Hecla’s Casa Berardi Mine operates in a politically stable and mining friendly region in Quebec, with good geology and infrastructure. Its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility defines how the mine manages its business and its role in the community.
Mine Type
Ownership
Silver
Gold
***All metals reflect 2023 production
Hecla’s Casa Berardi mine is an underground/open-pit gold mine located in western Quebec. In 2023, the mine produced 90,363 ounces of gold and 22,415 ounces of silver.
Hecla Quebec is one of the largest private-sector employees and taxpayers in the communities near the Casa Berardi mine
The Casa Berardi Mine is situated 95 kilometres north of La Sarre, Quebec and straddles a 37-kilometre section of the Casa Berardi fault.
The Casa Berardi gold deposits are located along a five kilometre east-west mineralized corridor. They include the East and West mines and the Principal Zones. The Casa Berardi gold deposits can be classified as an Archean sedimentary-hosted lode gold deposit. The gold mineralization is superimposed on a continuous graphitic mudrock unit corresponding to the Casa Berardi Fault plane. Gold occurs mainly south of the Casa Berardi Fault and occasionally on both sides of the fault.
The West Mine shaft deepening project, which included construction of loading pockets and other related infrastructure, was completed in 2014, improving mine operations by providing additional access to the 118 and 123 zones for transporting ore and waste from underground. Excavation of the 985 drift (previously referred to as 1010) from the deepened shaft is underway. This drift is expected to improve ventilation and material handling and also provide a platform for deeper exploration drilling.
The Company began producing ore from the East Mine Crown Pillar (EMCP) pit in July 2016. Located near the East mine, the capital for this shallow pit project is expected to be $39 million over 5.5 years. The project has an expected IRR of 90%.
Casa Berardi’s corporate responsibility is based on three pillars: health and safety for our workers, community involvement and respect for the environment.
Our social responsibility includes building partnerships in the local communities where we operate.
Hecla Québec wishes to exchange with the community, maintain a constructive dialogue with stakeholders and allow citizens to participate in the continuous improvement of its operations.
In 2022, Hecla Québec adopted a Policy for the Prevention of Forced Labor and Child Labor, with an aim to:
- Implement processes to prevent forced labor and child labor
- Demonstrate clear commitments to prevention
- Identify roles and responsibilities within the organization
COMMITMENTS
Every year, the Casa Berardi Mine team updates the list of stakeholders and communities that may have an interest in its activities. This update is then refined with the assistance of the Casa Berardi Mine Liaison Committee. If you would like to identify yourself as a stakeholder, please write to us at the e-mail address below. The process can be confidential if you wish. You can also subscribe to our e-mail list, which is used to share our Annual Reports with the community.
I would like to participate or be informed, write to us at: [email protected]
Procedure for communicating with us: At the Casa Berardi Mine, we sincerely believe that the community is a real ally in the continuous improvement of our practices. That's why we've set up accessible communication channels and a transparent, fair communication procedure to take your feedback into account.
Our Community Involvement
Firmly rooted in its community, Hecla Québec is particularly sensitive to the initiatives and efforts that vitalize the region and give it its unique color.
UQAT Foundation
Contributing to the advancement of teaching and research in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, recognizing excellence, community involvement and, above all, the perseverance of local students, are all incentives that led Hecla Québec to sign an historic agreement with the Fondation de l’Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue in 2009.
- $1/ounce of gold produced at the Casa Berardi mine each year is donated to the Fondation de l’UQAT
- To date, $2,000,000 injected in the Hecla Québec Global Development Fund.
Each year, Hecla Québec also awards nearly $50,000 in university, college and professional scholarships.
The role of the Liaison Committee is to serve as a forum for the sharing of information and the consideration of ideas and suggestions from the community, with a view to continuously improving Casa Berardi mine operations.
The Committee's objectives are to:
Foster strong ties with communities of interest:
- By addressing issues that affect them;
- By allowing them to express themselves freely, share their concerns and contribute in searching for solutions;
- By working together to set and achieve common goals.
Solicit input from communities of interest on Casa Berardi Mine's community relations, environmental management and energy efficiency initiatives and commitments.
The role and objectives of the Liaison Committee were established with the stakeholders present at the founding meeting, then adopted by the members at the Committee's first meeting, held in January 2019.
| Sector | Municipality / Organization |
| Resident | Abitibi-Ouest |
| Resident | North of Quebec |
| Municipal | Abitibi-Ouest |
| Municipal | Resident |
| Indigenous community | Abitibiwinni First Nation |
| Socio-economic | Abitibi-Ouest |
| Socio-economic | North of Quebec |
| Environment | Abitibi-Jamésie Watershed Organization |
| Education and Formation | UQAT - Abitibi-Ouest Center |
For the Casa Berardi Mine Liaison Committee Minutes, click here and go to Apercus locaux (halfway down the page), click on the responsabilité sociale tab and then on the Comité de liaison tab.
