Opening of Goldcorp's Éléonore mine: A MODERN MINE AND AN EXAMPLE OF COOPERATION WITH THE FIRST NATIONS, SAYS THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION
31/07/2015
Québec City, July 31, 2015 – "We often say that Québec's mining industry operates according to the most stringent standards and with complete respect for people and the environment. Goldcorp's Éléonore mine offers a striking example of this, and we are extremely proud to celebrate its official opening," said Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association (QMA), as she highlighted the mine's official launch.
The QMA commends Goldcorp's commitment to local communities, in particular through the agreement signed with the Cree nation of Wemindji and the Grand Council of the Crees over four years before the start of operations. "Social acceptability is essential if projects are to move forward, and the mining industry understood this long ago. This is why it places citizens at the heart of its priorities. Building a relationship of trust with the community is a long-standing practice for mining companies," said Ms. Méthot.
The know-how of the management and workers at the mine is already recognized within the industry. Last June, Éléonore mine was awarded the F.J. O’Connell trophy by the QMA and in May, it won the John T. Ryan regional Québec/Maritimes trophy of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Both awards recognized its performance in the field of workplace health and safety.
"Through its actions, Éléonore has shown that it is possible to develop a mine project in a sustainable, responsible manner. The advantages of the mine for northern Québec are undeniable, and Québec as a whole will also benefit. Québec has been developed largely thanks to the mining industry, whose contributions and benefits ensure that quality of life in the province can be maintained," concluded Ms. Méthot, who pointed out that the industry pays one billion dollars each year in taxes to various levels of government, in addition to $1.7 billion in wages in the mineral extraction and production sectors.
About the Québec Mining Association
The Québec Mining Association (QMA) was founded in 1936 and speaks proactively for mining companies involved in extraction and processing, mining contractors and junior mining companies, along with suppliers, institutions, non-profit organizations and other mining sector partners. It is proud of the 45,000 high-quality jobs and $3.2 billion in investment generated by Québec’s mining industry over the last year. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and play a role in the development of a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.