In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, along the side of the road, it is possible to see a fir tree perched high on top of a mining infrastructure.
This coquetry of mining sites is a tradition that continues, notably at Agnico Eagle. Jocelyn Gélinas, general manager of the Goldex mining complex, mentions that this tradition has existed for more than 40 years within the company.
It was a gentleman from Ontario who established this Christmas tree tradition in a community of around 450 people, he says. It was to thank the employees and convey a message of peace and generosity. This tradition was brought to the Dumagami mine, in northwestern Quebec in the mid-1980s. About forty years later, the tradition continues on our sites.
At the LaRonde mine, the Agnico Eagle logo represents the Christmas tree star.
Courtesy
To be visible for miles around, the tree is of an imposing size. Our Goldex tree measures 14 meters, or 45 feet, at the top of the frame. And the headframe is 250 feet or 76 meters high. So the tree is very high!
reports Jocelyn Gélinas.
An internal tradition is also to carry out the illumination during an evening with employees. This is an opportunity to thank workers for the year's work.
