April 2025 Newsletter

Agnico Eagle Mines’ Upper Beaver Project is pleased to provide an update on advanced exploration activities, Impact Statement preparation and planned community engagement for 2025.

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian-based and led senior gold mining company with more than 65 years of experience, producing precious metal from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico. We employ more than 16,000 people worldwide.

Agnico Eagle is currently evaluating opportunities to develop, operate, and eventually reclaim an underground and open-pit, gold-copper mine, processing facility, and related infrastructure at the Upper Beaver Project site.

Upper Beaver is part of Agnico Eagle’s Kirkland Lake camp and is located approximately 5 km northeast of Dobie, Ontario. The proposed mine would be built on the site of a former producing mine, expanding on its historical underground workings.

As of July 31, 2024, the Upper Beaver Project entered the advanced exploration phase, as well as received direction to proceed with the impact assessment for the potential production phase considering the mill option on site.

Update on Advanced Exploration Activities

After the holiday break, construction activities resumed in full swing on January 6.

Site Infrastructure Preparation – various infrastructure is required to execute the Advanced Exploration phase, progress includes:

• Steel erection for the hoist room is completed, and hoist installation has commenced.
• Headframe steel erection is ongoing.
• Construction of contact water ponds and retention pond at the shaft pad is complete.
• Water Treatment Plant building erection has begun.

Access Road Improvements – Beaverhouse Road

• Upgrades to Beaverhouse Road are finished, enhancing safety for all users.
• Beaverhouse Road and boat launch remains accessible to everyone.
• Brushing along the road is ongoing, as well as regular maintenance.

Ramp Portal Progress

• Ramp portal blasting was completed in December 2024. Box-cut excavation continues, with ramp development expected to begin in the fall.

Figure 1. Headframe and Hoistroom Steel Erection

Figure 2. Water Treatment Plant Building Erection | Figure 3. Ramp Portal Construction

Update on Alternative Access Road to Beaverhouse Lake via Fork Lake Road – In consultation with the community, Agnico Eagle plans to eventually redirect public traffic via the Fork Lake Road to access Beaverhouse Lake. 

• A communication was distributed on March 11 with further details related to the alternative road project and can be found here: MARCH 2025 – Update on Alternative Access to Beaverhouse Lake – Upper Beaver Project – Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.
• Tree-cutting commenced the week of March 17, and will be completed by mid-April prior to the bird-nesting period.
• Additional work will follow in May which will concentrate on widening the road and ensuring proper surface water drainage for the long-term.

Impact Assessment Update for potential production phase

The deadline to submit the Impact Statement is December 27, 2025, though Agnico Eagle plans to request an extension from IAAC. Major modelling and impact assessment work were on hold in 2024 to complete engineering studies and evaluate alternatives. Minor changes to the project’s description will be communicated during engagement activities.

Community Engagement

The focus of community engagement in 2025 revolves around the preparation of the Impact Statement, and we want you to play a vital role. We’re excited to host three Virtual Thematic Workshops in the first half of the year to share insights, explore potential impacts, and gather your invaluable feedback that will help shape the final Project design:

• Workshop #1 – Atmospheric: Date: April 16, 2025, Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM (via Zoom).
  Topics: Noise, air quality, vibration, and ambient light
  Register here – Registration Form: Virtual Workshop #1 Atmospheric
• Workshop #2 – Land Use: Date: To be determined, anticipated in May.
  Topics: Landscape, transmission line, terrestrial aspects, and closure concept.

• Workshop #3 – Water: Date: To be determined, anticipated in June.
  Topics: Surface water, groundwater, flows and water levels, fish, and fish habitat.

Project Update and Advisory Committee Creation Meeting

• On February 19, 2025, Agnico Eagle hosted a Virtual Public Information and Update session, which was attended by 38 participants. The session provided an overview of activities completed in 2024 related to Advanced Exploration, as well as anticipated work for 2025. A focus on the Impact Assessment and planned community engagement for 2025 rounded out the project update.
• In the second half of the meeting, the creation of the Project’s Advisory Committee was discussed. Participants selected most of the committee members, but primary seats remain open in the education and training category, along with alternate seats for Kirkland Lake and King Kirkland citizens, environmental groups, community organizations, and socio-economic organizations.

Advisory Committee Updates

• Interested individuals can still apply for the remaining positions by reaching out to the contact details provided below.
• The Advisory Committee held its first meeting on March 31, focusing on establishing its charter, identifying key topics, and planning meetings for the year ahead.
• A new dedicated Advisory Committee page will soon launch on the Upper Beaver website, featuring the charter, operating guidelines, and meeting minutes to keep everyone informed.

Regional Exploration Activities

The Regional Exploration team operates from the Dobie Exploration office, formerly known as Upper Canada, located near the Upper Beaver Project. Here’s the latest update on their activities.

• One exploration diamond drill is now operating 24/7 at the Upper Beaver southeast properties, covering permitted claims and patents. Drilling will continue through summer, with sound barriers being installed around the drill to reduce noise.
• Later, the drill will move to the Upper Beaver site for condemnation drilling at planned production phase infrastructure locations.
• Fieldwork preparations are underway for Lebel Township (King Kirkland), including plans for activities such as stripping, outcrop sampling, and soil sampling. Additional fieldwork is scheduled near Beaverhouse Lake, on both sides.