Here is the latest update regarding preventive measures taken by Agnico Eagle’s   Nunavut division to prevent the spread of this outbreak. At the present, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut or at any of our mines in Nunavut and around the world.

We are committed to doing what is best while working towards the common good to protect the health, safety and well-being of our employees and communities. In this regard, measures have been put in place to eliminate any interaction between the mine personnel and local community.

As announced in our March 24th press release, the Company is reducing activities at the Meliadine and Meadowbank operations. At Meliadine, the Company is valuating scenarios to continue limited underground activity and milling operations. Existing ore stockpiles at Meliadine are sufficient to support milling activity for  approximately 40 days. At Meadowbank, some mining activities will be maintained at a reduced rate while a special focus will be put on the ramp-up of maintenance activities and water management as needed for the upcoming freshet (spring melt). These activities at both Nunavut mines, are expected to position the Company to achieve a timely and safe ramp up of normal operations once all restrictions are lifted.

New precautionary measures are also being implemented to eliminate the potential risk of transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, new additional measures for physical distancing were added to the existing site measures.

Meliadine and Meadowbank Complex Sites

Physical Distancing

  • Additional measures have been taken on site including:
  • Physical distancing measures in the kitchen/cafeteria; we have reduced the seats available by table in the dining room and established a schedule by department for lunch and dinner time;
  • A firm is on site to review all procedures and protocols of sanitation and to provide training to our team;
  • Strict handwashing protocols are in place prior to entering cafeteria;

Transportation – Mirabel and Val-d’Or Airports

Physical Distancing

  • Seats in the waiting room are spaced out so that travelers waiting for their flights will be seated further from one another;
  • Effective starting Monday March 30th, we will start spacing in the plane;

Active screening established on March 13th for all our employees and contractors at our pick up locations (Mirabel, Val-d’Or) is still continuing. A nurse is assisting with the screening process to list a travel history and any symptoms of an illness. In these critical times, all workers must fill out a short questionnaire. We also strongly urge everyone to continue to apply recommendations on hygiene, self-protection and self-monitoring.