# Quebec Grants Gold Fields Environmental Approval for Windfall

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/46939
Published: 2026-11-02T21:29:32.000Z
Updated: 2026-11-02T21:29:32.000Z
Section: Business

> Construction may proceed subject to conditions and regulatory requirements. The project’s final investment decision still needs board approval.

Quebec’s environment ministry issued Gold Fields an environmental Certificate of Authorization for Windfall on Oct. 30, clearing a construction milestone while leaving the final investment decision subject to board approval.

The certificate is the principal environmental authorization required to proceed with construction and full project development. Construction activities remain subject to the approval’s conditions, project commitments and regulatory requirements.

Underground activities paused after the bulk-sample exploration permit expired at the end of August 2026. Gold Fields expects to remobilize at the site and resume underground work progressively. The mining lease and secondary permits can now be obtained.

Windfall is in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region, on the traditional territory of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi. The project is about 115 kilometers by road east of Lebel-sur-Quévillon. Gold Fields projects annual production of about 300,000 ounces of gold once the operation is ramped up.

The project’s environmental and social impact assessment was submitted to provincial and federal authorities in March 2023. Public hearings took place in Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Waswanipi in spring 2026.

In June 2026, Gold Fields signed the Uukiimau Impact and Benefit Agreement with the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, the Cree Nation Government and the Grand Council of the Crees. The agreement covers the life of the operation and includes commitments on training, employment, business opportunities, environmental monitoring and financial participation.

Gold Fields became Windfall’s sole owner in October 2024 through its acquisition of Osisko Mining. It had previously held a 50% interest in the project joint venture.

“Receiving the Certificate of Authorisation for Windfall is a major milestone for Gold Fields and for one of Canada’s highest-grade development-stage gold projects,” Gold Fields CEO Mike Fraser said.

Gold Fields has not made a final investment decision, which remains subject to board approval. By February 2027, Gold Fields plans to release revised Windfall figures for its construction timetable, projected capital costs, and mineral resources and reserves, alongside its provisional 2026 results.