WEMINDJI, QC, July 31, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Éléonore
mine, located on the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory in Northern
Québec, was officially inaugurated today by GOLDCORP INC.
(TSX: G, NYSE: GG) in the presence of many
dignitaries, including Pierre
Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister
responsible for the Plan Nord, and Minister responsible for the
Côte-Nord region; Dr. Matthew Coon
Come, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou
Istchee); Christine Moore, Member of
Parliament for Abitibi—Témiscamingue; Manon
Cyr, Chair of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional
Government and Mayor of Chibougamau; Chief Dennis Georgekish of the Cree Nation of
Wemindji; Ian Telfer, Goldcorp's Chairman of the Board;
Chuck Jeannes, Goldcorp's President
and Chief Executive Officer; and Guy
Belleau, General Manager of Goldcorp's Éléonore Mine.
The asset was acquired by the company in 2006. In 2011, Goldcorp
signed the Opinagow Collaboration Agreement with the Cree Nation of
Wemindji, the Grand Council of the
Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Regional Authority, setting the
framework for the mine's development based on genuine partnership,
collaboration and respect.
Construction activities took place between 2011 and 2014.
Goldcorp invested approximately US $2
billion throughout the construction phase, creating over
2,000 direct jobs.
In addition to its state of the art complex, Goldcorp has
invested approximately US$130 million
in public infrastructure, including the construction of 63
kilometers of access roads, 60 kilometers of power lines, an
airport and telecommunication capabilities that will serve local
communities and other mining exploration activities for years to
come.
Ore is extracted using high-tech equipment and processes
designed to maximize gold recovery. Innovative practices are being
used to ensure a small ecological footprint and position Goldcorp
as a leader in sustainable mining in Québec.
The first gold pour took place on October 1, 2014 and
commercial production began on April 1,
2015. Upon ramp-up to full capacity in the first half of
2018, Éléonore is expected to produce between 500,000
and 600,000 ounces of gold per year over its productive mine
life. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to be directly
employed by Eleonore during ongoing operations.
HIGHLIGHTS
Economic Impacts
- An investment of approximately US$2
billion for construction—95% of capital expenditures went to
Québec-based companies
- Over 2,000 direct jobs created during the construction
phase
- Approximately 1,000 people employed during ongoing
operations
- Productive life: expected to be a minimum of 15 years based on
the company's published 2014 reserve estimates (see
www.goldcorp.com for additional details)
Production
- First gold pour on October 1,
2014
- In 2014, production reached 18,300 ounces of gold
- Commercial production declared April 1,
2015
- Upon ramp-up to full capacity in the first half of 2018,
Éléonore is expected to produce between 500,000 and 600,000 ounces
of gold per year over its productive mine life (see
www.goldcorp.com for additional details)
- Creation of approximately 1,000 jobs
- Production shaft depth: 1,140 m
LOCATION
The Éléonore mine is located in the heart of the Eeyou Istchee
James Bay territory in northern Québec 375 km from the
Wemindji Cree Nation.
The mine is accessible by a 1,410 km drive
from Montréal and a 1,650 km drive from Québec City.
QUOTES
"Given the years of planning, partnering and investment, it's
clear we're here because of the hard work of many -- including
the leadership of the Cree, the support of communities in northern
Québec, the Provincial and Federal Governments, along with so many
people at Goldcorp and we're committed to growing our business
here."
- Chuck Jeannes, President and CEO,
Goldcorp
"We are proud to highlight the work of our people, who increase
the value of Québec's underground resources with high-quality,
dedicated business partners. Our entire team will help develop the
full potential Éléonore has to offer and we will work to maximize
the mine's economic benefits and sustainability, to the benefit of
the community and all of Québec."
- Guy Belleau,
Goldcorp's Éléonore Mine General Manager
"The Éléonore project is an excellent example of the
promising projects we want in the area covered by the Plan Nord.
Carried out in partnership with the local and Aboriginal
communities, and implemented according to best practices, this
project has generated significant benefits across Québec and will
continue to do so for many years. Today's event demonstrates that
our government is listening to investors and is firmly committed to
Québec's economic recovery."
- Pierre Arcand,
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for
the Plan Nord, and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord
region
High-resolution photos and videos of the mine and the
inauguration event are available on request for members of the
media.
About GOLDCORP INC.
Goldcorp (TSX: G, NYSE: GG) is one of the world's fastest
growing gold producers. Its low-cost gold production is located in
safe jurisdictions in the Americas and remains 100% unhedged.
www.goldcorp.com
Join the conversation on Twitter: @Goldcorp_Inc
SOURCE Goldcorp