Wildfires in Quebec force mining companies to suspend work and pull staff out
June 5, 2023 | By The Canadian Press
TORONTO – The danger of wildfires has forced mining companies in Quebec to pull employees out and suspend exploration work.
Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. says it has temporarily evacuated the camp at its Fenelon Gold project and suspended all exploration activities on its Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend property in Quebec’s northern Abitibi region.
The company made the decision after an emergency order from the Quebec government prohibiting access due to the forest fires.
Wallbridge CEO Marz Kord says all of the company’s employees and contractors have been safely withdrawn and that it has worked to secure and mitigate risk to the Fenelon camp site.
Osisko Mining Inc. also says it has suspended work and pulled workers out at its Windfall gold project due to the forest fire situation affecting the communities in Abitibi and Eeyou Istchee James Bay.
Wildfires in northwestern Quebec prompted evacuations in the region over the weekend while the number of wildfires in the province topped 150 on Sunday.
