Toronto-based Agnico Eagle Mines has decreased activities at its mines and projects in Canadian northern territory Nunavut following outbreaks of COVID-19.
Nunavut-based workers for the Meliadine gold mine, the Meadowbank gold mine, and the Hope Bay gold mine have been sent home. Off-site workers will not return to the mines and exploration projects for at least three weeks.
Agnico Eagle will continue to pay its Nunavut-based workers for this time period.
The company will also meet with its contractors to encourage them to also send their Nunavut-based staffs home.
Agnico Eagle has increased testing of remaining workers in its Nunavut operations. It will gradually reduce the remaining workforce at Nunavut operations over the next few days. Activity levels at the mines will also fall and remain low for the rest of 2021.
The company is assessing its protocols for the resumption of activities in early 2022.