Quebec Ministry grants enviro authorisation for Gold Fields' Windfall project
The Quebec Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Biodiversity Protection, Wildlife and Parks has issued a Certificate of Authorisation as part of the environmental-impact assessment process for globally diversified gold producer Gold Fields' Windfall project.
The certificate is the principal environmental authorisation confirming that Windfall has completed the environmental- and social-impact assessment and review process applicable to the project under Chapter 2 of Québec's Environment Quality Act.
It provides the authorisation required to proceed to construction and full project development, including the start of construction activities.
The authorisation follows the signing of an impact and benefit agreement with the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, the Cree Nation government and the Grand Council of the Crees in June.
“Receiving the Certificate of Authorisation for Windfall is a major milestone for Gold Fields and for one of Canada’s highest-grade development-stage gold projects.
"We will now focus on finalising our execution plan and moving Windfall towards construction safely and responsibly, so that it becomes a long-life, low-cost production centre that delivers long-term value for the Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Québec and our shareholders,” says Gold Fields CEO Mike Fraser.
The Windfall project is expected to produce about 300 000 oz/y of gold once ramped up.
Gold Fields will continue work on a final investment decision for the project, which is expected to be taken by February 2027.