Hecla Québec is proud to share the significant improvement in its health and safety performance with the community. Since 2015, the team has managed to improve its performance by 70%. The most recent annual OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) rates, which is the most widely used performance indicator within the industry, are presented below. Please note that these performance rates include the number of reportable accidents per 200,000 hours worked, both by our employees and by our contractors working on the Casa Berardi mine site.
- 2020 : 1.71
- 2021 : 1.66
- 2022 : 1.58
- 2023: 2.16
In addition, we apply the following Sustainable Development Protocol:
- Recognize everyone's right to work in a safe and healthy workplace, protecting the safety, health and well-being of our employees, contractors, and visitors to the site
- Encourage health and safety education in the community
- Recognize and encourage the important role of government authorities in imposing effective health and safety measures.
COMMITMENTS
At Hecla Quebec, our commitment to health and safety is the main value that guides all of our actions. We are committed to:
The Casa Berardi Mine Health and Safety Committee meets monthly to discuss safety strategies, exchange information on potential risks and develop initiatives to reduce risks to workers.
On September 19, 2023, the Quebec Mining Association (QMA) held its health and safety symposium in Rouyn-Noranda. The QMA highlighted the exceptional work of some of its members by awarding various safety trophies to supervisors who have distinguished themselves over the year.
100,000 hours
Jean-Claude Lavoie was recognized for his excellent performance--100,000 hours of supervision without a lost-time accident with his team.
50,000 hours
Francis Dicaire, Gaétan Tremblay and Rémi Bergeron were rewarded for achieving 50,000 hours of supervision without a lost-time accident with their respective work teams.
For the second time in the last three years, Casa Berardi Mine was awarded the John T. Ryan Safety Trophy for the Quebec and Maritime Provinces region for outstanding safety performance. This annual award is presented by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum to the mine with the lowest frequency of reportable injuries.
Casa Berardi also won the F.J. O'Connell Award for Excellence in Accident Prevention for underground operations of 400,000 hours or more.
At the 59th edition of the provincial mine rescue competition, the Casa Berardi mine team won the silver medal and the following trophies:
For Hecla, operating responsibly means using advanced mining technologies that minimize the impact of exploration and development. Hecla is also committed to rehabilitating the sites that have hosted its projects to allow for productive use of the territory once the mining activities are completed. Hecla continues to develop new methods that allow our operations to coexist with nature, while limiting the footprint of its activities.
To do this, Hecla has adopted an environmental policy. The main pillars include:
Hecla is committed to protecting the environment responsibly and strives to minimize environmental impacts and risks for present and future generations. In order to fulfill its responsibilities, the Company will provide the necessary resources to:
Casa Berardi is involved in the Mining Association of Canada Towards Sustainable Mining initiative. In 2022, Hecla commissioned an independent third party to conduct its first TSM external audit, which assessed its performance level for eight Protocols related to environmental, social and governance topics.
The external audit confirmed that the Casa Berardi mine achieves Level A or higher performance for 3 of the 8 Protocols, namely:
In order to control the environmental impacts of its activities, Hecla Québec has implemented responsible practices and a continuous improvement program in environmental performance. The environmental management system allows for a structured, integrated, and planned implementation of efforts to reduce its footprint.
In implementing the TSM Climate Change Management Protocol, Hecla is working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals:
By implementing the TSM Tailings Management Protocol, Hecla is working towards the following sustainable development goals:
COMMITMENTS
By implementing the TSM Water Stewardship Protocol, Hecla is working towards the following sustainable development goals:
By implementing the TSM Biodiversity Management Protocol, Hecla is working towards the following sustainable development goals:
Responsible planning for the rehabilitation of mining sites is one of the commitments that companies that adhere to the TSM Initiative must undertake. To do so, the Casa Berardi mine ensures that the following statements are respected:
Progressive rehabilitation opportunities at the Casa Berardi mine include:
Progressive filling of open pits
Rehabilitation and gradual closure of the tailings management facility
Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2020
Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2019
Hecla Québec
1010, 3e Avenue Est
Val-d’Or (Québec) J9P 0J6
Telephone : 819 874-4511
Casa Berardi Mine – Community Relations
659, 2e Rue Est
La Sarre (Québec) J9Z 2Y9
Telephone : 819 339-0610
The Casa Berardi mine is located north of the community of Villebois, in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James Regional Government, Nord-du-Québec (NDQ) administrative region.
