News

The Agnico Eagle Wasamac mining project team is pleased to present the second report from the Task Force. The mandate of the Task Force is to establish a space for dialogue and information sharing among Agnico Eagle, the local community, and stakeholders. The exchanges aim to translate into concrete actions guided by principles of trust, respect, equality, and accountability. These discussions allow us to document evolving concerns, impacts, and anticipated outcomes over time. To facilitate sharing among all parties, these meetings are facilitated by a third party (Transfert Environnement et Société), ensuring fair participation in discussions while facilitating the exchange of diverse perspectives among stakeholders, thereby fostering collaborative problem-solving efforts.

This 2023 report is also an opportunity to thank the members of the Task Force for their ongoing commitment, particularly in this unusual year due to the change in project ownership. Despite this, members have contributed to the advancement of various projects presented in the report.

Would you like to get involved in the Wasamac mining project Task Force? Some spots are available. Interested individuals are invited to contact Anik Pouliot (apouliot@transfertconsult.ca) from Transfert Environnement et Société, who coordinates the Task Force's work if you wish to submit your comments or suggestions for future discussions.

You can view the 2023 report here (french only) : https://wasamac-eng.agnicoeagle.com/20630/widgets/83491/documents/127357

The 21st meeting of the Wasamac Task Force was held on November 29, 2023 at the Club de l'Âge d'Or d'Évain Hall. The meeting's goals were to provide an update on the project's development, contribute to the Task Force's annual review, plan activities for 2024 and follow-up on ongoing tasks.

New Agnico Eagle team members, Vicky Couillard and Patrice Richer, introduced themselves to the Task Force.

Members then shared their observations on the project development. Agnico Eagle highlighted Marc-André Lavergne's reception of the "Pratiques d'affaires écoresponsables" award at the Rouyn-Noranda Chamber of Commerce and Industry's recent Gala Extra.

The previous week, the importance, impact and contribution of the Wasamac Mining Project Task Force were highlighted during a visit organized by the Quebec Mining Association (QMA) at the Community Relations office. Several mining companies were present. A Halloween activity also drew nearly 500 people to the office, and a hot chocolate happy hour was announced for December 20th.

A follow-up on the development of the project was presented, starting with the exploration program. It was mentioned that drilling was underway in zones 3-4. Task Force members shared that drill movements were audible. Constant monitoring of noise levels by the Agnico Eagle team continues.

Changes to the Advanced Exploration Program were presented, including the construction of a single waste rock pile rather than the two initially planned. It was shared that the application for ministerial authorizations and the closure plan should be submitted shortly. Ms. Vallières indicated that the next steps in the project would be the development of a Good Neighbors’ Guide and the start of some advanced exploration work in spring 2024, conditional to internal approvals and government authorizations. This Guide will include a section on voluntary buyouts, but in the meantime, people considering relocation are invited to contact the Community Relations team.

As for the mining project, the technical review is still underway. Answers are expected in the first quarter of 2024. The recent Supreme Court ruling rendering Canada's impact assessment legislation partly unconstitutional is causing waiting periods on all projects. In this context, a time extension was still requested for the Wasamac Mining Project.

The meeting continued with the annual review of the Task Force’s activities and the annual assessment of member satisfaction. The assessment was positive, despite a slowdown in EIA work and a pause in communications following the transaction.

A second group activity enabled members to share their ideas and suggestions to plan the 2024 activities, including the Lac-Hélène Park project reveal, as well as a site visit. An open discussion ensued, during which it was suggested, among other things, to evaluate the possibility of taking water level readings on Lac Hélène to compile a baseline of seasonal variations.

Task Force meetings are scheduled for Spring 2024.

Read here (french only): https://wasamac-eng.agnicoeagle.com/20630/widgets/83491/documents/126157

We are pleased to announce that Vicky Couillard has joined Agnico Eagle's Wasamac Mining Project team as Communications and Community Relations Advisor.

