THUNDER BAY – Business – As part of Newmont Musselwhite’s ongoing support for host communities around its operations, the Company is pleased to donate CAD$200,000 to boost local efforts combatting the Coronavirus pandemic. Approximately $170,000 will be provided for the purchase and transport of supplies, food and other essentials required by First Nation communities, and $30,000 to support the Thunder Bay COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, which was established by the United Way of Thunder Bay in partnership with the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.
“Together with the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, the United Way of Thunder Bay and our partner agencies are working hard to ensure that our most vulnerable community members have access to the essentials,” said Albert Brulé, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Thunder Bay. “The support of Newmont Musselwhite Mine will help to provide food, shelter, and support for seniors; to make sure that our community partners have what they need to continue to offer their vital services, and to enable crisis lines and system navigation services.”
Alexandra Calderon, Executive Director of Thunder Bay Community Foundation added, “We wish to express our heartfelt thanks for this generous commitment to meeting the needs of those in our community who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The Thunder Bay COVID-19 Community Relief Fund continues to receive requests for support from frontline organizations. We encourage those who are able to do so, to join Newmont and continue their generous support to ensure that rapid relief reaches those who need it most.”
“The health and safety of our staff and host communities takes precedence above all else,” said Don Burke, General Manager of Musselwhite mine. “In light of the challenges our First Nation communities are experiencing obtaining much-needed supplies, as well as the economic and social impacts being felt in Thunder Bay, we want to do our part to support those most in need.”
Newmont Musselwhite has already begun sourcing the goods and supplies as well as the transport of these items as requested by the communities of North Caribou Lake, Cat Lake, Wunnumin Lake, Kingfisher Lake and Mishkeegogamang.
“We recognize the importance of contributing to the communities where we live and work. The relationships and exceptional partnerships we’ve enjoyed for many years make these donations a natural extension of our ongoing partnership,” said Mr. Burke.
Musselwhite Mine has maintained communications with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and has implemented controls to protect the health and safety of its workforce, their families and neighbouring communities through the COVID-19 crisis. As part of this response, Newmont acted decisively to respond to First Nation leaders who voiced their concerns regarding Musselwhite Mine operations and the potential for transmission to their communities. A mutual decision was reached to temporarily suspend operations effective March 23 and, therefore, only essential personnel required to maintain infrastructure, continue environmental management and provide security remain on site.
“We have implemented extensive health and safety measures at site to protect the remaining workers,” said Mr. Burke. “In addition, we will continue to ensure Musselwhite is well-positioned to safely and efficiently ramp-up when the time comes.”