Mine history
1974: Staking of the first 13 claims (mining titles)
1981: Drilling of discovery holes
1988: Opening of the East mine and start of commercial production
1990: Opening of the West mine
1974 - 1991: Owned by Inco
1997: Closure of mines
1991 - 1998: Property of TVX
1998- 1999: Discovery of Zone 113 (allowed reopening of the West Mine)
1998 - 2004: Exploration on the site
2004 - 2006: Feasibility study and construction
2007: Return to production of the West mine
1998 - 2013: Owned by Mines Aurizon
2013: Acquisition by Hecla Mining
2016: Start of the East mine pit
2019: Announcement of 15-year mine life extension to 2033
2020: Permits obtained for mining of Pit 160 and preparatory work.
2021: Pit 160 goes into production
2022: Surface mining begins
2023: Announcement of mine life extension to 2037
By providing a safe work environment for its employees, Hecla Quebec sets itself apart as an employer of choice and a major mining producer. A job awaits you at Hecla Quebec. Join our team.
An experienced management team will assist you in developing your potential. We invite you to consult the list of available positions and send us your curriculum vitae.
The regional Casa Berardi project covers the eastern and western extensions of the gold-bearing structures of the Casa Berardi mine, over a distance of more than 35 kilometres. Although previous work has revealed the presence of gold showings, the area remains underexplored and offers excellent potential for discovering new economic deposits. Such a discovery could increase the gold reserves of the Casa Berardi mine and extend its life.
The Heva-Hosco exploration property, where our work has progressed well, is located in the Joannès township near Rouyn-Noranda in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The property borders the Cadillac-Larder Lake fault for more than 8 km.
The Opinaca-Wildcat project is located 320 km north of Matagami in the James Bay territory, near the Éléonore mine. The project is made up of two properties, Opinaca and Wildcat.
Information with respect to proven and probable ore reserves, measured, and inferred resources is set forth below.
|
Tons (000) |
Silver (oz/ton) |
Gold (oz/ton) |
Lead (%) |
Zinc (%) |
Silver (000 oz) |
Gold (000 oz) |
Lead (Tons) |
Zinc (Tons) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Open Pit | |||||||||
|
4,240 |
–
|
0.09 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
379 |
–
|
–
| |
|
11,384 |
–
|
0.08 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
859
|
–
|
–
| |
|
15,624 |
–
|
0.08 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
1,238
|
–
|
–
| |
|
Underground | |||||||||
|
55
|
–
|
0.12 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
7 |
–
|
–
| |
|
175 |
–
|
0.15 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
26 |
–
|
–
| |
|
230 |
–
|
0.14 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
33 |
–
|
–
| |
|
Open Pit | |||||||||
|
67
|
–
|
0.03 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
2 |
–
|
–
| |
|
205
|
–
|
0.03 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
5
|
–
|
–
| |
|
272 |
–
|
0.03 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
7
|
–
|
–
| |
|
Underground | |||||||||
|
1,099 |
–
|
0.21 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
234
|
–
|
–
| |
|
3,154 |
–
|
0.19 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
603 |
–
|
–
| |
|
4,253 |
–
|
0.20 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
837 |
–
|
–
| |
|
Open Pit | |||||||||
|
828 |
–
|
0.08 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
64 |
–
|
–
| |
|
Underground | |||||||||
|
1,475 |
–
|
0.22 |
–
|
–
|
–
|
332 |
–
|
–
|
Totals may not represent the sum of parts due to rounding.
(2) Mineral reserves are based on $17/oz silver, $1600/oz gold, $0.90/lb lead, $1.15/lb zinc, unless otherwise stated. All Mineral Reserves are reported in-situ with estimates of mining dilution and mining loss.
(5) The average reserve cut-off grades at Casa Berardi are 0.11 oz/ton gold underground and 0.03 oz/ton gold for open pit. Metallurgical recovery (actual 2023): 85% for gold; US$/CAN$ exchange rate: 1:1.3. Underground mineral reserves at Casa Berardi were based on a gold price of $1,850/oz.
Note: All estimates are in-situ. Resources are exclusive of reserves.
(12) Mineral resources for operating properties are based on $1,750/oz gold, $21/oz silver, $1.15/lb lead, $1.35/lb zinc and $3.00/lb copper, unless otherwise stated. Mineral resources for non-operating resource projects are based on $1,700/oz for gold, $21.00/oz for silver, $1.15/lb for lead, $1.35/lb for zinc and $3.00/lb for copper, unless otherwise stated.
