information Circular and the accompanying form of proxy will be first made available to shareholders on or about March 11, 2016.  Unless otherwise stated, the information contained in this Information Circular is given as at March 9, 2016.

The executive office of the Corporation is located at 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5, Littleton, Colorado, USA, 80127 and its telephone number is (720) 981-1185.  The registered and records office of the Corporation is located at 1200-200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6C 3L6.

All references to currency in this Information Circular are in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Information regarding the proxies solicited by management and the Board in connection with the Meeting is set out in the section below under the heading “Information About Proxies”.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Meeting to be Held on April 26, 2016

Under rules adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and applicable Canadian securities commissions, we are now furnishing proxy materials on the Internet pursuant to so-called “notice and access rules.” Instructions on how to access and review the proxy materials, which include this Information Circular, our Annual Report to Shareholders and the accompanying form of proxy, on the Internet can be found on the notice of access card sent to shareholders by the Corporation or in the voting instructions form you receive from your intermediary. These materials can also be accessed on the Internet at http://vistagold.investorroom.com/index.php?s=62. Directions for attending the Meeting can also be found at this website. 

The Corporation will provide to any shareholder, upon request, one copy of any of the following documents:

(a)the Corporation’s Annual Report to Shareholders, which includes its latest Annual Report on Form 10-K (or annual information form), together with any document, or the pertinent pages of any document, incorporated therein by reference;

(b)the comparative financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis of the Corporation for the Corporation’s most recently completed financial year in respect of which such financial statements have been issued, together with the report of the auditor thereon, and any interim financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis of the Corporation subsequent to the financial statements for the Corporation’s most recently completed financial year; and

(c)this Information Circular.

Copies of the foregoing documents are also available on the Corporation’s website at http://vistagold.investorroom.com/index.php?s=62 and copies of the above documents will be provided by the Corporate Secretary, upon request, by mail at 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5, Littleton, Colorado 80127; by phone at (720) 981-1185; or by email at ir@vistagold.com, free of charge to shareholders of the Corporation.  The Corporation may require the payment of a reasonable charge from any person or corporation who is not a shareholder of the Corporation and who requests a copy of any such document.  Financial information relating to the Corporation is provided in the Corporation’s comparative financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for its most recently completed financial year.  Additional information relating to the Corporation is available electronically on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon

Election of Directors

The directors of the Corporation are elected at each annual general meeting and hold office until the next annual general meeting or until their successors are duly elected or appointed, unless their office is earlier vacated in accordance with the Business Corporations Act  (British Columbia).  The following are the Corporation’s six current directors.  The Board proposes to nominate each of its current directors for election as a director of the Corporation.  

 

 

_______________________

(1)Member of Audit Committee.

(2)Member of Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

(3)Member of Compensation Committee.

(4)Member of Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee.

The information as to the residence and principal occupation of the nominees listed in the above table is not within the knowledge of the management of the Corporation, and has been furnished by the individual nominees as of March 9, 2016.

The following are brief biographies of the Corporation’s nominees for election to the Board of Directors:

John M. Clark,  B.Com., CA, Director.  In addition to the roles outlined in the chart above, Mr. Clark is a member of the audit committee for Russel Metals Inc. Mr. Clark earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in 1977, and he received a Higher Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Witwatersrand in 1979.  Mr. Clark is currently Chair of the Corporation’s Compensation Committee and a member of the Corporation’s Audit Committee.  He has been a director of the Corporation since May 18, 2001.

Mr. Clark had a solid background as a chartered accountant before becoming an accomplished entrepreneur involved in investment banking and in investment and management of natural resource companies in Canada.  Mr. Clark’s understanding of accounting procedures and controls, coupled with his knowledge of the Corporation’s projects and their financial requirements qualifies him to serve effectively as a member of the Audit Committee and to contribute to the financial management of the Corporation.  His general knowledge of the natural resources industry allows him to participate effectively and provide guidance with regards to matters brought before the Board.  As the Corporation executes its business strategy focused on the development of the Corporation’s current properties and develops new projects, we expect that his contributions to financial planning and controls will be invaluable.  Furthermore, he has demonstrated both integrity and high ethical standards in his business dealings and personal affairs to date, qualities which a person must possess under the Mandate of the Board of Directors (attached as Appendix “B” to this Information Circular) in order to be considered for nomination and election to the Board.  Accordingly, the Board believes that Mr. Clark should once again serve on the Board of Directors.

Frederick H. Earnest, B.Sc., President, Chief Executive Officer and Director.  For a full list of recent positions held by Mr. Earnest, please refer to the chart above. In addition, Mr. Earnest earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 1987. Mr. Earnest is a member of the Corporation’s Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee.  Mr. Earnest has been a director of the Corporation since November 6, 2007.

Management believes that the leadership skills and dynamic nature that Mr. Earnest possesses makes him an invaluable member of management.  He understands the technical, economic and social aspects of the Corporation’s core project and has contributed significantly to the advancement of this project.  In addition, Mr. Earnest has considerable international experience in the development and operation of gold mines. He is fluent in Spanish.  Mr. Earnest relates well to government leaders in all jurisdictions where our projects are located.  Management believes that his continued involvement in the execution of the Corporation’s business plan will lead to increased shareholder value.    Furthermore, Mr. Earnest has demonstrated both integrity and high ethical standards in his business dealings and personal affairs to date, qualities which a person must possess under the Mandate of the Board of Directors (attached as Appendix “B” to this Information Circular) in order to be considered for nomination and election to the Board.  Accordingly, the Board believes that Mr. Earnest should once again serve on the Board of Directors.  

W. Durand Eppler, B.A., M.S., Director.  In addition to the roles outlined in the chart above, Mr. Eppler is a member of the audit committee for Golden Minerals Company.  In addition, for the last 38 years Mr. Eppler has been a member of the Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers A.I.M.E., and he was a member of the Global Leadership Council for the College of Business at Colorado State University from 2001-2014.  Mr. Eppler graduated from Middlebury College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography and Religion, and he received his Master of Science Degree in Mineral Economics from the Colorado School of Mines in 1977.  Mr. Eppler is currently Chair of the Corporation’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, a member of the Corporation’s Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.  He has been a director of the Corporation since October 13, 2004.

Given the international reputation and wealth of experience that Mr. Eppler has in the commercial and investment banking aspects of the global resource sector, management believes that he should once again serve on the Board of Directors to help further develop the business and success of the Corporation.  Mr. Eppler’s commercial and investment banking experience are important to the Corporation.  The Corporation does not have any producing assets and ensuring that the Corporation is adequately financed is an ongoing management responsibility.  Management expects to rely heavily on Mr. Eppler’s experience and expertise as we move beyond technical evaluations and prepare to advance development and financing for the Mt Todd gold project and other corporate development activities.    Furthermore, Mr. Eppler has demonstrated both integrity and high ethical standards in his

business dealings and personal affairs to date, qualities which a person must possess under the Mandate of the Board of Directors (attached as Appendix “B” to this Information Circular) in order to be considered for nomination and election to the Board. Accordingly, the Board believes that Mr. Eppler should once again serve on the Board of Directors.

C. Thomas Ogryzlo, B.Mech.Eng., P.Eng, Director.  Currently, Mr. Ogryzlo spends about half of his time as Managing Director, Business Development of Franco-Nevada (Barbados) Corp.  Mr. Ogryzlo also presently acts part time as President, Interim CEO and a director of Baja Mining Corp. Previously, from May 2000 until his retirement in December 2010, he was President and CEO of Polaris Energy, Corp. a renewable energy producer.  In addition, from June 2011 to December 2011, Mr. Ogryzlo served as Interim CEO of Aura Minerals where he continues to act as a director. He also serves as a board member of Alberta Star Development Corp.  Previously, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Polaris Geothermal Inc., a TSX listed renewable energy company, from June 2004 to October 2009, as a director of Tiomin Resources Inc. from September 1995 to December 2008, and as a director and Non-Executive Chairman of Birim Goldfields Inc. from August 2001 to February 2008.  He earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree from McGill University in 1961, and his designation as a Professional Engineer from the Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1966.  Mr. Ogryzlo is currently the Chair of the Corporation’s Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee and a member of the Corporation’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.  Mr. Ogryzlo has been a director of the Corporation since May 1, 1995.

Mr. Ogryzlo brings a perspective to the Corporation that has been built on a solid foundation and in-depth knowledge not only of Canada’s mining sector, but also those in many other parts of the world.  The Corporation has projects in Mexico, Australia, and the United States of America.  Mr. Ogryzlo’s experience in numerous foreign projects allows him to contribute in a manner which helps bring clarity and direction to many of the challenges which arise from the geographical diversity of the Corporation’s projects.  Mr. Ogryzlo is also fluent in Spanish.  Mr. Ogryzlo’s experience with the construction of varied projects has been beneficial in the preliminary economic and technical evaluations of several of the Corporation’s projects.  We expect that Mr. Ogryzlo’s continued participation will contribute to the effective development of the Corporation’s core projects.  Furthermore, he has demonstrated both integrity and high ethical standards in his business dealings and personal affairs to date, qualities which a person must possess under the Mandate of the Board of Directors (attached as Appendix “B” to this Information Circular) in order to be considered for nomination and election to the Board.  As such, the Corporation believes that Mr. Ogryzlo should once again serve on the Board of Directors. 

Michael B. Richings, M.Sc., Chairman and Director.  For a full list of recent positions held by Mr. Richings, please refer to the chart above. In addition, Mr. Richings was awarded an Associateship of the Camborne School of Mines in 1969, and he earned his Master of Science Degree from Queen’s University in 1971. Mr. Richings is a member of the Corporation’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Corporation’s Compensation Committee. Mr. Richings has been a director of the Corporation since May 1, 1995.

Mr. Richings has been with the Corporation for the past twenty years and, given his leadership skills, enterprising nature and knowledge of the mining industry, management believes that he would be a valued member of the Board.  His knowledge of the Corporation’s properties and his key role in the development and implementation of business strategies which have created shareholder value are important to the Corporation.  Mr. Richings has participated in the management and development of several new projects and management believes that this experience is important to the success of the Corporation’s current business plan.  Furthermore, he has demonstrated both integrity and high ethical standards in his business dealings and personal affairs to date, qualities which a person must possess under the Mandate of the Board of Directors (attached as Appendix “B” to this Information Circular) in order to be considered for nomination and election to the Board.  Accordingly, the Board believes that Mr. Richings should once again serve on the Board of Directors.  

Tracy A. Stevenson, B.S., CPA, Director.  For a full list of recent positions held by Mr. Stevenson, please refer to the chart above. In addition, Mr. Stevenson graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Utah in 1977, and he earned his designation as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Utah in 1978.  Mr. Stevenson is currently the Chair of the Corporation’s Audit Committee and is a member of the Corporation’s Compensation Committee.  He has been a director of the Corporation since November 6, 2007.

Mr. Stevenson began his career in public accounting before moving to senior financial, information technology and management positions in two of the world’s largest mining companies.  Mr. Stevenson’s interest in efficient development of the Corporation’s projects and his keen analytical abilities have contributed to the Corporation’s evaluation of business opportunities and to the development of the Corporation’s business strategy.  His past experience as a chief financial officer has been beneficial in matters specifically related to the Audit Committee.  We expect that Mr. Stevenson’s future participation on the Board will be an asset to the Corporation through sound planning and the appropriate application of the Corporation’s resources.  Furthermore, he has demonstrated both integrity and high ethical standards in his business dealings and personal affairs to date, qualities which a person must possess under the Mandate of the Board of Directors (attached as Appendix “B” to this Information Circular) in order to be considered for nomination and election to the Board.  As such, the Board believes that Mr. Stevenson should once again serve on the Board of Directors.

Conflicts of Interest

There are no family relationships among any directors, officers or persons nominated to be directors of the Corporation.  No directors of the Corporation are also directors of issuers with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (or which otherwise are required to file periodic reports under the Exchange Act) except for W. Durand Eppler who is a director of Golden Minerals Company, C. Thomas Ogryzlo who is a director of Alberta Star Development Corp. and Tracy A. Stevenson who is a director of Uranium Resources Inc.

