Côté Gold environmental team members working on the Mollie River Realignment at Crossing #3 construction
December 6, 2023
At Côté Gold, health, safety and well-being will always be our top priority. We recognize the importance of maintaining a culture of responsible mining through high standards of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. We strive to improve our practices and contribute positively to the well-being of our stakeholders and the protection of the environment. We foster sustainability and long-term prosperity for our host communities and Indigenous partners by engaging in regular dialogue and consultation to understand and work to address their needs and concerns.
As part of its environmental permitting for the project, and in keeping with its Zero Harm® commitment, Côté Gold has, in consultation with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, developed an offsetting strategy to compensate for the loss of fish habitat associated with the development of the mine.
Rerouting of the Mollie River was required in the footprint of the open pit and mine infrastructure to prevent flooding of the open pit from adjacent lakes during storm events. Natural channel design principles, incorporating channel morphology and habitat found in the Mollie River and other nearby watercourses, were incorporated into the strategy to create self-sustaining systems that restore ecological functions. The diversion of the Mollie River was initiated through the construction phase of the Côté Gold mine. In the fall of 2023, Crossing #3, which connected the outlet of Chester Lake to Oshki Lake, was completed, and the Mollie River was officially rerouted around the mine site.
Also, in line with our commitment to community engagement, in 2021, Côté Gold worked closely with Mattagami First Nation and Flying Post First Nation to collaboratively rename the new lake that would be formed as a result of the project. Through a consultative process, the name “Oshki Lake” was proposed, which means “new” or “young” in Ojibwe. In August of this year, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry officially approved the proposed name, solidifying the collaboration between Côté Gold and our local communities.
