This week, the Canadian Province of Quebec restricted all non-essential business until April 13 to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Mining was listed essential, but operators were instructed to reduce their activities to a minimum. After discussing the situation with government officials, Yamana Gold decided to ramp down operations at its Canadian Malartic mine and place it on care and maintenance until the specified date.
Canadian Malartic is the largest gold mine in Canada and a significant economic engine in northern Quebec.
Likewise, Hecla Mining Co. suspended operations at the Casa Berardi mine.
“We do not have a case of COVID-19, so we are disappointed for our workers and their families, our suppliers and other stakeholders that we have had to take this action,” Hecla President and CEO Phillips S. Baker Jr. said. “We look forward to Casa Berardi resuming normal operations as soon as possible.”
Casa Berardi is an underground gold mine located in western Quebec. In 2019, the mine produced 134,409 ounces of gold.