None of the above directors has entered into any arrangement or understanding with any other person pursuant to which he was, or is to be, elected as a director of the Corporation or a nominee of any other person. 

No director or officer of the Corporation is a party adverse to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or has a material interest adverse to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.  During the past ten years, no director or executive officer of the Corporation has:

(a)filed or has had filed against such person, a petition under the U.S. federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law, nor has a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer been appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which such person was a general partner, at or within two years before the time of filing, or any corporation or business association of which such person was an executive officer, at or within two years before such filings;

(b)been convicted or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere in a criminal proceeding or is a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offences);

(c)been the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting such person’s activities in any type of business, securities, trading, commodity or banking activities;

(d)been the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any U.S. federal or state authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any type of business, securities, trading, commodity or banking activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;

(e)been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC, or by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a U.S. federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated;

(f)been the subject of, or a party to, any U.S. federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of: (i) any U.S. federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation; or (ii) any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil

money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order; or (iii) any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or

(g)been the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C.78c(a)(26))), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C.1(a)(29))), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.

Additional information regarding the various committees of the Board of Directors, and the attendance of each director at meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees held during 2015, is set out in the section below under “Corporate Governance”.

Voting Procedures for the Election of Directors

Cumulative voting (i.e., a form of voting where shareholders are permitted to cast all of their aggregate votes for a single nominee) will not be permitted.  The directors must be elected by an affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast, either in person or by proxy, at the Meeting on this matter.

Majority Voting Policy

 

The Corporation has adopted a majority voting policy where any nominee proposed for election as a director is required to tender his or her resignation if the director receives more “WITHHELD” votes than “FOR” votes (i.e., a majority of withheld votes) at any meeting where shareholders vote on the uncontested election of directors.  An “uncontested election” means the number of director nominees for election is the same as the number of directors to be elected to the Board.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will then submit a recommendation regarding whether or not to accept the resignation to the Board.  Within 90 days after the shareholder meeting, the Board will issue a press release either announcing the resignation of the director or explaining the reasons justifying its decision not to accept the resignation.  A director who tenders a resignation pursuant to this policy will not participate in any meeting of the Board or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee at which the resignation is considered.

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” each of the nominees for director. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxies given pursuant to this solicitation will be voted “FOR” the nominees listed above.

Appointment of Auditor

The Corporation has proposed the appointment of EKS&H LLLP (“EKS&H”) of Denver,  Colorado, as the auditor of the Corporation to hold office until the close of the next annual general meeting of the Corporation or until a successor is appointed.  It is proposed that the remuneration to be paid to the auditor be fixed by the Board of Directors through the Audit Committee. 

Effective June 20, 2014, the Corporation changed its auditors from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,  Denver,  Colorado (“PWC”) to EKS&H. The change was made in an effort to reduce costs. For purposes of complying with National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the Canadian Securities Administrators, and for complying with the requirements of Schedule 14A, a copy of the Corporation’s disclosure in regard to the change of auditor is attached as Appendix “C” and incorporated herein by reference.

Representatives of EKS&H are expected to be present at the Meeting and to be available to respond to appropriate questions from persons present at the Meeting.  If representatives of EKS&H are present at the Meeting, the Chairman of the Meeting will provide such representatives with the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire.

The auditors must be appointed and the approval of the proposal that the auditor’s remuneration be fixed by the Board of Directors through the Audit Committee must be passed by an affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast, either in person or by proxy, at the Meeting on this matter.

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” (i) the appointment of EKS&H of Denver, Colorado as the auditor of the Corporation and (ii) the proposal that the auditor’s remuneration be fixed by the Board of Directors through the Audit Committee. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxies given pursuant to this solicitation will be voted “FOR” (i) the appointment of EKS&H of Denver, Colorado and (ii) the proposal that the auditor’s remuneration be fixed by the Board of Directors through the Audit Committee.

Fees Paid to Auditor and their Independence from the Corporation

The Corporation retained EKS&H as of June 20, 2014 to provide services which were billed for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 and PWC through June 20, 2014 to provide services which were billed for the year ended December 31, 2014 in the following categories and amounts:

(1)“Audit Fees” represent fees for the audit of the Corporation’s consolidated annual financial statements, review of the Corporation’s interim financial statements and review in connection with regulatory financial filings.

(2) “Audit Related Fees” represent fees for assistance with the application of accounting and financial reporting standards and regulatory filings.

(3) “Tax Fees” represent fees for tax compliance, tax consulting and tax planning.

(4) “All Other Fees” represents legal compliance and business practice reviews, financial information systems design and implementation, internal audit co-sourcing services or other matters not covered by Audit Fees, Audit Related Fees or Tax Fees. 

The Audit Committee charter requires the Audit Committee to approve in advance all particular non-audit services provided by the Corporation’s independent auditor. Consistent with applicable laws and the procedures adopted by the Audit Committee, limited amounts of services, other than audit, review or attestation services, to be approved by one or more members of the Audit Committee pursuant to authority delegated by the Audit Committee, provided that the Audit Committee is informed of each particular service. All of the engagements and fees for 2015 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee reviews with the auditor whether the non-audit services to be provided are compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence. The Board has determined that fees paid to the independent auditors for non-audit services in any year will not exceed the fees paid for audit services during the year. Permissible non-audit services will be limited to fees for tax services, accounting assistance or audits in connection with acquisitions, and other services specifically related to accounting or audit matters such as audits of employee benefit plans.

Information About Proxies

 

Solicitation of Proxies

The solicitation of proxies by management and the Board will be made primarily by notice and access but solicitation may be made by telephone or in person with the cost of such solicitation to be borne by the Corporation.  While no arrangements have been made to date, the Corporation may contract for the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting.  Such arrangements would include customary fees which would be borne by the Corporation. 

Appointment of Proxyholder

The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy for the Meeting are officers of the Corporation and nominees of management and the Board.  A Shareholder has the right to appoint some other person, who need not be a Shareholder, to represent such Shareholder at the Meeting by inserting that other person’s name in the blank space provided on the form of proxy, which form of proxy is set out in Appendix “A”.  If a Shareholder appoints one of the persons designated in the accompanying form of proxy as a nominee and does not direct the said nominee to vote either “FOR” or “WITHHOLD” from voting on a matter or matters, or where instructions on the form of proxy are uncertain with respect to which an opportunity to specify how the Common Shares registered in the name of such registered shareholder shall be voted, the proxy shall be voted “FOR” the resolution.

The instrument appointing a proxyholder must be in writing and signed by the registered shareholder, or such registered shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing, or if the registered shareholder is a corporation, by the authorized representative or a duly authorized person on behalf of such corporation.  An undated but executed proxy will be deemed to be dated the date of the mailing of the proxy by the Corporation or its agent.  In order for a proxy to be valid, a registered shareholder must:

(a)sign and print his or her name on the lines specified for such purpose at the bottom of the form of proxy; and

(b)return the properly executed and completed form of proxy:

(i)by mailing it or delivering it by hand in the appropriate enclosed return envelope addressed to Computershare Investor Services Inc. to be received by 10:00 a.m., Vancouver time, on April 22, 2016, or no later than 48 hours before any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting., or

(ii)by faxing it to Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-866-249-7775 (toll free in North America) or 1-416-263-9524 (international), to be received by 10:00 a.m., Vancouver time, on April 22, 2016, or no later than 48 hours before any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting, or

Revocation of Proxy

A registered shareholder may revoke a proxy by delivering an instrument in writing executed by such registered shareholder or by the registered shareholder’s legal representative or trustee in bankruptcy or, where the registered shareholder is a corporation, by a duly authorized person on behalf of the corporation or by the authorized representative appointed for the corporation, either to the registered office of the Corporation at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, with the Chair of the Meeting prior to commencement of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof or in any other manner permitted by law.

Voting of Proxies

A registered shareholder may direct the manner in which his or her Common Shares are to be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with the instructions of the registered shareholder by marking the form of proxy accordingly.  The management nominees designated in the enclosed form of proxy will vote the Common Shares represented by proxy in accordance with the instructions of the registered shareholder on any resolution that may be called for and if the registered shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the Common Shares will be voted accordingly.  If the proxy is not dated, it will be deemed to bear the date on which it is mailed to the Shareholder.  Where no choice is so specified with respect to any resolution or in the absence of certain instructions, the Common Shares represented by a proxy given to management will be voted

“FOR” the resolution.  If more than one direction is made with respect to any resolution, such Common Shares will similarly be voted “FOR” the resolution.

Exercise of Discretion by Proxyholders

The enclosed form of proxy when properly completed and delivered and not revoked, confers discretionary authority upon the proxyholders named therein with respect to amendments or variations of matters identified in the accompanying Notice of Meeting, and other matters not so identified which may properly be brought before the Meeting.  At the date of this Information Circular, management of the Corporation knows of no such amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting.  If any amendment or variation or other matter comes before the Meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote in accordance with their best judgement on such amendment, variation or matter, subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law.

Voting by Beneficial Shareholders

The information set out in this section is important to many shareholders as a substantial number of shareholders do not hold their Common Shares in their own name.

Persons who hold Common Shares through their brokers, agents, trustees or other intermediaries (such persons, “Beneficial Shareholders”) should note that only proxies deposited by registered shareholders whose names appear on the share register of the Corporation may be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting. If Common Shares are shown on an account statement provided to a Beneficial Shareholder by a broker, then in almost all cases the name of such Beneficial Shareholder will not appear on the share register of the Corporation.  Such Common Shares will most likely be registered in the name of the broker or an agent of the broker.  In Canada, the vast majority of such shares will be registered in the name of “CDS & Co.”, the registration name of CDS Clearing and Depositary Services Inc., and in the United States, the vast majority will be registered in the name of “Cede & Co.”, the registration name of the Depository Trust Company, which entities act as nominees for many brokerage firms. Common Shares held by brokers, agents, trustees or other intermediaries can only be voted by those brokers, agents, trustees or other intermediaries in accordance with instructions received from Beneficial Shareholders. As a result, Beneficial Shareholders should carefully review the voting instructions provided by their intermediary with this Information Circular and ensure they communicate how they would like their Common Shares voted in accordance with those instructions.

Beneficial Shareholders who have not objected to their intermediary disclosing certain ownership information about themselves to the Corporation are referred to as “NOBOs”. Those Beneficial Shareholders who have objected to their intermediary disclosing ownership information about themselves to the Corporation are referred to as “OBOs”. In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 54-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators and Rule 14a-13 under the Exchange Act, the Corporation has elected notice and access for delivery of the Notice of Meeting, this Information Circular and the form of proxy (collectively, the “Meeting Materials”) indirectly through intermediaries to all of the Beneficial Shareholders.  The intermediaries (or their service companies) are responsible for forwarding the Meeting Materials to each Beneficial Shareholder, unless the Beneficial Shareholder has waived the right to receive them.

Intermediaries will frequently use service companies to forward the Meeting Materials to Beneficial Shareholders. Generally, a Beneficial Shareholder who has not waived the right to receive Meeting Materials will either:

(a)be given a form of proxy which (i) has already been signed by the intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature), (ii) is restricted as to the number of shares beneficially owned by the Beneficial Shareholder, and (iii) must be completed, but not signed, by the Beneficial Shareholder and deposited with Computershare Investor Services Inc.; or

(b)more typically, be given a voting instruction form (“VIF”) which (i) is not signed by the intermediary, and (ii) when properly completed and signed by the Beneficial Shareholder and returned to the intermediary or its service company, will constitute voting instructions which the intermediary must follow.

VIFs should be completed and returned in accordance with the specific instructions noted on the VIF. The purpose of this procedure is to permit Beneficial Shareholders to direct the voting of the Common Shares which they beneficially own.

Please return your voting instructions as specified in the VIF. Beneficial Shareholders should carefully follow the instructions set out in the VIF, including those regarding when and where the VIF is to be delivered.

