This decision follows the receipt of an opinion from a second rock mechanics consulting firm which recommended that underground mining operations be halted until the situation is investigated further.
While the company continues to assess the situation, it appears that a weak volcanic rock unit in the hangingwall of the Goldex deposit has failed.
This rock failure is thought to extend between the top of the deposit and surface, and as a result, this structure has allowed ground water to flow into the mine.
This water flow has likely contributed to further weakening and movement of the rock mass, the company said.
Agnico-Eagle vice-chairman and CEO Sean Boyd said considering the safety of the company’s employees, and the integrity of the mine’s infrastructure and that of the surrounding area, the decision was made to stop production indefinitely.
