With Quebec Premier François Legault’s announcement on Monday declaring mining operations in the province an essential service, mines will be allowed to start back up on April 15, with additional health and safety precautions.
In response, several miners have issued press releases announcing plans to restart their operations.
The Canadian Malartic open pit gold mine, jointly owned by Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX: AEM; NYSE: AEM) and Yamana Gold (TSX: YRI; NYSE: AUY), will restart on Wednesday, and the ramp up is expected to take several weeks. The mine was placed on care and maintenance on March 24.
Agnico Eagle is also taking steps to resume operations at its wholly owned La Ronde Complex and Goldex mine. The company will provide further updates on its assets with its first quarter results at the end of the month.
Iamgold’s (TSX: IMG) Westwood mine will also restart on April 15, with an anticipated one-week ramp-up period. Westwood was placed on care and maintenance on March 25.
Eldorado Gold (TSX: ELD; NYSE: EGO) announced it will reopen its Lamaque operation on April 15 following the move to care and maintenance on March 23.
It appears that the government’s announcement was due to the importance of mining in the supply chain, generating goods and services, but exploration activity in the province will remain on hold until May 4.
Additional precautions implemented by the companies include temperature screening, physical distancing and use of personal protective equipment.
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