Côté Gold is located in the Chester and Yeo Townships, District of Sudbury, in northeastern Ontario. It is approximately 25 km southwest of Gogama, 125 km southwest of Timmins, and 175 km northwest of Sudbury. The mine is accessible year-round via Highway 144 which runs north-south 5 km to the east. The Côté Gold properties were assembled through staking and option agreements covering a total area of about 596 km2 (IAMGOLD Corporation – Operations – Côté Gold, n.d.).
Côté Gold is located on Treaty 9 territory, on the traditional lands of Mattagami First Nation and Flying Post First Nation as well as within the traditional harvesting area of the Abitibi Inland Historic Métis Community, Métis Nation of Ontario Region 3 (IAMGOLD Corporation – Operations – Côté Gold, n.d.).
The project is a joint venture between IAMGOLD (70%) and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. (30%). IAMGOLD acquired the assets in 2012 through its acquisition of Trelawney Mining and Exploration Inc., which had been exploring the site since 2009 and before those various operators since the 1930s.
Côté Gold began production in 2024, with the first gold pour on March 31, 2024, and commercial production announced on August 1, 2024. The mine aims to ramp up to a processing throughput of 36,000 tonnes per day by the fourth quarter of 2025. It uses advanced technology, including 23 autonomous haul trucks and 6 autonomous drills, emphasizing safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection.
The mine is expected to have a life span of about 18 years, with an average annual production of around 365,000 ounces of gold over the life of mine, and initial production averaging nearly 495,000 ounces annually in the early years. The project involves a significant economic impact, with over 600 full-time jobs and a $5 billion contribution in wages over the mine’s life.
IAMGOLD has partnered with Indigenous communities, including a signed Impacts and Benefits Agreement with the Mattagami and Flying Post First Nations. This agreement includes commitments to employment, training, contracting, and cooperation in permitting processes.
Côté Gold also invests in community development and education, as reflected in its longstanding partnership with Laurentian University, funding engineering faculty positions and infrastructure support.
Overall, Côté Gold is notable not only for its size and production capacity but also for its integration of cutting-edge technology, commitment to sustainability, and collaborative approach with local Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