A special education technician by training, Vicky previously put her extensive knowledge of conciliation, listening and project management to good use as a Communications and Community Relations Advisor at our LaRonde Complex. Prior to that, Vicky was at the Carrefour de Rouyn-Noranda and the Commission scolaire de Rouyn-Noranda, where she worked with people of all ages and backgrounds to help them in their day-to-day lives and planning for the future.

Chantal Vallières has been a member of the Wasamac Mining Project team since August 2022 and is now Communications and Community Relations Coordinator. She is proud to welcome Vicky Couillard to the team. Both contribute their expertise and are available to answer any questions you may have about the Wasamac Mining Project at the Community Relations Office.

The 20th meeting of the Wasamac Task Force took place on September 20, 2023, at the Club de l'Âge d'Or d'Évain. The objectives were to provide an update on the project's development, discuss the next steps in Wasamac exploration, share activities on other mining properties in the area, and review ongoing matters.

Several changes to the team were discussed, particularly in the communications and community relations team. The appointment of Mrs. Vicky Couillard as an advisor and the promotion of Mrs. Chantal Vallières to coordinator were announced.

The Wasamac project's development is ongoing, with a technical review underway to align it with Agnico Eagle standards. A revised timeline was presented. A decision regarding on-site processing or transporting ore to a local facility will be made by year-end.

Various ongoing and upcoming activities were presented, including signage installation on Agnico Eagle properties. Despite a slowdown in activities related to the environmental impact study, WSP continues field data collection, and additional geotechnical work is planned for the fall. Information related to Agnico Eagle's land properties was also discussed, including residential acquisition, the demolition of a deteriorated property on Rideau Blvd, and upcoming drainage work on a property on Rang des Cavaliers.

A meeting with the Première Nation Abitibiwinni was held to follow up on the project's development.

Exploration activities were presented, with a drill operating in Zone 3. The agreement guide with property owners underwent a graphical redesign, with adjusted amounts and two new compensations. New agreements for exploration drilling were also reached with neighboring property owners further east. Although work will not be transported to that area in the short term, temporary derogation requests to the Commission de protection du territoire agricole (CPTAQ) require advanced planning. Authorization requests for advanced exploration will be submitted soon, with work expected to begin in late spring 2024. These bulk sampling activities are anticipated to last about 3 years.

The meeting continued with updates on two ongoing projects:

• Work on the redevelopment of Lac-Hélène Park will begin this fall and continue into spring and summer 2024.
• Sediment sampling at the bottom of Lake Hélène revealed low permeability, indicating minimal expected impacts during exploitation.

A next Task Force meeting is scheduled for this fall.

To read the detailed meeting report: https://wasamac-eng.agnicoeagle.com/20630/widgets/83491/documents/120304

The Wasamac team delves into history to discover many facets of the mining industry. Check out our first five episodes in collaboration with historian Jean-Lou David, who stirs up the past to help us understand how the mining industry helped shape Rouyn-Noranda and the surrounding area. We also talk to Évain resident Marie-Pier Gagnon-Cliche to unearth some of her community's best-kept secrets. Happy listening!

The podcast is only available in french.

Spotify: ttps://bit.ly/3BUnO0G

Québec podcasts: https://bit.ly/422GvKk

The 19th meeting of the Wasamac Task Force was held on April 26, 2023, at the Club de l'âge d'Or Bon accueil in Évain. The main objectives were to provide an update on the recent transaction, present the Agnico Eagle company, and follow up on ongoing issues.

Ms. Geneviève Tétreault, Superintendent of Communications and Community Relations, opened the meeting by welcoming the participants and thanking Mr. Marcel St-Pierre, Project Superintendent, for his work, in honor of his retirement. A round table was then conducted to allow members to introduce themselves and share their motivations for participating in the Task Force.

Mr. Marc-André Lavergne presented the latest news regarding the transaction between Yamana Gold and Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM). He explained that the transition led to a complete review of the Wasamac project to optimize its geological, technical, economic, and environmental aspects. The presentation also covered changes to the project schedule, including the postponement of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and the requests for authorization certificates for bulk sampling.

