Despite ongoing challenges related to dewatering and adverse weather conditions in the second and third quarters, AEM CEO Sean Boyd said the operation was still able to achieve commerica production on time with its original schedule. “With the start of production at both Amaruq and Meliadine in 2019, the company is well-positioned to deliver on its goal of generating net free cash flow in the second half of this year,” he added.

The Amaruq mining operation uses the existing infrastructure at the Meadowbank mine (mining equipment, mill, tailings, camp and airstrip). Additional infrastructure has been built at the Amaruq site (truck shop/warehouse, fuel storage and an additional camp facility). Amaruq ore is transported using long haul off-road type trucks to the mill at the Meadowbank site for processing.

Amaruq ore processing commenced in August using low-grade stockpiles. In the third quarter of 2019, production at the Meadowbank Complex totaled 48,869 ounces (oz) of gold, which included 13,588 oz from Meadowbank and pre-commercial payable gold production at Amaruq of 35,281 oz, compared to pre-commercial production guidance of 40,000 oz of gold. Pre-commercial production gold sales totaled 32,042 oz.

During the third quarter of 2019, mining activities at Amaruq continued to be affected by slower than expected dewatering activities, largely related to heavier than expected rainfall. Dewatering is now substantially complete, about one month later than previously expected.