We are pleased to announce that the Goldex Complex team has won the prestigious 2023 Michel Létourneau Award for their innovative Drum Cutter initiative. This award highlights their exceptional contributions to teamwork, productivity improvements, cost control, innovation, accident prevention, and health and safety in our organization.
The team’s use of a drum cutter for excavating paste backfill has greatly improved pastefill development at the mine. A drum cutter, equipped with rotating drums and picks, efficiently cuts soft rock, concrete or frozen ground. This method offers several benefits, including reduced ammonium in mine water, less water treatment, better control over profile results, reduced material to haul, and a simpler bolting and shotcreting process.
In March 2024, the Goldex Complex was recognized for this outstanding initiative with the Good Move of the Month internal recognition. Over the past four months, various teams tested and implemented the drum cutter on level 120, covering 152 metres. This project resulted in significant cost savings of about $1,890 per metre due to decreased shotcrete usage and faster bolting times. The cycle time improved by approximately 10% compared to traditional methods, showcasing the team's dedication and hard work.
Honouring Excellence: On August 1st in Toronto, The Michel Létourneau Award or Good Move of the Year was presented to team members, Jocelyn Gélinas, General Manager, Goldex; Danny Plante, General Mine Supervisor, Goldex; Jonathan Picotte, Optimisation Advisor (Mine Supervisor), Goldex; Jacky Martel, Training Advisor and Marc Tremblay, Mining Innovation Specialist. The event celebrated contributions to health, safety, environment, community and business throughout 2023. Presenting the award were Ammar Al-Joundi, President & CEO; Patrice Gilbert, Senior Consultant Health, Safety, Security & Indigenous Affairs; and Michel Létourneau, a visionary leader in our health, safety and security programs.
During the ceremony, Patrice highlighted the importance of innovation and cost savings, stating, "These initiatives showcase Agnico Eagle’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.” In accepting the award on behalf of the Goldex teams, Jocelyn thanked the teams for their cross-departmental collaboration, emphasizing Agnico Eagle's dedication to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovative technologies and strategic projects.
A Legacy of Good Moves: Over the past decade, the Good Moves campaign has highlighted over 5,000 employee contributions that have significantly improved Agnico Eagle’s health, safety, environmental and business performance. The Goldex Complex team's achievement exemplifies the spirit of innovation and excellence that this campaign seeks to promote. Congratulations to the team for their well-deserved recognition and for driving operational efficiencies and sustainability within our organization.