The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi (CFNW), the Cree Nation Government and the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and Gold Fields (JSE: GFI) have signed of an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) for the Windfall mining project.
The Windfall project is located in the Abitibi greenstone belt, within the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec.
The Johannesburg-based miner became sole owner of the project in 2024 when it acquired Osisko Mining in a $2.2 billion ($1.6 billion) deal.
The Windfall project, known as the Uukiimau Agreement (ᐆᑮᒪᐤ ᓀᔅᑯᒨᓐ) (Oo-ki-maw), meaning “the leader” or “the head” – is a name that speaks to origin and direction, like the headwaters of a river, and honours Father Lake, a place of deep cultural significance, the Cree Nation said in a news release Tuesday.
A defining moment that marks an enduring partnership built on mutual respect, shared purpose, and a common vision for the future – this agreement is a commitment made in good faith, rooted in sustained dialogue, and designed to last for the life of the Windfall operation, the Nation said.
The Uukiimau Agreement establishes a comprehensive framework spanning financial, operational, environmental, and social commitments, ensuring that the development of natural resources in this region creates genuine, lasting benefits for Cree communities and future generations.
“Strong relationships are built when parties work together with honesty, respect, and a shared sense of responsibility. The Uukiimau Agreement reflects that approach and establishes a foundation for responsible development that respects Cree values while creating long-term opportunities for our communities and future generations” Cree Nation Government Grand Chief Paul John Murdoch said.
“The Uukiimau Agreement marks an important milestone in our partnership with Gold Fields,” Chief Irene Neeposh of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi added. “Together, we have established a framework that will create lasting benefits for Waswanipi through jobs, training, and contracting opportunities, while ensuring that development respects our land, our values, and our Cree way of life.”
The Windfall project has measured and indicated resources of 9.5 million tonnes grading 10.5 g/t gold and 5.2 g/t silver, for contained metal of 3.2 million oz. gold and 1.6 million oz. silver. It also has inferred resources totalling 13 million tonnes grading 8.6 g/t gold and 4.7 g/t silver for 3.6 million oz. gold and 2.0 million oz. silver.
Gold Fields plans to bring the Windfall mine into production by the end of 2026 or early 2027, eventually ramping up to approximately 300,000 ounces annually.
“This Agreement represents a shared commitment towards our partnership for the responsible and sustainable development of the Windfall project,” Gold Fields Canada SVP Patrick Tobin said. “We are proud to move forward together.”
