News

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.

Following Agnico Eagle Mining's offer to acquire Yamana Gold, the process is nearing completion. According to the latest press release issued by Agnico Eagle, "The pending acquisition of the Canadian assets of Yamana Gold (Yamana Transaction) is expected to close in March 2023, subject to regulatory approvals."

Through this process, Agnico Eagle Mining will own 100% of the Canadian Malartic mine, 100% of the Wasamac underground mining project and several other properties in Canada. The company is no stranger to Abitibi-Témiscamingue where it has been operating for over 50 years.

You can consult the official press release in English on this link :

https://s21.q4cdn.com/374334112/files/doc_news/news_documents/2023/2022-Q4_AEM-Results-2023.02.16-FINAL.pdf

The statements in the press release regarding the Wasamac project are as follows: in 2023, Agnico Eagle plans to analyze the technical work carried out to date, to further evaluate the exploration potential and to evaluate the concept of processing Wasamac ore at the Canadian Malartic mine plant. This concept would have the potential to reduce the project's footprint on the land and the environment, and would also reduce capital costs. The technical evaluation of Wasamac should be completed by the end of 2023. The permitting schedule for the project will be reassessed in this process. As these assessments progress, we will follow up through our usual communication channels and at upcoming public meetings. At this time, there is no new field work planned and the announced bulk sampling of the deposit may be delayed.

The Community Relations office remains open as usual and the Community Relations team remains available to answer your questions, comments or concerns. You can reach us by email at wasamac@yamana.com, by phone at 1-833-510-0330 or at our community relations office at 14 rue d'Évain.

The Wasamac underground mining project team is proud to present the annual review of the community support program.

https://www.wasamac-consultations.com/27418/widgets/135046/documents/98121

We aim to make a positive impact on local communities through long-term economic development, the environment, education, culture, health care, healthy lifestyle and overall community building in a variety of areas.

Interested in learning about our program and seeing if you qualify?

For more information, visit the

https://www.wasamac-consultations.com/policies-and-community-support-program

... or drop by our community relations office at 14 Rue d'Évain

The Wasamac Task Force held its 17^th meeting last November 23 at the Évain Golden Age club. The purpose of the meeting was to get project updates, view a presentation by the city’s parks and facilities manager, hold a group discussion to further define the community project at Chemin du lac Hélène park, look at the group’s meeting schedule for 2023, and, as they do each month, look at reports from area residents.

The group started with a review of the neighbourhood meeting of November 16, 2022. Close to 30 people attended during either of two time slots (afternoon and evening). The event was divided into four workshops on different subjects, facilitated by members of the Yamana team.

Next came updates on the project and Yamana’s field activities. The group was informed that the decision regarding Agnico-Eagle’s acquisition of Yamana Gold will be made this winter. The results of exploration work done in 2022 were presented; they revealed that the project’s ore reserves increased by 14%. A follow-up on residential inspections followed, mentioning that 9 out 10 inspections were done on homes involved in Phase 1. The Task Force members were also informed that a news item had been posted to the online platform concerning upcoming advanced exploration work and work in progress. This news was also shared with the neighbourhood.

A follow-up of community activities came next, highlighting the resounding success (700 children attended!) of the Hallowe’en event at the community relations office. Upcoming events were discussed. Ms. Tétreault read the 2022 report on the community support program. She went on to say that the consultation exercise suggested at the neighbourhood meeting will be adapted and put online soon to allow wider participation.

The meeting continued with a presentation by Olivier Thibodeau, responsible for parks and facilities at the City of Rouyn-Noranda. He presented a variety of information to consider for the park’s development as well as possible equipment for the Chemin du lac Hélène park project. The group members then offered up their ideas and visions for the park. Yamana's community relations team will continue its consultation work with the Lac Hélène park neighbourhood to get different points of view on the topics discussed with the City's parks manager. Regular follow-ups will be presented to the Task Force over the next few months with a view to implementing the park project this spring.

The schedule of 2023 meetings was drawn up. There will be no meeting in July or December, and the dates of the two neighbourhood meetings are still to be determined.

To read the complete minutes of the meeting (french only): https://wasamac-eng.agnicoeagle.com/20630/widgets/83491/documents/97733

A collection of samples to characterize the sediments at the bottom of Lake Hélène will take place in early 2023. This collection was initially planned for last winter but was postponed due to unfavourable safety conditions related to the weather.

During the work, a maximum of eight cores will be collected at four different stations, no more than two cores per station, using a vibrating corer located directly on an elevated ice trail that will be built starting December 14 2022. The weather will determine the exact dates of the exercise.

Residents of the Évain sector have shared with us that they have observed a fluctuation in the level of Lake Hélène in the past. The team from WSP, the firm responsible for carrying out the work, will review the existing data on the hydrology of the lake and will complete the data already compiled by taking water and sediment samples. A hydrological assessment of Lake Hélène will be carried out, establishing the current context as well as predictive simulations to verify the potential impacts of the future mine on the lake's water level, an issue raised by members of the neighbourhood. At this time, the potential impacts are estimated to be very low.

This exercise will not result in any disturbance to the natural environment or to lake residents. The work will take place during the day and will be supervised by our Project Superintendent. Access to the lake will be via lots located on the north and east shores of the lake.

If you have any questions regarding this work, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1 833 510-0330 or by email: wasamac-eng.agnicoeagle.com/contact-us