(15) The average resource cut-off grades at Casa Berardi are 0.12 oz/ton gold for underground and 0.03 oz/ton gold for open pit; metallurgical recovery (actual 2023): 85% for gold; US$/CAN$ exchange rate: 1:1.3.
Reporting requirements in the United States for disclosure of mineral properties as of December 31, 2020 and earlier are governed by the SEC’s Securities Act Industry Guide 7, entitled “Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations”; (Guide 7). Effective January 1, 2021, the SEC has issued new rules rescinding Guide 7. Mining companies are not required to comply with the new rules until the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. Thus, the Company will be required to comply with the new rules when filing its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. The Company is also a “reporting issuer”; under Canadian securities laws, which require estimates of mineral resources and reserves to be prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). NI 43-101 requires all disclosure of estimates of potential mineral resources and reserves to be disclosed in accordance with its requirements. Such Canadian information is included herein to satisfy the Company’s “public disclosure”; obligations under Regulation FD of the SEC and to provide U.S. holders with ready access to information publicly available in Canada.
Reporting requirements in the United States for disclosure of mineral properties under Guide 7 compared to the new SEC rules (Item 1300 of Regulation S-K under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) and the requirements in Canada under NI 43-101 standards are substantially different. This document contains a summary of certain estimates of the Company, not only of Proven and Probable reserves within the meaning of Guide 7, but also of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates estimated in accordance with the new SEC rules and definitional standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum referred to in NI 43-101. Under Guide 7, the term “reserve”; means that part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The term “economically”, as used in the definition of reserve, means that profitable extraction or production has been established or analytically demonstrated to be viable and justifiable under reasonable investment and market assumptions. The term “legally”, as used in the definition of reserve, does not imply that all permits needed for mining and processing have been obtained or that other legal issues have been completely resolved. However, for a reserve to exist, Hecla must have a justifiable expectation, based on applicable laws and regulations, that issuance of permits or resolution of legal issues necessary for mining and processing at a particular deposit will be accomplished in the ordinary course and in a timeframe consistent with Hecla’s current mine plans. The terms “Measured resources”, “Indicated resources,”; and “Inferred resources”; are mining terms as defined in accordance with the new SEC rules and NI 43-101. These terms are not defined under Guide 7 and prior to January 1, 2021, were not normally permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC in the United States, except where required to be disclosed by foreign law. The term “resource”; does not equate to the term “reserve”;. Under Guide 7, the material described herein as “Indicated resources”; and “Measured resources”; would be characterized as “mineralized material”; and is permitted to be disclosed in tonnage and grade only, not ounces. The category of “inferred resources”; is not recognized by Guide 7. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in such categories will ever be converted into Proven or Probable reserves. “Resources”; have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of such a “resource”; will ever be upgraded to a higher category or will ever be economically extracted. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a “resource”; exists or is economically or legally mineable. Investors are also especially cautioned that the mere fact that such resources may be referred to in ounces of silver and/or gold, rather than in tons of mineralization and grades of silver and/or gold estimated per ton, is not an indication that such material will ever result in mined ore which is processed into commercial silver or gold.
Casa Berardi is an underground trackless mine accessed by declines and a shaft. The mining methods are longhole transversal stoping in 10 meters or more mineralization width, and longitudinal retreat stoping in narrower ore bodies. The mineralized zones put in reserves are of varying thickness, ranging from a few tens of meters to 3 meters, which is the minimum mining width. Most of the hanging walls are sub-vertical (55° to 85°) with typically the graphitic Casa Berardi fault at the footwall. In addition, ore is being produced from the East Mine Crown Pillar (EMCP) pit located near the East mine.
The mine has produced approximately 2.0 million recovered gold ounces since commencing production in 1988, including about 1.0 million recovered ounces since production recommenced in November 2006.
(years ended December 31)
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver (ounces) | 31,640 | 24,142 |
33,517 | 28,289 |
22,415
|
| Gold (ounces) | 134,409 | 121,492 |
134,511 | 127,590 |
90,363
|
In 2024, of the $25.4 million planned for exploration and pre-development spend, 3.8% is planned for Casa Berardi. Limited underground exploration will be focused in the Principal Area to expand underground mining areas in the short term and test target areas north and south of the Casa Berardi Fault.
The Company has been focused on long-term operational improvement at Casa Berardi. The transition from underground to fully open-pit mining is underway, and results are exceeding expectations so far.
Casa Berardi provides large social and economic benefits in its community through volunteerism, investment, and engagement. In 2023, Hecla Quebec was one of the largest private-sector employees and taxpayers in the communities near the mine with a direct economic impact of more than $274 million including over $57 million in wages, $48 million in taxes and fees, and $169 million in purchases from vendors.