Although Beneficial Shareholders may not be recognized directly at the Meeting for the purpose of voting Common Shares registered in the name of their broker, agent, trustee or other intermediary, a Beneficial Shareholder may attend the Meeting as a proxyholder for a shareholder and vote Common Shares in that capacity. Beneficial Shareholders who wish to attend the Meeting or have someone else attend on their behalf, and indirectly vote their Common Shares as proxyholder for the registered shareholder should contact their broker, agent, trustee or other intermediary well in advance of the Meeting to determine the steps necessary to permit them to indirectly vote their Common Shares as a proxyholder.

Securities Entitled to Vote

As of March 9,  2016 the authorized share capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value of which 82,904,132 Common Shares are issued and outstanding.  Every shareholder who is present in person, by proxy or by authorized representative and entitled to vote at the Meeting shall on a show of hands have one vote and every shareholder entitled to vote at the Meeting shall on a ballot have one vote for each Common Share they hold.  

The Board of Directors of the Corporation has fixed the close of business on March 7, 2016 as the record date for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Meeting, but the failure of any shareholder to receive notice of the Meeting does not deprive such shareholder of the entitlement to vote at the Meeting. 

Broker Non-Votes

Brokers and other intermediaries, holding shares in street name for their customers, are required to vote the shares in the manner directed by their customers. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), brokers are prohibited from giving proxies to vote on non-routine matters (including, but not limited to, non-contested director elections) unless the beneficial owner of such shares has given voting instructions on the matter.

The absence of a vote on a matter where the broker has not received written voting instructions from a Beneficial Shareholder is referred to as a “broker non-vote”.  Any shares represented at the Meeting but not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote or otherwise) will have no impact on any matters to be acted upon at the Meeting.

Ownership of the Corporation’s Common Shares

Ownership by Management

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership, control or direction, directly or indirectly, of the Corporation’s Common Shares, as of March 9, 2016, by (i) each of the Corporation’s executive officers and directors individually and (ii) the Corporation’s executive officers and directors, as a group.

 

 

 

Ownership by Principal Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of the Corporation’s Common Shares as at March 9, 2016 by each shareholder known to the Corporation to beneficially own or control or direct, directly or indirectly, more than five percent of the Corporation’s outstanding Common Shares based on such person’s most recently available Schedule 13G filed with the SEC.

 

 (1)In accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act the applicable percentage of ownership of each shareholder is based on 82,904,132 Common  Shares outstanding as of March 9, 2016, plus any securities held by such shareholder exercisable for or convertible into Common Shares within 60 days after the date of this Information Circular.

(2)Sun Valley exercises control and direction over 14,538,268 Common Shares (representing 17.5% of the outstanding Common Shares as of March 9, 2016 on an undiluted basis).    

(3)GSM exercises control and direction over 5,274,250 Common Shares (representing 6.4% of the outstanding Common Shares as of March 9, 2016 on an undiluted basis). 

Change in Control

The Corporation has no charter or by-law provisions that would delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Corporation.

The Corporation is not aware of any arrangement that might result in a change in control in the future.  To the Corporation’s knowledge there are no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of the Corporation’s securities, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in the Corporation’s control.

Quorum

Under the Articles of the Corporation, the quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting is two or more shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting represented in person or by proxy.

Abstentions will be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the Meeting, but will not be counted as votes cast.  Broker non-votes (shares held by a broker or nominee as to which the broker or nominee does not have the authority to vote on a particular matter) will not be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum for purposes at the Meeting and will not be voted. 

Accordingly, neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will have any effect on the outcome of the votes on the matters to be acted upon at the Meeting.

Corporate Governance

The Board of Directors and executive officers consider good corporate governance to be an important factor in the efficient and effective operation of the Corporation.  The Canadian Securities Administrators implemented National Policy 58-201 - Corporate Governance Guidelines and National Instrument 58-101 - Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (“NI 58‑101”) in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.  The NYSE MKT (“NYSE MKT”) has also established rules for corporate governance as detailed in the NYSE MKT’s Company Guide (the “NYSE MKT Company Guide”).  The Board of Directors is of the view that the Corporation’s system of corporate governance meets or exceeds the majority of each of these sets of guidelines and requirements.

Board of Directors 

The present Board of Directors consists of six directors, five of whom are viewed as being “independent” within the meaning of NI 58-101 and five of whom qualify as unrelated directors who are viewed as being “independent” within the meaning of Section 803A of the NYSE MKT Company Guide.  John M. Clark, W. Durand Eppler, Michael B. Richings, C. Thomas Ogryzlo and Tracy A. Stevenson are considered to be independent members of the Board of Directors.     

Frederick H. Earnest is not an independent director because of his management position with the Corporation.

Board Leadership Structure

Michael B. Richings is the non-executive Chairman of the Board and is considered under securities laws to be an independent director.  All of the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee are independent directors and each of such committees meets regularly without management present.  The Board has reviewed the Corporation’s current Board leadership structure in light of the composition of the Board, the Corporation’s size, the nature of the Corporation’s business, the regulatory framework under which the Corporation operates, the Corporation’s share base, the Corporation’s peer group and other relevant factors, and has determined that having a non-executive Chairman of the Board with the valuable experience and knowledge of the Corporation that Mr. Richings possesses is currently the most appropriate leadership structure for the Corporation. 

The Board of Directors believes that adequate structures and processes are in place to facilitate the functioning of the Board of Directors independently of the Corporation’s management.  The independent directors met together eight times during 2015. The regularly scheduled committee meetings give the independent directors the opportunity for open and frank discussions on all matters they consider relevant, including an assessment of their own performance.  In addition, the Board of Directors meets periodically with the Corporation’s auditor without management present. Accordingly, the Board of Directors believes that there is adequate leadership of the independent directors and that it is currently unnecessary to appoint a lead independent director.

A number of directors of the Corporation hold directorships with other issuers.  Details of those other directorships can be found above in the table under the heading “Particular Matters to be Acted Upon - Election of Directors”.

_____________________________

None of the incumbent directors of the Corporation attended fewer than 80% of the Board meetings in 2015.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation is required to attend annual general meetings.  Attendance by other directors is discretionary.    All directors attended the 2015 annual general meeting.   

Mandate of the Board of Directors

Pursuant to the British Columbia Business Corporations Act, the Board of Directors is required to manage or supervise the management of the affairs and business of the Corporation.  The Board of Directors has adopted a written mandate, which defines its stewardship responsibilities in light of this statutory obligation.  Under this mandate, the Board is responsible for (i) the stewardship of the business and affairs of the Corporation; (ii) supervising the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation; (iii) providing leadership to the Corporation by practicing responsible, sustainable and ethical decision making; (iv) ensuring that all major issues affecting the Corporation are given proper consideration, including the identification and management of risks relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation and (v) directing management to ensure that legal, regulatory and stock exchange requirements applicable to the Corporation have been met. In addition, the Board of Directors is also responsible for succession planning and the integrity of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls over financial reporting and management information systems. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Board of Directors is entitled to place reasonable reliance on management.  The mandate and responsibilities of the Board of Directors are to be carried out in a manner consistent with the fundamental objective of protecting and enhancing the value of the Corporation and providing ongoing benefit to the shareholders.

 

Position Descriptions

The Board of Directors has not developed written position descriptions for the Chair of the Board of Directors, the Chair of each committee, or the Chief Executive Officer.  Accordingly, the roles and responsibilities of those positions are currently delineated on the basis of customary practices.

The Chair of each committee of the Board of Directors is identified below under the heading “Corporate Governance - Board of Directors - Committees of the Board of Directors”.

Orientation and Continuing Education

New Board members receive comprehensive orientation regarding the role of the Board of Directors, its committees and the directors, as well as the nature and operations of the Corporation’s business.  As well, presentations are given, from time to time, to the Board of Directors on legal and other matters applicable to the Corporation and directors’ duties.

Ethical Business Conduct

On December 19, 2003, the Board of Directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”), which is based on the fundamental principles of honesty, loyalty, fairness, forthrightness and use of common sense in general.  The Code of Ethics was amended on March 2, 2009, March 5, 2013 and March 4, 2014.  An integral part of the Code of Ethics is the policy that the Corporation will be managed with full transparency, and in the best interests of the shareholders and other stakeholders of the Corporation.  The Code of Ethics (as amended) is available on the Corporation’s website at www.vistagold.com.  The Code of Ethics applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Corporation, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors, through the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Code of Ethics.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews with management any issues with respect to compliance with the Code of Ethics.  The Corporation intends to disclose any amendments to the Code of Ethics and if any waiver from a provision of its Code of Ethics is granted to a director or officer of the Corporation on its website. No waivers were granted from the requirements of the Corporation’s Code of Ethics during the year ended December 31, 2015, or during the subsequent period through to the date of this Information Circular.

The Board of Directors ensures, through the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, that the directors exercise independent judgement in considering transactions and agreements in respect of which a director or executive officer has a material interest.  Furthermore, the Board of Directors adopted the Statement of Policy with respect to Related Party Transactions on March 2, 2009, which was amended on March 5, 2013 for all interested transactions with related parties.  The Code of Ethics sets out the procedure with respect to reporting conflicts of interest.  Actual or potential conflicts of interests are reported to the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.  Members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are required to be particularly vigilant in reviewing and approving conflicts of interests.

Diversity

Pursuant to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter, at least annually the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee performs a review and evaluation of the proportion of female employees at the Corporation, in executive positions and on the Board and reports to the Board on the results of this review and evaluation.  As at March 9, 2016, there are no female directors or executive officers of the Corporation.  Diversity of the Board and the executive officers of the Corporation on the basis of age, race, gender, ethnicity, geographic knowledge, industry experience, board tenure and culture, is a factor considered in the selection of candidates as potential directors or executive officers.  At this time the Corporation has not adopted a target regarding the representation of women on the Board or in executive officer positions.  The Corporation does not adopt targets because the Corporation is of the view that its current practice of considering diversity as a factor in selecting

candidates as potential directors or executive officers permits the Corporation to balance the benefit of diversity with other relevant considerations.

Committees of the Board of Directors

During 2015, there were four standing committees of the Board of Directors: the Audit Committee; the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee; the Compensation Committee; and the Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee, each described below.  Between meetings of the Board of Directors, certain of its powers may be exercised by these standing committees, and these committees, as well as the Board of Directors, sometimes act by unanimous written consent.  All of the directors on each committee, except the Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee, are “independent” within the meaning of Section 803A of the NYSE MKT Company Guide and within the meaning of National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees (“NI 52-110”).    The Board assesses the effectiveness of its committees annually.

The effectiveness of the Board and its committees is considered periodically.  Each committee of the Board evaluates its own effectiveness annually and at least annually, the Board evaluates the performance of each of tis committees.  In addition, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, considering the size, composition, diversity, operation, practice, tenure policies and adequacy and quality of information provided by management of the Corporation for Board meetings.  As well as the foregoing periodic evaluations, in 2015, each director completed a confidential evaluation of the Board and its committees.  The results of these confidential evaluations were summarized by legal counsel and presented to the Board.

 

Audit Committee

The Corporation has a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act.  The Audit Committee is chaired by Tracy A. Stevenson.  Its other members as of the date of this Information Circular are W. Durand Eppler and John M. Clark. Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, Section 803(B)(2) of the NYSE MKT Company Guide, and is “independent” and “financially literate” within the respective meaning of such terms in NI 52-110.  In accordance with Section 407 of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Item 407(d)(5)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation S-K, the Board of Directors has identified Tracy A. Stevenson as the “Audit Committee Financial Expert” and has confirmed that Tracy A. Stevenson is “financially sophisticated” within the meaning of NYSE MKT Company Guide Section 803(B)(2).  No member of the Audit Committee has participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Corporation or any current subsidiary of the Corporation at any time during the past three years. The Audit Committee, under the guidance of the Audit Committee Charter approved by the Board of Directors, assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities in monitoring (i) the Corporation’s accounting and financial reporting processes; (ii) the integrity of the financial statements of the Corporation; (iii) compliance by the Corporation with legal and regulatory requirements; (iv) the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence and performance; (v) the Corporation’s policies and procedures for the identification, assessment and management of business risks and (vi) business practices and ethical standards of the Corporation. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is available on the Corporation’s website at www.vistagold.com.  The Audit Committee met five times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  Additional information about the Audit Committee is contained below under the heading “Corporate Governance - Audit Committee Report”.

