When IAMGOLD broke ground on the Côté Gold Mine, it left something behind for the business community.
The mining company has donated $50,000 to the Gogama Chamber of Commerce.
"These funds will assist businesses in the community to offset some of the costs of acquiring PPE and to support continued business operations. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Gogama and area residents," said Gord Stothart, IAMGOLD president and CEO, in a statement.
Friday's groundbreaking for the new open-pit mine near Gogama was attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford.
Stothart said as the project is built, the company is "committed to engaging local workers and procuring goods and services through local and Indigenous businesses."
"As the world goes through this difficult phase, we’ve been guided by our Zero Harm approach. We have focussed on taking care of our most valuable assets – employees and communities. We recognize there has been a big economic impact faced by all levels of society," he said.
“These impacts have not overlooked Gogama and its local economy which is largely reliant upon tourism."
In Ontario, Stothart said they've donated 5,000 face shields for health care facilities, and donated $5,000 to the Young Mining Professionals Toronto's Mining Cares initiative supporting the United Way Greater Toronto.
Earlier this year, the company also donated $3,000 to Gogama to help access PPE such as masks and disposable gloves.
