Our operations are being planned in such a way as to meet all prevailing environmental standards. Preventive inspections are suggested out of concern for maintaining a peaceful coexistence with our neighbours.

Experts and authorities agree that it is a good practice to conduct a baseline inspection of the foundations of homes near a mining project prior to construction or active operations. We made this commitment to the Task Force and commissioned outside experts (the firm WSP) to carry out the inspections.

Accordingly, we propose to conduct some inspections this fall on boulevard Rideau, in the area near the Yamana property. The inspections will allow us to document the pre-existing condition of properties before advanced exploration work begins in the winter of 2023. Although we do not expect any structural impacts on the properties in question, the inspections will facilitate any eventual follow-up should an issue arise. The work will also make it possible to monitor the most sensitive or fragile components of a property throughout the construction and operation period.

Our plan is to continue with the other properties in the vicinity later in 2023. The results of the environmental impact assessment will allow us to more precisely determine the area to be covered by the baseline inspections.

The inspection process

A voluntary inspection offer will be mailed to the homeowners concerned in September. A WSP expert will then contact the homeowners to answer any questions they might have and arrange an appointment at their convenience. The inspections will be done in October.

A homeowner can expect the inspection to take about one hour. One person living in the home must be present during the visit. The inspector will take photos of the visible interior and exterior parts of the property.

If an existing fissure is observed in a foundation, the inspector could offer to install a crack detection scanner to measure any change to it over time and across the seasons. Homeowners have the choice of accepting or refusing to use the device. Evaluation of the progression of a foundation crack can also be done using comparison photographs.

The inspection report is strictly confidential. It will be seen only by the relevant Yamana Gold personnel and the homeowner.

Following the inspection, homeowners can expect to receive a satisfaction survey, which will help us improve the process in future.

For the coexistence guide

Monitoring and maintaining the integrity of properties will be an important part of the coexistence guide that is currently being developed. Residential inspections are one of Yamana's commitments in this regard and others will be added after the environmental impact assessment.

Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our team at 1 833 510-0330 or by email at wasamac@yamana.com. We will also be pleased to meet you in person at the Community Relations office, which is located at 14 d'Évain.