Equinox Gold Welcomes Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Greenstone Mine First Nation Partners for a Gold Pour at the Greenstone Mine

Rhea-AI Summary

Equinox Gold Corp. (EQX) hosted Ontario Premier Doug Ford and First Nation leaders at its Greenstone Mine on June 18, 2024, to witness a gold pour. Premier Ford emphasized the importance of partnerships with First Nations and industry for economic growth and job creation in Ontario. The event also saw the announcement of funding initiatives, including $1.9 million for the Indigenous Workforce Development Program and $2 million for the construction of the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, which will create jobs and revenue for local First Nations. Additionally, the Ontario government pledged support for infrastructure projects including the relocation of the Greenstone OPP detachment and upgrades to Highway 584 and Highway 11.

Positive

• Equinox Gold hosted important dignitaries at its Greenstone Mine, boosting its public profile.
• Premier Doug Ford's visit highlighted the significance of Equinox Gold's operations in Ontario.
• $1.9 million funding for the Indigenous Workforce Development Program supports job creation in mineral development.
• $2 million allocated for the construction of the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, creating jobs and revenue for First Nations.
• Support for infrastructure upgrades, including Highway 584 and Highway 11, facilitates better connectivity.

Negative

• None.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2024) - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") had the pleasure of hosting First Nation and Ontario government dignitaries at its Greenstone Mine.

The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nation Economic Reconciliation, Yvette Metansinine, Chief of Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, Sonny Gagnon, Chief of Aroland First Nation, Sheri Taylor, Chief of Ginoogaming First Nation and Judy Desmoulin, Chief of Long Lake #58 First Nation, all visited the Greenstone Mine on June 18^th to witness a gold pour.

"It was an honour to visit the Greenstone Mine and witness the remarkable process of a gold pour," said Premier Doug Ford. "As we rebuild Ontario's economy, our government is forming meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities and industry partners, fostering significant opportunities for growth and job creation, especially in critical minerals and resource development."

Greenstone Mine Welcomes First Nation and Ontario Government Dignitaries for Gold Pour

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Equinox Gold's Greenstone Mine has agreements in place with Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation. Premier Ford and Minister Rickford were in Geraldton to announce renewed partnerships with all four First Nations and funding initiatives to unlock economic and resource development opportunities in northern Ontario, including:

• $1.9 million from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for the Indigenous Workforce Development Program through the province's Skills Development Fund to provide training and support to secure jobs related to mineral development in the region;
• $2 million to fund construction and maintenance of the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, which will serve First Nation members, tourists and residents, create jobs, and drive revenue for the First Nations and Municipality of Greenstone. Greenstone Mine donated the land to its First Nations partners for the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop;
• Support for relocation of the Greenstone Ontario Provincial Police detachment, which was moved during Greenstone Mine construction; and
• Maintenance and upgrades to Highway 584 and Highway 11 to help connect more First Nations communities to the province's highway network.

In the Ontario government news release on June 18, 2024, Minister Rickford said, "Through strategic partnerships and critical infrastructure investments, we are laying the foundation for Greenstone to become the new centre of gravity for mining, in partnership with First Nations."

Greg Smith, President & CEO of Equinox Gold, commented, "We appreciate the province's support for development and infrastructure improvements in the Greenstone region and applaud their commitment to developing meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities in Ontario."

Equinox Gold Contacts

Greg Smith, President & Chief Executive Officer
Rhylin Bailie, Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 604-558-0560
Email: ir@equinoxgold.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/213600

FAQ

What event took place at Equinox Gold's Greenstone Mine on June 18, 2024?

Equinox Gold hosted a gold pour event attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and First Nation leaders.

How much funding was announced for the Indigenous Workforce Development Program related to mineral development in Greenstone?

The Ontario government announced $1.9 million in funding for the Indigenous Workforce Development Program.

What is the purpose of the $2 million funding announced for the Greenstone region?

The $2 million funding is for the construction of the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, which aims to create jobs and generate revenue for local First Nations.

Which infrastructure projects received support from the Ontario government in relation to Equinox Gold's Greenstone Mine?

The Ontario government supported the relocation of the Greenstone OPP detachment and upgrades to Highway 584 and Highway 11.

Who were the key dignitaries present at the Greenstone Mine event hosted by Equinox Gold?

Key dignitaries included Premier Doug Ford, Minister Greg Rickford, and leaders from various First Nations.