On August 18, 2020, Agnico Eagle was informed by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) that a steel sled and fuel tank had been observed in Meliadine Lake, between the main camp and a drilling area approximately 60 metres from the shore.

• An investigation was immediately launched and it appears the fuel tank was unintentionally left behind by a drilling contractor after a 2019 drilling campaign.
• There is no immediate evidence of a spill but actions are currently underway to determine if any material has leaked from the tank.
• A helicopter survey, shore surveys and water sampling are currently being conducted. Divers have also been called in to help assess the situation.
• Options to remove the fuel tank from the lake in a safe and secure manner are being reviewed and evaluated.

At this time, Agnico Eagle would like to clarify that no spill has been confirmed but that we want to assure the community of Rankin Inlet that we have notified the appropriate Federal and Territorial authorities as well as the Kivalliq Inuit Association. Regulators and authorities, as well as the community, will be updated as soon as additional information becomes available.

We are conducting a full investigation to understand the exact circumstances of this incident.

Our existing processes, including the post-drilling inspection process, will be thoroughly audited and corrective measures will be implemented to prevent this, or any similar situation, from re-occurring. Agnico Eagle is committed to maintaining high performance standards in health, safety, environment and community development.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.