 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is chaired by W. Durand Eppler.  Its other members as of the date of this Information Circular are C. Thomas Ogryzlo and Michael B. Richings.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s functions are to (i) identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board and to recommend to the Board candidates for election or re-election as directors; (ii) recommend to the Board director nominees for each Board committee; (iii) consider issues and report to the Board with respect to corporate governance matters; and (iv) review and assess the Corporation’s governance policies.    In addition, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews related party transactions involving the Corporation. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes candidates for the Board of Directors should have the ability to exercise objectivity and independence in making informed business decisions; extensive knowledge, experience and judgment; the highest integrity; loyalty to the interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; a willingness to devote the extensive time necessary to fulfill a director’s duties; the ability to contribute to the diversity of perspectives present in board deliberations; and an appreciation of the role of the Corporation in society.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers candidates meeting these criteria who are suggested by directors, management, shareholders and search firms hired to identify and evaluate qualified candidates.  From time to time the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee recommends qualified candidates who are considered to enhance the strength, independence and effectiveness of the Board.  Shareholders may submit recommendations in writing by letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.  In addition, subject to the advance notice requirements contained in the Corporation’s Articles, shareholders may nominate directors at an annual general meeting. 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee oversees the evaluation of the Board composition and members.  Annually, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews and makes recommendations regarding the size, composition, operation, practice and tenure policies of the Board, with a view to effective decision making.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes it is in the best interests of the Corporation when selecting candidates to serve on the Board to consider the diversity of the Board and review candidates who possess a range of skills, expertise, personality, education, personal background and other qualities for nomination.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee assesses the effectiveness of this approach as part of its annual review of its charter. 

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews the size of the Board of Directors annually.  A board must have enough directors to carry out its duties efficiently, while presenting a diversity of views and experience.  The Board of Directors believes that its present size effectively fulfils this goal.  The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee recommended the nominees in this Information Circular for directors.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board do not currently have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees or a written policy relating to the identification and nomination of women directors.  Also, the Corporation has not adopted term limits for the directors on the Board.  The Corporation has not adopted such formal policies or term limits because it is of the view that such policies are not necessary at this time because diversity of the Board and tenure are factors the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee already considers in making its recommendations.

The Corporation’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter is available on the Corporation’s website at www.vistagold.com. 

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is chaired by John M. Clark.  Its other members as of the date of this Information Circular are Tracy A. Stevenson and Michael B. Richings.  The Compensation Committee’s functions are to review and recommend to the Board of Directors compensation policies and programs of the Corporation, as well as salary and benefit levels for its executives. Except for delegation by the Compensation Committee of its responsibilities to a sub-committee of the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee does not and cannot delegate its authority to determine director and executive officer compensation.  For further discussion of the Compensation Committee’s process for the recommendation of the Corporation’s compensation policies and programs, as well as salary and benefit levels of individual executives, including a discussion of the role of compensation consultants in advising the Compensation Committee, please see the section below under the heading “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” 

The Compensation Committee meets at regularly scheduled times between meetings of the Board of Directors, and sometimes acts by unanimous written consent.  The Compensation Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.    The duties of the Compensation Committee are described in its charter, which is available on the Corporation’s website at www.vistagold.com and is reviewed annually.   

Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee

The Health, Safety, Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee is chaired by C. Thomas Ogryzlo.  Its other members are Frederick Earnest and W. Durand Eppler. The primary purpose of the Health, Safety, Environment and Social Responsibility Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of: (i) health, safety, environmental and community risks; (ii) the Corporation’s compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) the Corporation’s performance in relation to health, safety, environmental and social responsibility matters; (iv) the performance and leadership of the health, safety, environmental and social responsibility functions of the Corporation; and (v) the Corporation’s external reporting with respect to health, safety, environmental and social responsibility matters.

The Health, Safety, Environment and Social Responsibility Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  The duties of the Health, Safety, Environment and Social Responsibility Committee are described in its charter, which is available on the Corporation’s website at www.vistagold.com and is reviewed annually.

Communications with the Board of Directors

Shareholders may send communications to the Board, the Chairman or one or more of the non-management directors by using the contact information provided on the Corporation’s website under the headings “Investors” then “Corporate Governance” then “Board of Directors”. Shareholders may also send communications by letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation at 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5, Littleton, CO 80127 or by contacting the Chief Executive Officer at (720) 981‑1185.  All communications addressed to the Chief Executive Officer will be received and reviewed by that officer.  The receipt of concerns about the Corporation’s accounting, internal controls, auditing matters or business practices will be reported to the Audit Committee.  The receipt of other concerns will be reported to the appropriate Committee(s) of the Board.

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

The Board considers the understanding, identification and management of risk as essential elements for the successful management of the Corporation.  The Corporation faces a variety of risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and operational risk.  The Board believes an effective risk management system will: (i) timely identify the material risks that the Corporation faces; (ii) communicate necessary information with respect to material risks to senior executives and, as appropriate, to the Board or relevant committees of the Board; (iii) implement appropriate and responsive risk management strategies consistent with the Corporation’s risk profile; and (iv) integrate risk management into the Corporation’s decision-making.

Risk oversight is undertaken on a regular basis by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee.  The Audit Committee periodically reviews and discusses with management their policies and procedures for the identification, assessment and management of business risks.  The Audit Committee also has oversight responsibility with respect to the integrity of the Corporation’s financial reporting process and systems of internal control regarding finance and accounting, as well as its financial statements.  The Audit Committee makes periodic reports to the Board regarding briefings provided by management and advisors as well as the committee’s own analysis and conclusions regarding the adequacy of the Corporation’s risk management processes.

At the management level, regular internal risk reviews provide reliable and timely information to the Board and management regarding the Corporation’s effectiveness in identifying and appropriately controlling risks.

The Corporation also has a comprehensive internal risk framework, which facilitates performance of risk oversight by the Board and the Audit Committee.  Our risk management framework is designed to:

In addition to the formal compliance program, the Board encourages management to promote a corporate culture that incorporates risk management into the Corporation’s corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations.  The Board also continually works, with the input of the Corporation’s executive officers, to assess and analyze the most likely areas of future risk for the Corporation.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Corporation’s accounting functions and internal controls.  The Audit Committee acts under a written charter first adopted and approved by the Board of Directors in 2001, as amended in 2005, 2009 and 2014, which is reviewed annually.  Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and Section 803(B)(2) the NYSE MKT Company Guide and “independent” and “financially literate” within the meaning of such terms in NI 52-110.  In accordance with Section 407 of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Item 407(d)(5)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation S-K, the Board of Directors has identified Tracy A. Stevenson as the “Audit Committee Financial Expert.”  A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is available on the Corporation’s website at www.vistagold.com.

The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include recommending to the Board of Directors an accounting firm to be nominated for shareholder approval as the Corporation’s independent auditor.  The Audit Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors that the Corporation’s financial statements and the related management’s discussion and analysis be included in its Annual Report.  The Audit Committee took a number of steps in making this recommendation for fiscal year 2015.

First, the Audit Committee discussed with EKS&H those matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as superseded by Statement of Auditing Standards 114 – the Auditor’s Communication with Those Charged with Governance, including information regarding the scope and results of the audit. These communications and discussions are intended to assist the Audit Committee in overseeing the financial reporting and disclosure process.

Second, the Audit Committee discussed with EKS&H the independence of EKS&H and received from EKS&H the letter required by applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board for independent auditor communications with Audit Committees concerning independence as may be modified or supplemented, concerning its independence as required under applicable independence standards for auditors of public companies. This discussion and disclosure assisted the Audit Committee in evaluating such independence.

Finally, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed, with the Corporation’s management and EKS&H, the Corporation’s audited consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015, and consolidated statements of income, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and the related management discussion and analysis to be included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Based on the discussions with EKS&H concerning the audit, the independence, the financial statement review, and such other matters deemed relevant and appropriate by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Corporation’s financial statements and the related management’s discussion and analysis be included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Submitted on behalf of the Audit Committee

Tracy A. Stevenson (Chairman)
W. Durand Eppler

John M. Clark

Executive Officers

As of March 9, 2016, the executive officers of the Corporation, their ages and their business experience and principal occupation during the past five years were as follows:

 

To our knowledge, there is no arrangement or understanding between any of our officers and any other person, including directors, pursuant to which the officer was selected to serve as an officer.

Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Program Objectives 

The Corporation’s compensation programs and policies are designed to be competitive with similar mining companies and to recognize and reward executive performance consistent with the success of the Corporation’s business.  The programs and policies are intended to provide management with the means to attract and retain capable and experienced people.  The Compensation Committee’s role and philosophy is to ensure that the Corporation’s compensation practices, as applied to the actual compensation paid to the Corporation’s executive officers, are aligned with the Corporation’s overall business objectives and with shareholder interests.

The Compensation Committee considers a variety of factors when determining compensation policies and programs and individual compensation levels. These factors include the long-range interests of the Corporation and its shareholders, overall technical, professional and experience needs of the Corporation, the competitive requirements to attract and retain key employees, and the Compensation Committee’s assessment of the position requirements for each executive’s role in the Corporation. The Compensation Committee does not weigh any of these factors more heavily than others and does not use any formula to assess these factors, but rather considers each factor in its judgment and discretion.

The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage and compensate, at the expense of the Company, any outside advisor that it determines to be necessary to permit it to carry out its duties, including compensation consultants and advisors. In the year ended December 31, 2015, the Compensation Committee retained the services of an independent compensation advisor to review executive compensation.

 

In 2013, consistent with the principle of aligning corporate compensation with corporate objectives and with Shareholders’ interests, all members of senior management, in consultation with the Compensation Committee, accepted a voluntarily 20% reduction to base compensation together with voluntary elimination of discretionary incentive payments under the Corporation’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”).  These changes to management compensation took effect August 1, 2013. In July 2015 with an effective date of August 1, 2015, the Board of Directors restored one-half of these compensation reductions, resulting in all members of senior management remaining at a 10% reduction to base compensation. In addition, at the same time, the Board of Directors authorized a one-time payment to each member of senior management, equal to 10% of each respective senior manager’s base salary, to be paid in cash or the equivalent value in restricted share units (“RSU”) or a combination thereof, at the recipient’s option. No annual discretionary incentive award was granted. The Board of Directors will determine when it is appropriate to fully restore the remainder of base compensation levels and annual discretionary incentive awards.     

 

Role of Executive Officers in Determining Compensation

The Compensation Committee reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors the compensation policies and programs of the Corporation, as well as salary and benefit levels for individual executives. The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation may not be present during meetings of the Compensation Committee when his compensation is being discussed.  The executive officers prepare and present to the Compensation Committee, such surveys, analyses, reports and recommendations, as the Committee may request, including independent industry surveys.  The Board of Directors makes the final determination regarding the Corporation’s compensation programs and practices. 

Elements of the Corporation’s Compensation Program for Fiscal Year 2015

The total compensation plan for executive officers is comprised of the following components: base salary and stock awards under the Stock Option Plan, the STIP (annual cash bonus) and/or the Long Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”).

There is no set policy or target regarding allocation between cash and non-cash elements of the Corporation’s compensation program. The Compensation Committee reviews annually the total compensation package of each of the Corporation’s executives on an individual basis, against the backdrop of the compensation goals and objectives and the industry compensation data described above, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning each of the individual components of compensation.

Base Salary

As a general rule for establishing base salaries, the Compensation Committee reviews competitive market data for each executive position and determines placement of the employee at an appropriate level in a range.  Compensation levels are typically negotiated with the candidate for the position prior to his or her final selection as an executive officer.  Salaries for the Corporation’s executive officers are reviewed at least annually to reflect external factors such as market and inflation as well as overall corporate performance and the results of internal performance reviews.

Short Term Incentive Plan

The Corporation’s STIP generally allows executive officers and management personnel to earn discretionary incentive payments based on a percentage of base salary. All executive officers and management personnel participate in the STIP. Mr. Earnest, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation is entitled to earn a discretionary incentive payment in an amount determined annually by the Board of Directors. However, the performance of the President and CEO is generally evaluated using the same performance objectives as are applied to other executive officers and management personnel.

