Together with the Uukiimau Agreement concluded with the Cree, this key regulatory milestone lays the foundation towards development.
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Gold Fields Limited ("Gold Fields") and its wholly owned subsidiary, Windfall Mining Group Inc. ("Windfall"), are pleased to announce that the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Protection de la biodiversité, de la Faune et des Parcs has issued the certificate of authorization required to begin construction of the Windfall mining project, located in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.
The certificate of authorization confirms that Windfall has completed the environmental and social impact assessment and review process applicable to the project under Title II of the Environment Quality Act. It provides the authorization required to begin construction activities, in accordance with the applicable conditions, commitments and regulatory requirements.
This milestone follows the signing, in June 2026, of the Uukiimau Agreement, an Impact and Benefit Agreement concluded with the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, the Cree Nation Government and the Grand Council of the Crees. Together, these two achievements establish a strong partnership and regulatory cornerstone for the next phase of the Windfall Project.
Windfall is one of the highest-grade gold projects in Canada and is expected to produce approximately 300,000 ounces of gold per year once ramped up, with considerable growth prospects along strike and down plunge.
The culmination of several years of work
Obtaining the certificate of authorization is the culmination of several years of environmental and social studies, technical analyses, dialogue with communities and collaboration with government authorities. The process included a review of the project by the Environmental and Social Impact Review Committee (COMEX), including public hearings held in Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Waswanipi in spring 2026.
Mike Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields, said: "Receiving the Certificate of Authorization for Windfall is a major milestone for Gold Fields and for one of Canada's highest-grade development-stage gold projects.
The Uukiimau Agreement and the Certificate of Authorization demonstrate how responsible mining can be advanced through respect, transparency and shared value creation.
Achieving these two important milestones reflects years of environmental and social studies, technical review, engagement with the Cree First Nation and host communities as well as collaboration with Government authorities. We thank the Government of Québec, COMEX and the Cree First Nation whose rigorous review and partnership have contributed to this important milestone for the Project.
We will now focus on finalizing our execution plan and moving Windfall towards construction safely and responsibly, so that it becomes a long-life, low-cost production center that delivers long-term value for the Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Québec and our shareholders."
Next steps towards construction
With the Uukiimau Agreement signed and the certificate of authorization obtained, Gold Fields will progress the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Project and expects to publish by February 2027 with its 2026 provisional results.
Remobilization at Windfall will begin shortly, with site activities, including underground activities expected to resume progressively. With the issue of the certificate of authorization, the mining lease and secondary permits can now be obtained. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities, support local and Indigenous businesses, generate lasting economic benefits for Québec and Eeyou Istchee, and contribute to the responsible development of Canada's mining sector.
Windfall will continue to be developed in accordance with Gold Fields' standards for environmental performance, safety, transparency and community engagement. These key breakthroughs mark the beginning of a new chapter for Windfall, Gold Fields, its Cree partners and Québec.
About the Windfall Project
The Windfall Project is a high-grade gold project located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, on the traditional territory of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, approximately 115 km by road east of Lebel-sur-Quévillon. It is being developed by Windfall Mining Group Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gold Fields. Windfall is expected to become a major mining operation while creating lasting economic, social and environmental value for local communities and stakeholders.
Windfall represents a district scale opportunity for Gold Fields. Beyond the deposit, Gold Fields holds a land package of approximately 2,500 km² in the Urban-Barry and Quévillon areas. The regional exploration program is advancing targets across the district, with the aim of discovering additional ounces.
About Gold Fields
Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with eight operating mines in Australia, South Africa, Ghana, Chile and Peru and one project in Canada. We have total attributable annual gold-equivalent production of 2.44 Moz, proved and probable gold Mineral Reserves of 48.3 Moz, measured and indicated gold Mineral Resources of 31.6 Moz (excluding Mineral Reserves) and inferred Gold Mineral Resources of 12.2 Moz (excluding Mineral Reserves). Our shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and our American depositary shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Forward looking statements
This announcement contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this announcement may be forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "aim", "anticipate", "will", "would", "expect", "may", "could", "believe", "target", "estimate", "project" and words of similar meaning.
These forward-looking statements, including among others, those relating to Gold Fields' future business strategy, development activities (including the approval, permitting, development, operations and final investment decision relating to the Windfall Project), anticipated benefits of acquisitions or joint ventures, ability to successfully renew, and/or extend or retain mining rights, licenses or other interests, business prospects, financial positions, production and operational guidance, shareholder returns, climate and ESG related statements, targets and metrics, are necessary estimates reflecting the best judgement of senior management and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and should be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Gold Fields' Integrated Annual Report 2025 filed with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 30 March 2026 (SEC File no. 001-31318).
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Gold Fields makes no representation or warranty as to the currency, accuracy, reliability or completeness of any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement. Readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available to Gold Fields as at the date of this announcement. Gold Fields and its directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents and other intermediaries disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date of this announcement, the occurrence of future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements and any other financial information contained in this announcement have not been reviewed or reported on by the Company's external auditors. This announcement is the responsibility of the Gold Fields Board of Directors.
SOURCE Gold Fields
Media Contact: Eric Pietrantoni - Gold Fields (Canada), [email protected], +1 438-870-6237; Investor Relations - Gold Fields (international): Jongisa Magagula, [email protected],+27 11 562 9775; Media - Gold Fields (international): Kershnee Govender, [email protected], +27 11 562 9700
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