Quebec grants key environmental authorisation, paving the way for construction of Gold Fields’ high-grade Windfall gold project, which is expected to produce approximately 300,000 ounces of gold annually.
MONTRÉAL, November 2, 2026: Gold Fields has secured a major regulatory breakthrough for its Windfall gold mining project in Quebec, Canada, after receiving the environmental Certificate of Authorisation from the provincial government. The approval marks a significant step towards construction and full-scale development of one of Canada’s high-grade gold projects.
The certificate was issued on October 30, 2026, by Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment, confirming that the project has completed the applicable environmental and social impact assessment and review process under Quebec’s Environment Quality Act.
The authorisation allows Gold Fields to proceed with construction activities, subject to applicable regulatory conditions, environmental commitments and other requirements.
Agreement with Cree First Nation Strengthens Project Development
The environmental approval follows the signing of the Uukiimau Agreement in June 2026 between Gold Fields, the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, the Cree Nation Government and the Grand Council of the Crees.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation throughout the mine’s operating life. It includes commitments covering employment, workforce training, business opportunities, environmental monitoring and financial participation for Indigenous communities.
The project will also be powered primarily by hydroelectricity supplied through a transmission line owned and operated by the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi.
Windfall Targets Annual Production of 300,000 Ounces
The Windfall project is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, approximately 115 kilometres east of Lebel-sur-Quévillon.
Once fully operational and ramped up, the mine is expected to produce approximately 300,000 ounces of gold annually. Gold Fields considers the project a strategic growth opportunity that could strengthen its international mining portfolio.
The company acquired complete ownership of Windfall in October 2024 through its acquisition of Canadian mining company Osisko Mining for approximately C$2.16 billion.
Final Investment Decision Expected by February 2027
Following the environmental authorisation, Gold Fields will advance preparations for its Final Investment Decision (FID), which remains subject to board approval.
The company expects to provide an updated construction schedule, development capital estimate and revised mineral resource and reserve information by February 2027, alongside its 2026 provisional results.
Gold Fields also plans to remobilise operations at the site, including restarting underground activities that were paused following the expiry of the bulk-sample exploration permit at the end of August 2026. Early civil works and construction of camp facilities are also expected to begin shortly.
A Strategic Growth Opportunity for Gold Fields
Beyond the main Windfall deposit, Gold Fields holds an exploration land package of approximately 2,500 square kilometres across the Urban-Barry and Quévillon areas. The company is advancing regional exploration programmes to identify additional gold resources and expand the project’s long-term potential.
The environmental approval represents an important milestone for Gold Fields as it works to expand its production base and strengthen its position in the global gold industry.
With regulatory authorisation secured and an agreement established with Indigenous communities, attention now shifts towards the final investment decision, construction planning and execution. The project’s progress will be closely watched by investors and the wider mining industry as Gold Fields moves towards developing a major new gold-producing operation in Canada.