The Compensation Committee determines executive incentive compensation considering three primary factors:  (1) corporate liquidity; (2) achievement of overall corporate goals, which are typically established early in each year; and, (3) individual performance.

Although the 2015 corporate goals were substantially achieved, the Corporation’s need to preserve liquidity precluded payment of any annual cash bonus.  A grant of RSUs under the LTIP was made in lieu thereof.

In 2015 the overall corporate goals were divided into two broad categories as follows:

 

The following table summarizes the criteria and weighting used to evaluate the performance of the executive officers.  It summarizes the target and maximum discretionary incentive payments contemplated under the STIP. Even though the goals and objectives were essentially achieved, no payments were made in 2015.

 

Stock Incentive Awards

The Corporation provides stock-based incentives to employees and directors under two separate Stock Plans (defined below), which are designed to align compensation with the enhancement of shareholder value. 

The Corporation has a Stock Option Plan which provides for grants to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, of options to purchase Common Shares of the Corporation at a specified price and by a  specified date (“Options”). 

The Corporation also has the LTIP which is intended to complement the Stock Option Plan, together referred to as the “Stock Plans”. The LTIP provides for grants to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, of restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”) or RSUs of Common Shares of the Corporation.

The maximum number of Common Shares which may be reserved, set aside and made available for issue under the Stock Plans (together with any other security based compensation arrangements of the Corporation) is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on the date of the grant on a non-diluted basis.  As of March 9, 2016, an aggregate of 6,805,376 Common Shares (or 8.2% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares) are issuable under the Stock Plans pursuant to outstanding Options and RSUs and 1,485,037 Common Shares (or 1.8% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares) in aggregate remain available for future grants under the Stock Plans.  As of March 9, 2016, the total number of Common Shares issuable under the Stock Plans comprised (i) 2,257,500 Common Shares (or 2.7% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares) issuable upon the due exercise of vested options granted under the Stock Option Plan and (ii) 4,547,876 Common Shares (or 5.5% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares) issuable upon the vesting of RSUs granted under the LTIP. 

Further details of the objectives and operations of each of the Stock Plans are discussed in the sections below.

Stock Option Plan

The Stock Option Plan is intended to emphasize management’s commitment to and alignment of compensation with the enhancement of shareholders’ equity through, for example, improvements in operating results, resource base and  trading the price of the Common Shares.

The Stock Option Plan provides for grants to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation or its subsidiaries (“Participants”), of options to purchase Common Shares. Subject to applicable stock exchange requirements, the maximum number of Common Shares which may be reserved, set aside and made available for issue under the Stock Option Plan (together with any other security based compensation arrangements of the Corporation) is a variable number equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on the date of the grant on a non-diluted basis. 

The maximum number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance to any individual under the Stock Option Plan is that number of Common Shares that is equivalent to 5% of the Common Shares issued and outstanding from time to time.  The total number of Common Shares issuable to insiders of the Corporation at any time and issued to insiders of the Corporation within any one-year period pursuant to options  together with any other security based compensation arrangements of the Corporation, shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.  The maximum number of options issuable to Participants within any calendar year period is 3,000,000 Common Shares, and the maximum number of options issuable to non-executive directors is the lesser of 1% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares and an annual value of $150,000 per non-employee director Participant.  Under the Stock Option Plan, options may be exercised by the payment in cash of the option exercise price to the Corporation. All options are subject to the terms and conditions of an option agreement entered into by the Corporation and each participant at the time an option is granted.

The granting or exercise of each option granted under the Stock Option Plan is subject to withholding taxes, at the discretion of the Corporation.

The Stock Option Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or a delegated committee of the Board of Directors, which has full and final discretion to determine (i) the total number of optioned shares to be made available under the Stock Option Plan, (ii) the directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation or its subsidiaries who are eligible to receive stock options under the Stock Option Plan (“Optionees”), (iii) the time when and the price at which stock options will be granted, (iv) the time when and the price at which stock options may be exercised, and (v) the conditions and restrictions on the exercise of options. Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Plan, the exercise price must not be less than the closing price of the Common Shares on either the NYSE MKT or the TSX, at the Board of Directors’ discretion, on the last trading day preceding the date of grant. Options become exercisable only after they vest in accordance with the respective stock option agreement and must expire no later than ten years from the date of grant; provided that, if the expiry date of an option occurs during a blackout period, such expiry date shall be deemed to be extended to the date that is the 10th business day after the last day of the applicable blackout period. Options granted under the Stock Option Plan are non-transferable and non-assignable other than on the death of a participant. An Optionee has no rights whatsoever as a shareholder in respect of unexercised options.

Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Plan, if any Optionee ceases to be a director, officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, as a result of termination for “cause” (as defined in the Stock Option Plan), all unexercised options will immediately terminate. If an Optionee ceases to be a director, officer or employee of the Corporation, or its subsidiaries, or ceases to be a consultant to the Corporation, for any reason other than termination for cause, his or her options may be exercised up to, but not after, the earlier of 30 days from the date of ceasing to be a director, officer, employee or consultant, or the expiry date of the option. In the event of death of an Optionee, the legal representatives of such Optionee have the right to exercise the options at any time up to, but not after, the earlier of 90 days from the date of death or the expiry date of such option.

The Board may amend the Stock Option Plan at any time; provided, however that no such amendment may, without the consent of an optionee, adversely alter or impair any option previously granted to such optionee. Any amendment to be made to the Stock Option Plan or an option is subject to the prior approval of the TSX and the NYSE MKT and shareholders of the Corporation, if required by the rules of the TSX or the NYSE MKT. The Board has the power and authority to approve amendments relating to the Stock Option Plan or a specific option without further approval of the shareholders of the Corporation, to the extent that such amendments relate to, among other things: (a) altering, extending or accelerating the terms of vesting applicable to any option or group of options; (b) altering the terms and conditions of vesting applicable to any option or group of options; (c) changing the termination provisions of an option, provided that the change does not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date of such option; (d) accelerating the expiry date of options; (e) the application of sections 6. 8 (third party offer) and 6.9 (alteration of shares) of the Stock Option Plan; (f) effecting amendments respecting the 

administration of the Stock Option Plan; (g) amending the definitions contained within the Stock Option Plan; (h) effecting amendments of a “housekeeping” or administrative nature; (i) effecting amendments necessary to comply with the provisions of applicable laws (including the rules, regulations and policies of the TSX and the NYSE MKT), or necessary or desirable for any advantages or other purposes of any tax law; (j) amending or modifying the mechanics of exercise of the options; and (k) any other amendment, whether fundamental or otherwise, not requiring shareholder approval under applicable law (including the rules, regulations, and policies of the TSX and the NYSE MKT). No amendment of the Stock Option Plan may contravene the requirements of the TSX, the NYSE MKT or any applicable securities commission.  Certain amendments to the Stock Option Plan may not be made without shareholder approval and in some cases without disinterested shareholder approval.

Long Term Equity Incentive Plan (the LTIP)

The purpose of the LTIP is to assist the Corporation in attracting, retaining and motivating key employees, directors, officers and consultants of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, and to more closely align the personal interests of such persons with shareholders, thereby advancing the interests of the Corporation and its shareholders and increasing the long-term value of the Corporation.

The LTIP is intended to complement (not replace) the Stock Option Plan.

The LTIP provides for grants of awards to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation or its affiliates.  “LTIP Participant” when used in this Information Circular means employee and consultant participants, but not director participants.

The maximum number of Common Shares available for issuance under the LTIP, together with all other security based compensation arrangements of the Corporation (which includes the Stock Option Plan) is 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.  The total number of Common Shares issuable to insiders of the Corporation at any time and issued to insiders of the Corporation within any one-year period under the LTIP, together with any other security based compensation arrangements of the Corporation, shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. No LTIP Participant can receive more than 3,000,000 Common Shares in any calendar year for a “performance award” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  The total number of Common Shares issuable to director participants under the LTIP shall not exceed the lesser of: (i) 1% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; and (ii) an annual award value of $150,000 per director participant.

The LTIP is administered by the Compensation Committee (as delegated by the Board of Directors).  The Compensation Committee determines the persons to whom awards are to be made; determines the type, size, terms and conditions of awards; determines the prices to be paid for awards; interprets the LTIP; adopts, amends and rescinds administrative guidelines and other rules and regulations relating to the LTIP; and makes all other determinations and takes all other actions it believes are necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the LTIP.

Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”)

The LTIP provides that the Compensation Committee may, from time to time and in its sole discretion, grant awards of RSUs to any LTIP Participant or director participant. RSUs are not Common Shares, but rather represent a right to receive from the Corporation at a future date newly-issued Common Shares. All grants of RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions of an award agreement entered into between the Corporation and the LTIP Participant or the director participant (as the case may be) at the time the RSU is granted.

The Compensation Committee has the authority to make the receipt of Common Shares under the RSUs conditional upon the expiry of a time-based vesting period, the attainment of specified performance goals or such other factors as the Compensation Committee determines in its discretion.  The duration of the vesting period and other vesting terms applicable to a grant of RSUs shall be determined at the time of the grant by the Compensation Committee provided that such vesting period shall be a minimum of one year in duration.  Notwithstanding certain provisions that allow the Compensation Committee to accelerate vesting of an Award (defined below) under the LTIP, the

Compensation Committee cannot use this discretion to accelerate the vesting of an Award under the LTIP to a period of less than one year in duration.

Upon expiry of the applicable vesting period or at such later date as may be otherwise specified in the award agreement, the Common Shares issuable pursuant to the RSUs will be registered in the name of the LTIP Participant or director participant, or as the LTIP Participant or director participant may direct, subject to applicable securities laws and upon such issuance of Common Shares the RSUs will be cancelled.

RSUs are settled in Common Shares, unless the Corporation offers the LTIP Participant or director participant the right to receive cash in lieu of Common Shares based on the Fair Market Value (as defined in the LTIP) that such Common Shares would have at the time of settlement and the LTIP Participant or director participant, in its discretion, so elects.

Restricted Stock

The Compensation Committee may, from time to time, grant LTIP Participants or director participants, subject to the terms and conditions of the LTIP and any additional terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee, Common Shares subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Compensation Committee (Restricted Stock together with RSUs, collectively “Awards”).  All grants of Restricted Stock are subject to the terms and conditions of an award agreement entered into between the Corporation and the LTIP Participant or the director participant (as the case may be) at the time the RSU is granted.

The Compensation Committee has the authority to make the lapse of restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock conditional upon the expiry of a time-based vesting period, the attainment of specified performance goals or such other factors as the Compensation Committee may determine in its discretion. The duration of the vesting period and other vesting terms applicable to a grant of Restricted Stock shall be determined at the time of the grant by the Compensation Committee provided that such vesting period shall be a minimum of one year in duration. Notwithstanding certain provisions that allow the Compensation Committee to accelerate vesting of an Award under the LTIP, the Compensation Committee does not intend to use this discretion in the ordinary course to accelerate the vesting of an Award under the LTIP to a period of less than one year in duration.

Common Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to such restrictions as the Compensation Committee may impose (including, without limitation, forfeiture conditions, transfer restrictions or a restriction on, or prohibition against, the right to receive any dividend or other right or property with respect thereto), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate.

The Corporation shall issue and hold share certificates registered in the name of each LTIP Participant or director participant granted Restricted Stock under the LTIP. The share certificates shall bear a legend referring to the award agreement and the possible forfeiture of such shares of Restricted Stock.

Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, upon a Termination Date that occurred as a result of the death, disability or retirement of the LTIP Participant or director participant, all vested Awards will enure to the benefit of the LTIP Participant’s or the director participant’s heirs, executors and administrators.  Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, if a LTIP Participant’s employment, term of office or engagement is terminated for cause or in the case of a consultant participant, for breach of contract, any Awards held by the LTIP Participant (whether vested or not) are forfeited to the Corporation.  Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, where a director participant’s term of office is terminated for breach of the director participant’s fiduciary duty, then any Awards held by the director participant (whether vested or not) are forfeited to the Corporation.  The LTIP provides for a number of instances that permit the Compensation Committee accelerate the vesting of any outstanding Awards.

Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors at or after the date of grant, if a LTIP Participant or director participant ceases to be employed or engaged by the Corporation or its subsidiaries within 12 months following a Change in Control (as defined in the LTIP) for any reason other than for cause, voluntary resignation (other than for good reason (as defined by the LTIP)), retirement, death or disability, each Award held by that LTIP Participant or director participant that is not fully vested on the date at which such

person ceases to be a director, officer or consultant shall become free of all restrictions, conditions and limitations, and become fully vested.

The Board shall have the discretion to authorize such steps to be taken as it may consider to be equitable and appropriate in the event of any Share Reorganization, Corporate Reorganization or Special Distribution (each of such terms as defined in the LTIP), including the acceleration of vesting in order to preserve proportionately the rights, value and obligations of the LTIP Participants or director participants holding Awards in such circumstances.

Subject to the rules, regulations and policies of the TSX, the NYSE MKT and applicable law, the Compensation Committee may, without notice or shareholder approval, at any time or from time to time, make certain amendments to the LTIP or a specific Award for the purposes of: (i) altering, extending or accelerating the terms of vesting applicable to any Award or group of Awards; (ii) making any amendments to the general vesting provisions of an Award; (iii) changing the termination provisions of an Award, provided the change does not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date of such Award; (iv) accelerating the expiry date of an Award; (v) making any amendments to the provisions of the LTIP that relate to termination of employment in Section 5 of the LTIP; (vi) making any amendments to provide covenants of the Corporation in order to protect LTIP Participants; (vii) making any amendments not inconsistent with the LTIP as may be necessary or desirable with respect to matters or questions which, in the good faith opinion of the Board, having in mind the best interests of the LTIP Participants and director participants, it may be expedient to make, including amendments that are desirable as a result of changes in law; (viii) making any amendments for the purposes of curing or correcting any ambiguity or defect or inconsistent provision or clerical omission or mistake or manifest error in the LTIP; (ix) making any amendments to any definitions in the LTIP; (x) effecting amendments respecting administration of the LTIP; and (xi) making amendments of a “housekeeping” or administrative nature.  Certain amendments under the LTIP may not be made without shareholder approval and in some cases, without disinterested shareholder approval.

No assignment or transfer of Awards, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, vests any interest or right in such Awards whatsoever in any assignee or transferee. Immediately upon any assignment or transfer, or any attempt to make the same, such Awards will terminate and be of no further force or effect, provided that any Awards held by a LTIP Participant or director participant that have vested at the Termination Date will enure to the benefit of the LTIP Participant or director participant’s heirs, executors and administrators.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

The Corporation’s named executive officers are not generally entitled to significant perquisites or other personal benefits not offered to the Corporation’s employees.  The Corporation does sponsor a qualified tax-deferred savings plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Code, which is described further below under the heading “Executive Compensation - Pension and Retirement Savings Plans”.

Compensation for the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers in 2015 

The Corporation’s named executive officers (defined below) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 were Frederick H. Earnest, who served as the Corporation’s President and Chief Executive Officer during the year ended 2015,  John F. Engele, who has served as the Corporation’s  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer during the year ended December 31, 2015 and John W. Rozelle, who has served as the Corporation’s Senior Vice President during the year ended December 31, 2015.  The Corporation’s employment agreements with our named executive officers are described below under the heading “Executive Compensation - Executive Employment Agreements”.  The compensation paid to the Corporation’s named executive officers is described below under the heading “Executive Compensation - Summary Compensation Table”. 

Effects of Regulatory Requirements on Executive Compensation

Section 409A of the Code generally affects the granting of most forms of deferred compensation which were not earned and vested prior to 2005. The Corporation’s compensation program is designed to comply with the final regulations of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and other guidance with respect to Section 409A of the Code, and we anticipate that the Compensation Committee will continue to design and administer the Corporation’s compensation programs accordingly.

Various rules under current generally accepted accounting practices impact the manner in which the Corporation accounts for grants of stock options to employees, including executive officers, on its financial statements. While the Compensation Committee reviews the effect of these rules (including FAS 123(R)) when determining the form and timing of grants of stock options to the Corporation’s employees, including executive officers, this analysis is not necessarily the determinative factor in any such decision regarding the form and timing of these grants.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Other than Mr. Richings, none of the members of the Compensation Committee is or has been an executive officer or employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. No executive officer of the Corporation is or has been a director or a member of the Compensation Committee of another entity having an executive officer who is or has been a director or a member of the Compensation Committee of the Corporation.

Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed this Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors of the Corporation that this Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Information Circular.

Submitted on behalf of the Compensation Committee

John M. Clark (Chairman)
Michael B. Richings
Tracy A. Stevenson

 

The above filed report of the Compensation Committee will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference in any of the Corporation’s filings under the United States Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically so incorporate the same by reference.

Summary Compensation Table 

The table below sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, all compensation awarded to, paid to or earned by (i) those individuals who, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, served as the Corporation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, (ii) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and (iii) the Corporation’s one other most highly compensated executive officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  These officers are referred to in this Information Circular as the Corporation’s “named executive officers”.  

______________________________

(1)All securities under option are for Common Shares. No stock appreciation rights are outstanding. For assumptions regarding the valuation of Stock Awards and Option Awards, see note 6 to the Corporation’s audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Corporation’s Form 10-K on February 26,  2016. 

(2)The amounts in this column represent the dollar amounts for the aggregate grant-date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of options granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.

(3)Perquisites and other personal benefits for the most recently completed financial year do not exceed $10,000 for any of the named executive officers unless otherwise noted. 

(4)Represents the Corporation’s contribution under the Corporation’s Retirement Savings Plan, except where otherwise indicated. The named executive officers of the Corporation participate in this plan on the same basis as all other employees of the Corporation. See “Pension and Retirement Savings Plans”.

(5)         Effective on August 1, 2013, senior management accepted a voluntary 20% reduction to base salary together with a voluntary elimination of discretionary incentive payments under the STIP. Effective on August 1, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized: (i) restoration of one-half of the 20% reduction in base salary, resulting in a remaining 10% reduction to base salary; and (ii) a one-time payment equal to 10% of base salary, of which Mr. Earnest was paid in the equivalent value in RSU’s, while Mr. Engele and Mr. Rozelle were paid in cash. The Compensation Committee will determine when it is appropriate to fully restore the remainder of senior management’s base compensation and annual discretionary incentive awards.    

Executive Employment Agreements  

Employment Agreement with Frederick H. Earnest.  Frederick H. Earnest has been engaged under an employment contract effective September 22, 2006, pursuant to which he was initially engaged to serve as Senior Vice President of Project Development of the Corporation and Vista Gold U.S., Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary.  From August 1, 2007 to January 1, 2012, Mr. Earnest served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation and of Vista Gold U.S., Inc, which was reflected in an employment agreement dated March 17, 2009. Since January 1, 2012, Mr. Earnest has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and Vista Gold U.S., Inc.  Effective March 17, 2009, Mr. Earnest’s employment agreement was amended and restated, and it was further amended effective January 1, 2012. On November 1, 2012, Mr. Earnest entered a new employment agreement, which was amended effective March 12, 2014 and January 1, 2016.

Pursuant to the terms of his amended employment contract, Mr. Earnest is to receive an annual base salary of $325,000 and annual discretionary incentive payments.  As explained in note 5 to the Summary Compensation Table above, Mr. Earnest is receiving a 10% reduction to base salary. The grant of any such incentive payment shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and shall be earned only after the grant thereof by the Board of Directors. Mr. Earnest’s eligibility to receive such incentive payment is conditioned upon his continued employment, both at the time the Board of Directors considers the grant of incentive payments and at the time such incentive payments are actually granted and paid. Mr. Earnest is also eligible to receive other benefits made available to the Corporation’s senior executive officers, including participation in any benefit plans and policies. Effective August 1, 2013, Mr. Earnest voluntarily participated in a 20% reduction to his salary and elimination of discretionary incentive payments under the STIP. In July 2015 with an effective date of August 1, 2015, the Board of Directors restored one-half of the 20% compensation reduction, resulting in a remaining 10% reduction to Mr. Earnest’s base compensation. In addition, at the same time, the Board of Directors authorized a one-time payment equal to 10% of Mr. Earnest’s base salary, which was paid in the equivalent value in RSU’s, at Mr. Earnest’s option. No annual discretionary incentive cash bonus was granted in 2015. The Board of Directors will determine when it is appropriate to fully restore the remainder of Mr. Earnest’s base compensation and annual discretionary incentive awards.   

In addition, in 2013, the Corporation granted Mr. Earnest a 5-year option to purchase 200,000 Common Shares in accordance with the Stock Option Plan and 406,000 RSUs to receive 406,000 Common Shares under the LTIP. In 2014, the Corporation granted to Mr. Earnest a 5-year option to purchase 25,000 Common Shares in accordance with the Stock Option Plan and 593,000 RSUs to receive 593,000 Common Shares under the LTIP.  In 2015, the Corporation granted Mr. Earnest 553,000 RSUs to receive 553,000 Common Shares under the LTIP.  See “Outstanding Equity Awards and Options Exercised as at December 31, 2015 Table” below for a description of vesting and other terms applicable to Mr. Earnest’s options.

Employment Agreement with John F. Engele.  John F. Engele has been engaged under an employment contract effective May 29, 2012, pursuant to which he was engaged to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and Vista Gold U.S., Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary.  Mr. Engele entered into a new employment agreement effective November 1, 2012, which was amended on March 12, 2014 and January 1, 2016.

Pursuant to the terms of his amended employment contract, Mr. Engele is to receive an annual base salary of $280,000 and annual discretionary incentive payments.  As explained in note 5 to the Summary Compensation Table above, Mr. Engele is receiving a 10% reduction to base salary. The grant of any such incentive payment shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and shall be earned only after the grant thereof by the Board of Directors. Mr. Engele’s eligibility to receive such incentive payment is conditioned upon his continued employment, both at the time the Board of Directors considers the grant of incentive payments and at the time such incentive payments are actually granted and paid. Mr. Engele is also eligible to receive other benefits made available to the Corporation’s senior executive officers, including participation in any benefit plans and policies. Effective August 1, 2013, Mr. Engele voluntarily participated in a 20% reduction to his salary and elimination of discretionary incentive payments under the STIP. In July 2015 with an effective date of August 1, 2015, the Board of Directors restored one-half of the 20% compensation reduction, resulting in a remaining 10% reduction to Mr. Engele’s base compensation. In addition, at the same time, the Board of Directors authorized a one-time payment equal to 10% of Mr. Engele’s base salary, which was paid in cash, at Mr. Engele’s option, No annual discretionary incentive cash bonus was granted in 2015. The Board of Directors will determine when it is appropriate to fully restore the remainder of Mr. Engele’s base compensation and annual discretionary incentive awards.   

In addition, in 2013, the Corporation granted Mr. Engele a 5-year option to purchase 150,000 Common Shares in accordance with the Stock Option Plan and 219,000 RSUs to receive 219,000 Common Shares under the LTIP.  In 2014, the Corporation granted to Mr. Engele a 5-year option to purchase 25,000 Common Shares in accordance with the Stock Option Plan and 304,000 RSUs to receive 304,000 Common Shares under the LTIP.  In 2015, the Corporation granted Mr. Engele 233,000 RSUs to receive 233,000 Common Shares under the LTIP.  See “Outstanding Equity Awards and Options Exercised as at December 31, 2015 Table” below for a description of vesting and other terms applicable to Mr. Engele’s options.

Employment Agreement with John W. Rozelle.  John W. Rozelle has been engaged under an employment contract effective May 16, 2011, pursuant to which he was initially engaged to serve as Vice President Technical Services of the Corporation and Vista Gold U.S., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation.  Mr. Rozelle entered

into a new employment agreement on August 1, 2012, Mr. Rozelle has served as Senior Vice President of the Corporation and Vista Gold U.S., Inc..  Effective November 1, 2012, Mr. Rozelle entered a new employment agreement, which was amended effective January 1, 2016.