Ms. Sandra Marseille and Ms. Sarah Morin presented Agnico Eagle, highlighting the company's experience, values, and commitments to sustainable development. They explained how Agnico Eagle stands out with exemplary practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibility. The company's commitments to local communities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions were particularly emphasized.

Ms. Tétreault presented ongoing local projects, including the redevelopment of the Lac-Hélène park, the planting of urban garden beds by kindergarten students, and activities for Mining Week. She also addressed reports received since the last meeting, including issues with noise and visibility related to snow removal operations.

The minutes from the January meeting and the annual report of the Task Force were adopted without comments. A discussion on the frequency of meetings led to the proposal of quarterly meetings to better meet members' expectations.

The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for winter 2024.

Read the full report here (French only): https://wasamac-eng.agnicoeagle.com/20630/widgets/83491/documents/108576

The 18th meeting of the Wasamac Task Force was held on January 25, 2023, at the Club de l’Âge d’Or in Évain. It began with an update on the transaction involving the acquisition of Yamana Gold by Pan American Silver and Agnico Eagle. The shareholder vote will take place on January 31, and if the acquisition is finalized, the asset distribution between the buyers will result in the Canadian Malartic Partnership and the Wasamac underground mining project coming fully under Agnico Eagle.

Regarding updates on the project and Yamana's field activities: the teams have worked on constructing an ice bridge to support the machinery needed for sediment sampling at the bottom of Lac Hélène, scheduled for the first week of February.

Members were informed that the previously discussed study on the paleolimnology of Lac Hélène sediments will not take place this winter. DNA analyses of Lac Hélène will remain a potential avenue for local projects, and discussions with university researchers will continue to explore future research collaboration opportunities.

Two community activities have taken place since the last Task Force meeting. Seventy-five people participated in the "4 to 7 Hot Chocolates" event held on December 15, 2022. The community relations team also took part in the World Snow Day on January 15 at the Évain Cross-Country Ski Club.

Members were informed that the neighborhood tour to update on cohabitation programs will take place following the transaction. Instead, the community relations team focused on consulting property owners on Lac Hélène Road to gather their opinions on the park redevelopment project. The results of this consultation were presented to the members. Yamana aims to order the equipment in the coming weeks.

The drafting of the Task Force's activity report since its inception is currently underway. The objectives and projected contents were presented to the members, who are invited to share their comments on the desired content and layout. A questionnaire for the annual satisfaction evaluation of the members will also be sent by email.

The group also discussed the possibility of canceling the February meeting based on available content and the sequence of events related to the transaction. Follow-up will be done via email with the members.

For a detailed meeting report (french only) : https://wasamac-eng.agnicoeagle.com/20630/widgets/83491/documents/119000

Agnico Eagle's Wasamac mining project team is pleased to present the 2021-2022 task force report. The mandate of this task force is to establish a space for dialogue and information sharing between Agnico Eagle, the neighborhood and the community. The exchanges are intended to be concrete actions guided by the values of trust, respect, equality and responsibility. The discussions allow us to document the concerns, impacts and benefits that are understood to evolve over time. In order to encourage sharing between the parties, these meetings are facilitated by a third party (Transfert Environnement et Société) which ensures equitable participation in the discussions while facilitating the exchange of the different points of view of the stakeholders, creating a search for concerted solutions.

This 2021-2022 review is also an opportunity to thank the members of the task force who are important collaborators in improving the Wasamac mining project. Their commitment is appreciated and this report is a recognition of their efforts by summarizing the different actions and projects put forward thanks to their active participation.

You also wish to get involved in the Wasamac Mining Project task force? Some places are available. Those interested in participating are invited to contact Anik Pouliot (apouliot@transfertconsult.ca) of Transfert Environnement et Société who coordinates the work of the Group if you wish to submit your comments or suggestions for future discussions.

You can consult the document here (french version)

We are very happy to be part of the Agnico Eagle family!

We will ensure the continuity of the work in line with what we do on a daily basis and the relationships we have built with the community and our stakeholders.

The Community Relations team is always present and available for you at 14 d'Évain Street or by phone at 1 833 510-0330.