Premier Gold acquired the property in 2008, and in March 2014, a preliminary economic analysis (PEA) was prepared for the project. In 2015, Premier Gold Mines and Centerra Gold formed a 50/50 partnership to develop the property and completed a feasibility study in 2020, outlining the development of an open-pit gold mine with an initial 14.5-year mine life. EQUINOX GOLD’S ACQUISITION Equinox Gold entered the scene in 2021, forming a 60/40 partnership with Orion Mine Finance for the Since 2003, Cloutier Contracting has worked closely with a number of companies and organizations to ensure that the project that would eventually become one of North America's largest gold mines could take root and prosper in the small community of Geraldton, Ontario. The region has historically been home to many successful gold ventures from 1930-1970, producing more than 2 million ounces of gold. But as gold prices fluctuated and mining costs increased, the mines closed and site rehabilitation ensued. But soon after, new mining companies and technologies revitalized the industry allowing the new Greenstone Gold Mine to help usher in a new era of prosperity for the community. Cloutier Contracting has always had to be a swiss army knife of the construction industry due to the everchanging needs of their small northern community. And over the past few years have been able to evolve from a small-town heavy equipment operation with 20 employees into a community mainstay with over 170 employees and servicing one of the most prosperous gold mines in the country. Not only has their expertise in construction helped to make the mine a reality through their construction phase but has now grown into the role of being a key player throughout their operations phase by offering services such as tailings dam construction, crushing operations, septic services, equipment rentals, winter operations, just to mention a few. This versatility and experience in a variety of fields has uniquely positioned the company to offer a vast array of services to the mine, accommodating their every need in an often turbulent Canadian landscape. As a huge proponent of reconciliation, Cloutier Contracting has formed a partnership with Minodahmun Development, an Indigenous owned firm that is comprised of three local First Nation communities: Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, and Ginoogaming First Nation. As a result, the partnership, called “Amik” (Ojibway for “beaver”), maximizes Indigenous training and potential employment at Greenstone Gold Mines. This ensures that local Indigenous business owners benefit from the resources of the region while also allowing local Indigenous communities to focus on their social and cultural priorities. Not only has Cloutier Contracting established themselves as a vital part of the Greenstone Gold Mine’s legacy, but they have also become a champion for the advancement of reconciliation and are looking forward to many more ventures within the mining industry near and far. 6
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