The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable, Lloyd Parrott, Minister of Energy and Mines:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone for Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining industry with the inauguration of the Valentine Gold Mine, now in commercial production in Central Newfoundland.

This project represents years of investment, collaboration and hard work. In its recently announced Phase 2 expansion, Equinox Gold will double its throughput capacity and raise its average annual gold production to approximately 223,000 ounces. Over the next two years, Equinox plans to invest $436 million to expand its mill, fleet and infrastructure at Valentine. And the company is not yet done exploring its 320-square-kilometre property.

Speaker, our government is focused on making sure companies like Equinox can grow, invest and create jobs. This mine means jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, opportunities for businesses, and long-term economic benefits for communities throughout our province. Through the project’s benefits agreement, residents and companies are well positioned to share in its success.

The Valentine Gold Mine strengthens Central Newfoundland’s reputation as a premier mining region and reinforces our province’s position as a leading destination for mineral development and investment.

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I congratulate Equinox Gold, its employees, contractors, Indigenous partners, and everyone who helped bring this project from exploration and development to production.