Pursuant to the terms of his amended employment contract, Mr. Rozelle is to receive an annual base salary of $225,000 and annual discretionary incentive payments.  As explained in note 5 to the Summary Compensation Table above, Mr. Rozelle is receiving a 10% reduction to base salary. The grant of any such incentive payment shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and shall be earned only after the grant thereof by the Board of Directors. Mr. Rozelle’s eligibility to receive such incentive payment is conditioned upon his continued employment, both at the time the Board of Directors considers the grant of incentive payments and at the time such incentive payments are actually granted and paid. Mr. Rozelle is also eligible to receive other benefits made available to the Corporation’s senior executive officers, including participation in any benefit plans and policies. Effective August 1, 2013, Mr. Rozelle voluntarily participated in a 20% reduction to his salary and elimination of discretionary incentive payments under the STIP.  In July 2015 with an effective date of August 1, 2015, the Board of Directors restored one-half of the 20% compensation reduction, resulting in a remaining 10% reduction to Mr. Rozelle’s base compensation. In addition, at the same time, the Board of Directors authorized a one-time payment equal to 10% of Mr. Rozelle’s base salary, which was paid in cash, at Mr. Rozelle’s option, No annual discretionary incentive cash bonus was granted in 2015. The Board of Directors will determine when it is appropriate to fully restore the remainder of Mr. Rozelle’s base compensation and annual discretionary incentive awards.   

In addition, in 2013, the Corporation granted Mr. Rozelle a 5-year option to purchase 150,000 Common Shares in accordance with the Stock Option Plan and 141,000 RSUs to receive 141,000 Common Shares under the LTIP. in 2014, the Corporation granted to Mr. Rozelle a 5-year option to purchase 25,000 Common Shares in accordance with the Stock Option Plan and 206,000 RSUs to receive 206,000 Common Shares under the LTIP.  In  2015, the Corporation granted Mr. Rozelle 150,000 RSUs to receive 150,000 Common Shares under the LTIP. See  “Outstanding Equity Awards and Options Exercised as at December 31, 2015 Table” below for a description of vesting and other terms applicable to Mr. Rozelle’s options.

Grants of Plan Based Awards as at December 31, 2015 Table

A summary of plan-based awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2015 to named executive officers is set out in the table below.  All grants are of Options under the Stock Option Plan and RSUs under the LTIP.    

________________________________

(1) The base price for Common Shares underlying grants of RSUs awarded under the LTIP is the closing market price of the Common Shares on the NYSE MKT on the day prior to the date of the grant.  Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Plan, the exercise price for Common Shares underlying grants awarded under the Stock Option Plan is not less than the closing market price of the Corporation’s Common Shares on either the TSX or the NYSE MKT as of the day prior to the date of the grant. 

 

The reported high and low trading prices of the Corporation’s Common Shares on the NYSE MKT for the 30 days prior to the date of the grants of Options and RSUs referred to above are set out in the table below.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards and Options Exercised as at December 31, 2015 Table

A summary of the number and the value of the outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2015 held by the named executive officers is set out in the table below. 

 

 

________________________________

 

No stock options were exercised in 2015 by a named executive officer.   In 2015, the following RSUs held by named executive officers vested: (i) 184,490 RSUs held by Mr. Earnest, (ii) 91,912 RSUs held by Mr. Engele and (iii) 63,997 RSUs held by Mr. Rozelle.  

Pension and Retirement Savings Plans

The Corporation sponsors a qualified tax-deferred savings plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Code, which is available to permanent US-based employees.  Under the terms of this plan, the Corporation makes contributions of up to 4% of eligible employees’ salaries, subject to statutory maximums.  The Corporation has no plans to provide pension or other retirement benefits.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The Corporation has no plans that provide for deferred compensation to its executive officers.

Termination of Employment, Change in Responsibilities and Employment Contracts

Payments Upon Termination or Change in Responsibilities

The employment agreements with Frederick H. Earnest, John F. Engele, and John W. Rozelle contain provisions which entitle each of them to payments following termination or alteration of their respective employment with the Corporation in the event of a material adverse change, or termination of employment following a change of control or termination of employment by the Corporation without just cause. Each individual, depending on the nature of the termination, will be entitled to continuation of salary, accrued vacation pay, and employer-paid fringe benefits, for a stated period of time.   Alternatively, each individual may elect to receive a lump sum payment of these amounts. In the event of termination following a change in control, each individual would also receive payment of amounts due under the STIP program. The total continuation period and lump sum benefit payment amounts between which the executives can choose are set out below.

“Material adverse change” means (i) the assignment of any duties that are substantially inconsistent with or materially diminish his respective position, or (ii) a material reduction in base salary or other compensation, or (iii) the relocation of the primary work location to any location more than 50 miles away from the primary work location as of the date of his applicable agreement.

 “Just cause” includes any of his (i) failure to perform assigned responsibilities that continues unremedied after written notice from the Corporation, (ii) death or permanent disability, (iii) breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Corporation, or (iv) conviction in a criminal proceeding.

“Change of control” means (i) any consolidation, merger, reorganization or other transaction of the Corporation that results in the shareholders owning less than the majority of the aggregate voting power, (ii) sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets or (iii) any transaction which results in the current Board ceasing to constitute the majority of the Board. 

 

 

 

For a description of the treatment of outstanding options held by named executive officers upon termination, see “Executive Compensation –   Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of the Corporation’s Compensation Program for Fiscal Year 2015 – Stock Incentive Awards – Stock Options” above.

Other than as described above, the Corporation has no plan or arrangement in respect of compensation received or that may be received by named executive officers to compensate such officers in the event of the termination of their employment, resignation or retirement, following a change of control of the Corporation, or in the event of a change in responsibilities following any such change of control.

Compensation of Directors (1)

The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation earned by the directors of the Corporation during fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

________________________________

In 2015, each director earned a fee of $24,000.  In addition, the Chair of the Audit Committee earned $6,000 in 2015.  The Chairman of the Board earned an additional $24,000 in 2015.  The Chair of the Compensation Committee earned an additional $1,250 in 2015.  Effective August 1, 2015, the Chair of the Compensation Committee received an annual fee of $3,000. The directors also earned a  fee ranging from $400 to $1,500 per meeting held during 2015.  In addition, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,  each director was granted 64,000 RSUs to receive 64,000 Common Shares.  The Corporation also reimburses directors for out-of-pocket expenses related to their attendance at meetings.  No additional amounts were paid or are payable to directors of the Corporation for committee participation or special assignments.

In the year ended December 31, 2015, the Compensation Committee retained the services of an independent compensation advisor to review board compensation.  Management of the Corporation also compiled a comparative report of board compensation, which included the board compensation practices of nine comparable mining companies and summarized the information by director position and responsibility.  The information was presented to the non-executive directors, who then considered current board compensation independent of the executive directors.  In addition to the board compensation practices summarized in the report from management of the Corporation, the non-executive directors also considered market conditions and current financial circumstances and goals of the Corporation. Upon consideration of this information, the fees, stock awards and option awards specified in the table above were recommended by the non-executive directors and approved in a meeting of the Board of Directors with all directors present. 

The total aggregate cash remuneration paid or payable by the Corporation and its subsidiaries during the financial year ended December 31, 2015 (i) to the directors of the Corporation, in their capacity as directors of the Corporation and any of its subsidiaries, was $189,250, and (ii) to the executive officers of the Corporation and any of its subsidiaries who received in their capacity as officers or employees of the Corporation aggregate remuneration

in excess of C$150,000, was $774,646.  This sum includes compensation paid to executive officers pursuant to retirement savings plan of $25,563.

Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets out information relating to the Corporation’s equity compensation plans as at December 31, 2015.  The Corporation’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015 were the Stock Option Plan and the LTIP.

 

As of March 9, 2016,  4,547,876 RSUs are outstanding under the LTIP and 2,257,500 options are outstanding under the Stock Option Plan to acquire in aggregate 6,805,376 Common Shares, which RSUs and options have been granted to the directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation.

Exchange Controls

 

There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of the securities of Vista Gold, other than Canadian withholding tax. See “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents” below.

Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents

The following summarizes certain Canadian federal income tax consequences generally applicable under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations enacted thereunder (collectively, the “Canadian Tax Act”) and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the “Convention”) to the holding and disposition of Common Shares.

Comment is restricted to holders of Common Shares each of whom, at all material times for the purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention, (i) is resident solely in the United States, (ii) is entitled to the benefits of the Convention, (iii)  holds all Common Shares as capital property, (iii) holds no Common Shares that are “taxable Canadian property” (as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) of the holder, (iv) deals at arm’s length with and is not affiliated with Vista Gold, (v) does not and is not deemed to use or hold any Common Shares in a business carried on in Canada, and (vi) is not an insurer that carries on business in Canada and elsewhere (each such holder, a “U.S. Resident Holder”).

Certain U.S.-resident entities that are fiscally transparent for United States federal income tax purposes (including limited liability companies) may not in all circumstances be regarded by the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) as entitled to the benefits of the Convention. Members of or holders of an interest in such an entity that holds Common Shares should consult their own tax advisers regarding the extent, if any, to which the CRA will extend the benefits of the Convention to the entity in respect of its Common Shares.

Generally, a holder’s Common Shares will be considered to be capital property of the holder provided that the holder is not a trader or dealer in securities, did not acquire, hold or dispose of the Common Shares in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade (i.e. speculation), and does not hold the Common Shares as inventory in the course of carrying on a business.

Generally, a holder’s Common Shares will not constitute “taxable Canadian property” of the holder at a particular time at which the Common Shares are listed on a “designated stock exchange” (which currently includes the TSX) unless both of the following conditions are true:

This summary is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Tax Act and the Convention in effect on the date hereof, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act and Convention publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) on or before the date hereof, and the current published administrative and assessing policies of the CRA. It is assumed that all such amendments will be enacted as currently proposed, and that there will be no other material change to any applicable law or administrative or assessing practice, although no assurance can be given in these respects. Except as otherwise expressly provided, this summary does not take into account any provincial, territorial or foreign tax considerations, which may differ materially from those set out herein.

This summary is of a general nature only, is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations, and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Resident Holder. U.S. Resident Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers for advice with respect to their particular circumstances. The discussion below is qualified accordingly.

A U.S. Resident Holder who disposes or is deemed to dispose of one or more Common Shares generally should not thereby incur any liability for Canadian federal income tax in respect of any capital gain arising as a consequence of the disposition.

A U.S. Resident Holder to whom Vista Gold pays or is deemed to pay a dividend on the holder’s Common Shares will be subject to Canadian withholding tax, and Vista Gold will be required to withhold the tax from the dividend and remit it to the CRA for the holder’s account.  The rate of withholding tax under the Canadian Tax Act is 25% of the gross amount of the dividend, but should generally be reduced under the Convention to 15% (or, if the U.S. Resident Holder owns at least 10% of the voting stock of Vista Gold, 5%) of the gross amount of the dividend.

Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a brief summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences with respect to the issuance and exercise of options granted under the Stock Option Plan and the grant of awards under the LTIP. This summary does not describe all federal tax consequences, including the consequences of owning and selling the Common Shares, nor does it describe state, local or foreign tax consequences.

Scope of This Disclosure

This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the Stock Option Plan or the LTIP by a non-U.S. Participant. For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Participant” is a participant in the Stock Option Plan or LTIP who is either a citizen of the U.S. or a resident alien of the U.S. for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. For purposes of this summary, a “non-U.S. Participant” is a participant in the Stock Option Plan or LTIP who is not a U.S. Participant.

Tax Consequences With Respect to Options

The following is a summary of certain anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences with respect to options granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. This summary is based on the Code, Treasury Regulations, published IRS rulings, published administrative positions of the IRS. The options granted under the Stock Option Plan are not intended to qualify as "incentive stock options" under Section 422 of the Code. Accordingly, the options should be treated as “non-qualified stock options”. In general, the following tax consequences will apply to U.S. Participants:

•Grant.  U.S. Participants will not recognize any taxable income at the time an option is granted.

