The movement occurred in a zone previously identified for its weaker geological structure, which had been under enhanced geotechnical monitoring. While the pit is closed, the company is utilizing low-grade ore from existing stockpiles to keep the Canadian Malartic processing plant operational, aiming to soften the immediate production shortfall.
Agnico Eagle Suspends Barnat Mining Following North Wall Movement
A rock mass movement along the north wall of the Barnat open pit at the Canadian Malartic complex in Quebec forced Agnico Eagle Mines to temporarily halt mining operations on July 1. No injuries or environmental damage occurred, though the disruption will impact gold production through 2028.
Technical teams are currently assessing the stability of the north wall to determine a safe path for resuming operations. Agnico Eagle expects this event to decrease production in the second half of 2026 by approximately 60,000 to 80,000 ounces of gold. Consequently, the company anticipates its full-year output will settle at the lower end of its 3.3 million to 3.5 million ounce guidance range. Projections for 2027 and 2028 also face potential reductions of up to 150,000 ounces annually. Despite these setbacks, the company maintains that the incident will not alter the development outlook for the nearby Odyssey mine or its long-term goal of reaching 1 million ounces of annual production from the Canadian Malartic complex in the early 2030s.
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