 

•Exercise. Upon the exercise of an option, exercising U.S. Participants will recognize ordinary income in the amount by which the fair market value of the Common Shares at the time of exercise exceeds the option exercise price, and Company generally will be entitled at that time to an income tax deduction for the same amount. If a U.S. Participant is an employee or former employee this income may be subject to income and payroll tax withholding.

 

•Tax Basis of the Acquired Common Shares. If a U.S. Participant pays the exercise price in cash, the U.S. Participant's original tax basis in the Common Shares received upon exercise will equal the sum of (1) the option exercise price plus (2) the amount such a U.S. Participant is required to recognize as income as a result of the exercise. If the U.S. Participant pays the exercise price by tendering other Common Shares, the U.S. Participant will not recognize gain or loss on the tendered Common Shares, but the original tax basis for an equal number of Common Shares acquired upon exercise of the option will be the same as the adjusted tax basis for the tendered Common Shares. The remaining acquired Common Shares will have an original tax basis equal to (a) the sum of the amount of the exercise price paid in cash, if any, plus (b) any amount the U.S. Participant is required to recognize as income as a result of the option exercise. 

 

•Holding Period. Subject to the “passive foreign investment company” rules under sections 1291 – 1298 of the Code, the holding period for Common Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, for purposes of determining whether any capital gain or loss on a holder's subsequent sale is long-term or short-term, shall begin at the time of the exercise of the option (or, in the case of an officer or director who does not make the Section 83(b) election described below, on the date up to six months later when ordinary income is recognized).

Tax Consequences With Respect to Awards of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units under the LTIP

There are no tax consequences to a U.S. Participant or the Corporation by reason of the grant of restricted stock or restricted stock units under the LTIP.  If an award is payable in Common Shares that are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, unless a special election is made by the holder of the award under section 83(b) of the Code, the holder must recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the Common Shares received (determined as of the first time the Common Shares become transferable or not subject to substantial risk of forfeiture, whichever occurs earlier).

 

The holder’s basis for the Common Shares acquired under the LTIP will be the amount of ordinary income recognized either when the Common Shares are received (for restricted stock units) or when the Common Shares are vested (for restricted stock awards, subject to earlier recognition if a section 83(b) election is made).  The

Corporation will generally be entitled at that time to a U.S. income tax deduction for the same amount, subject to the rules of Section 162(m) of the Code.

U.S. Participants Subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act

If a U.S. Participant is an executive officer or director subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, any Common Shares received upon exercise of an option may, in certain circumstances, be treated as restricted property for purposes of Section 83 of the Code. In that case, such U.S. Participant may be deemed to have acquired the Common Shares at a date up to six months after the date of exercise, and such U.S. Participant will recognize (and be taxed on) ordinary income as of the later date, rather than as of the date of exercise. However, Section 83(b) of the Code allows a U.S. Participant to elect to recognize ordinary income as of the date of exercise, without regard to Section 16(b) restrictions. The U.S. Participant must make the election in the manner specified in Section 83(b) within 30 days after the Common Shares are paid out. If (1) the Common Shares paid out are treated as restricted property for purposes of Section 83 of the Code because of the application of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (2) the U.S. Participant does not make a Section 83(b) election within the required time period, the U.S. Participant will recognize and be taxed on ordinary income in the amount of the fair market value of the Common Shares at the later date, rather than recognizing, and being taxed on, ordinary income in the amount of the fair market value of the Common Shares on the exercise date.

Change in Control

Depending on the terms of a U.S. Participant's award agreement, upon a change in control of the Corporation, restrictions on a U.S. Participant's award may lapse, or a U.S. Participant's award may mature on an accelerated schedule. If this type of benefit, or other benefits and payments connected with a U.S. Participant's award that result from a change in control of the Corporation, are granted to certain individuals (such as the Corporation's executive officers), the benefits and payments may be deemed to be "parachute payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. Section 280G provides that if parachute payments to an individual equal or exceed three times the individual's "base amount," the excess of the parachute payments over one times the base amount will be subject to a 20% excise tax payable by the individual. Any amount that is subject to an excise tax is also not deductible by the Company. "Base amount" is the individual's average annual compensation over the five taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the change in control occurs.

The LTIP provides that each individual’s payment shall be reduced so as not to exceed three times the individual’s “base amount” if such reduction would result in such individual receiving a greater after-tax payment.  Each U.S. Participant should consult his or her own tax advisor own tax advisor regarding potential tax liability upon a change in control of the Corporation. 

Certain Special Rules

The foreign earned income exclusion provisions and the foreign tax credit provisions of the Code may, under certain circumstances, reduce the U.S. federal income tax liability of a U.S. Participant with respect to participation in the Stock Option Plan or the LTIP. U.S. Participants should consult their own tax advisor regarding the foreign earned income exclusion provisions and the foreign tax credit provisions of the Code.

Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers

None of the current or former directors, executive officers or employees, nor any associates or affiliates of the foregoing persons is, as of the date hereof, indebted to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

Orders, Penalties and Settlement Agreements

To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed director of the Corporation is, as at the date of this Information Circular, or was within 10 years before the date of this Information Circular, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Corporation), that:

(a)was subject to an order that was issued while the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or

(b)was subject to an order that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer.

For the purposes of paragraph (a), above, “order” means: (i) a cease trade order; (ii) an order similar to a cease trade order; or (iii) an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for more than 30 consecutive days.

To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed director of the Corporation is, as at the date of this Information Circular, or has been within the 10 years before the date of this Information Circular, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Corporation) that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.

To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed director of the Corporation has, within 10 years before the date of this Information Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director of the Corporation.

To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed director of the Corporation has been subject to (a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or (b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable shareholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.

Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon

Except as described in this Information Circular, no (i) person who has been a director or executive officer of the Corporation at any time since the beginning of Corporation’s the last financial year, (ii) proposed nominee for director, or (iii) associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing persons, has any material interest, direct or indirect by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting (other than the election of directors).

Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions

Except as described in this Information Circular, no (i) informed person of the Corporation, (ii) proposed director of the Corporation, or (iii) associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing persons, has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the Corporation’s most recently completed financial year or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect the Corporation or its subsidiaries.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Parties

The Corporation has adopted a written policy for the review of transactions with related persons which is available on the Corporation’s website at www.vistagold.com. The policy requires review, approval or ratification of all transactions in which i) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $100,000 in any calendar year; (ii) the Corporation is a participant; and (iii) any directors, executive officers, significant shareholders and any immediate family member of the foregoing persons has a direct or indirect interest (other than solely as a result of being a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity), subject to certain categories of transactions that are deemed to be pre-approved under the policy. As set forth in the policy, the pre-approved transactions include, among others, employment of executive officers, director compensation (in general, where

such transactions are required to be reported in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to the SEC compensation disclosure requirements), as well as certain transactions where the amounts involved do not exceed specified thresholds, certain charitable contributions and transactions where all shareholders receive proportional benefits. All related party transactions must be reported for review by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Transactions deemed to be pre-approved are not required to be reported to the Committee, except for certain pre-approved transactions, a summary of which must be submitted to the Committee for review at its next following meeting.

 

In determining whether to approve or ratify related party transactions, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will take into consideration, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether the transactions are on terms no less favorable to the Corporation than those available to unaffiliated third-parties under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction. If a related party transaction is to be ongoing, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may establish guidelines for the Corporation’s management to follow in its ongoing dealings with the related person.

Management Contracts 

There are no management functions of the Corporation which are to any substantial degree performed by persons other than the directors, senior officers or managers of the Corporation.  The Corporation has entered into employment agreements with Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer John F. Engele, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and John Rozelle, Senior Vice President as set forth above under the heading  “Executive Compensation – Executive Employment Agreements”.

Shareholder Proposals

Under the Exchange Act, the deadline for submitting shareholder proposals for inclusion in the management information and proxy circular for an annual general meeting of the Corporation is calculated in accordance with Rule 14a-8(e) of Regulation 14A to the Exchange Act. If the proposal is submitted for a regularly scheduled annual general meeting, the proposal must be received at the Corporation’s principal executive offices not less than 120 calendar days before the anniversary date of the Corporation’s management information and proxy circular released to the Corporation’s shareholders in connection with the previous year’s annual general meeting. However, if the Corporation did not hold an annual general meeting the previous year, or if the date of the current year’s annual general meeting has been changed by more than 30 days from the date of the previous year’s meeting, then the deadline is a reasonable time before the Corporation begins to print and mail its proxy materials. Accordingly, unless the date of the next annual general meeting is changed by more than 30 days from the date of this year’s meeting the deadline for submitting shareholder proposals for inclusion in the management information and proxy circular for the next annual general meeting of the Corporation will be November 20, 2016.  If a shareholder proposal is not submitted to the Corporation by November 20, 2016, the Corporation may still grant discretionary proxy authority to vote on a shareholder proposal, if such proposal is received by the Corporation by February 3,  2017 in accordance with Rule 14a-4(c)(1) of Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act. 

In addition, there are (i) certain requirements relating to shareholder proposals contained in the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia); and (ii) certain requirements relating to the nomination of directors contained the Articles of the Corporation.  A shareholder wishing to make a proposal for consideration at an annual general meeting of the Corporation or wishing to nominate a person to act as a director of the Corporation should ensure they follow the applicable procedures set forth in the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the Articles of the Corporation.

 

Other Matters

Management of the Corporation knows of no other matters which will be brought before the Meeting other than those set forth in the Notice of Meeting.  Should any other matters properly come before the Meeting, the Common Shares represented by the proxies solicited hereby will be voted on those matters in accordance with the best judgement of the persons voting such proxies.

Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal

No action is proposed herein for which the laws of the British Columbia or the Articles of the Corporation provide a right of a shareholder to dissent and obtain appraisal of or payment for such shareholder’s Common Shares.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Corporation’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Corporation’s Common Shares, to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership of such securities with the SEC.

Based solely on a review of the reports received by the SEC, furnished to the Corporation, or written representations from reporting persons that all reportable transactions were reported, management believes that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Corporation’s officers, directors and greater than ten percent owners timely filed all reports they were required to file under Section 16(a).   

 

Multiple Shareholders Sharing the Same Address

The regulations regarding the delivery of copies of proxy materials and annual reports to shareholders permit the Corporation and brokerage firms to send one annual report and proxy statement to multiple shareholders who share the same address under certain circumstances.  Shareholders who hold their shares through a broker may have consented to reducing the number of copies of materials delivered to their address.  In the event that a shareholder wishes to revoke such a consent previously provided to a broker, the shareholder must contact the broker to revoke the consent.  In any event, if a shareholder wishes to receive a separate Information Circular and accompanying materials for the Meeting, or the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, the shareholder may receive copies by contacting the Corporate Secretary at (720) 981-1185, 7961 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 5, Littleton, Colorado 80127.  Shareholders receiving multiple copies of these documents at the same address can request delivery of a single copy of these documents by contacting the Corporation in the same manner.  Persons holding shares through a broker can request a single copy by contacting the broker.

Board of Directors Approval

The undersigned hereby certifies that the contents and sending of this Information Circular to the shareholders of the Corporation have been approved by the Board of Directors.

DATED at Littleton, Colorado, this 11th day of March,  2016.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

/s/ Frederick H. Earnest

Frederick H. Earnest

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

APPENDIX “A”

FORM OF PROXY

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX “B”

MANDATE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VISTA GOLD CORP.

(the “Corporation”)

MANDATE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(Adopted on March 2, 2009, as amended on March 5, 2013, March 3, 2015 and March 7, 2016)

The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) is responsible for:

Each Director has the responsibility to:

A majority of the Board will, at all times, be independent directors as defined in then- current laws applicable to the Company.

The Board shall appoint a chair of the Board.  Where it is not appropriate for the chair to be an independent director, the Board should consider whether it should appoint an independent director to act as a lead director.  The Board shall develop a written position description delineating the chair’s role.

To be considered for nomination and election to the Board, directors must demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards in their business dealings, their personal affairs, and in the discharge of their duties to and on behalf of the Company.