Category: Community News

Esker Site Reopening

Posted on | by Leanne Franco

In early September, we safely reopened our Esker Site after it had been closed for more than a year following the completion of the 2025 field season.

The reopening initially focused on safely commissioning essential services and completing maintenance and repairs across the camp. By the end of the first day, the generators were running, power had been restored, the kitchen was ready for use, and commissioning of the water treatment plant was underway. The crew even finished the day with homemade burgers, a fitting way to celebrate a successful return to site!

Over the following weeks, the team inspected and prepared accommodations, kitchens, recreational areas, washrooms and showers; checked heaters and safety equipment; restored camp wide Wi-Fi coverage; serviced heating systems; and returned the laundry room, incinerator and wastewater treatment plant to operation.

There was also plenty of work outdoors. The crew cleared brush and long grass from around buildings, boardwalks, helipads and fuel-storage areas, repaired boardwalks, improved access to the fuel-containment area and began addressing roof repairs. The before-and-after difference around camp has been remarkable, with repaired boardwalks and freshly cleared areas giving parts of the site a nearly new appearance.

Reopening a remote site takes more than turning on the lights. Across most of September, the team coordinated 72 helicopter flights and 20 fixed-wing flights to move people, groceries, fuel, equipment and other essential supplies. The weather occasionally reminded everyone who really sets the schedule in northern Ontario, including temporarily delaying aircraft and freight movements!

Safety has remained at the centre of the work. During the first two weeks, the team completed daily toolbox talks, supervisor inspections, job observations, emergency-response exercises, helicopter safety awareness training and refresher training for emergency equipment. The crew also inspected fire extinguishers, emergency equipment, fuel-storage areas and camp facilities as each part of the site was brought back into service.

The reopening team has included site leaders, support personnel, tradespeople, aviation providers, catering staff and specialist contractors. As of the end of September, there were 11 people at site as the environmental and geological field team begin mobilising.

Environmental monitoring is now underway. The recently mobilised field team is collecting baseline water information and visiting surface-water and groundwater monitoring locations. This work will help build a stronger understanding of the surrounding environment and support future hydrogeological investigations.

Our crew has done a tremendous job in transforming Esker Site into a world-class camp and laying a strong foundation for the future development of the Eagle’s Nest Mine. Over the coming months they will focus on environmental and geotechnical surveys and further hydrogeological investigation to continue to build our knowledge of the surrounding environment. This information will be used to inform how Eagle’s Nest is designed and built in a way that minimises its impact on the natural environment.

It’s an exciting time in the Ring of Fire. Recent investments in regional infrastructure and critical minerals development, along with the approvals for the Webequie Supply Road and Marten Falls Community Access Road, are helping create the foundations for long-term regional development.

As we move forward, our commitment remains unchanged: working responsibly and safely, protecting the environment, engaging meaningfully with First Nations, and creating opportunities for local businesses, suppliers and contractors.

For now, there is still plenty to do at Esker Site, but the camp is open, the team is settling in and the momentum is building. From restoring essential services and repairing boardwalks to welcoming field crews and serving the first meals from the reopened kitchen, the team has given Esker Site a strong and positive new beginning.

Inspiring Students to Explore Careers in STEM and Mining

Posted on | by Jpalmer

Year 8 students from Joseph Banks Secondary College in Perth, recently visited Wyloo’s Northern Operations in Kambalda. The visit was a hands-on learning experience designed to provide insights into the mining industry and the many career pathways it offers.

Held in early September, the visit was delivered in partnership with the CoRE Learning Foundation and gave students the opportunity to learn more about the mining sector, the importance of health and safety, and the skills required to work in the industry.

Throughout the day, students participated in an interactive site induction, tried on personal protective equipment (PPE), and toured the site. As a result, they gained a firsthand understanding of what it takes to safely work in mining and what careers are available.

Discovering STEM and Mining Career Pathways

Jeremy Crouch, Science Teacher at Joseph Banks Secondary College, said the experience provided students with valuable exposure to an industry that plays a significant role in Western Australia.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Wyloo and the CoRE Learning Foundation for providing our students with such a valuable opportunity to experience and learn about the mining industry. Programs like this give students insight into an industry that plays such an important role in Western Australia and allow them to see the many career pathways available to them. I only wish opportunities like this had been available to me when I was at school!”

Encouraging the Next Generation of Mining Professionals

At Wyloo, we are passionate about sharing our enthusiasm for mining with the next generation. Visits like these provide an opportunity to showcase the diverse and rewarding careers available in the industry while also giving us the chance to learn from students through their fresh ideas, perspectives, and thoughtful questions.

Wyloo’s General Manager, Northern Operations, Ron Ellis, said engaging directly with students was an important way to help inspire the next generation.

“The Joseph Banks Secondary College tour demonstrated the positive impact that direct industry engagement can have on students, with hands-on, interactive experiences helping to build awareness of future career opportunities. Wyloo is committed to working with the CoRE Learning Foundation to help encourage students to consider STEM and mining careers. We had a great time hosting an amazing group of students!”

Thank you to the students and teachers from Joseph Banks Secondary College for visiting our Northern Operations in Kambalda. We look forward to continuing to support the CoRE Learning Foundation to inspire students to passionately pursue STEM and mining career pathways.

Summer student helps monitor local environment at Eagle’s Nest – meet Alex

Posted on | by Jpalmer

For Alex Remenda, spending the summer supporting environmental monitoring programs at Wyloo’s Eagle’s Nest Project is an opportunity to apply his classroom learning in a real-world setting while building valuable field experience.  

Alex, a second-year Fish and Wildlife Technician student at Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, joined our team in Thunder Bay for a summer placement focused on environmental data collection and monitoring activities. 

Summer student programs provide students with practical experience in their chosen field while offering fresh perspectives and new ideas to the organisations they support. Alex quickly became a valued member of the Eagle’s Nest environmental team, contributing to programs that help inform responsible project development. 

Throughout his placement, Alex supported a range of field activities, including surface and groundwater sampling, river and stream flow monitoring, and downloading and validating wildlife trail camera data collected over the past year. 

These activities play an important role in building our understanding of local environmental conditions and wildlife activity, helping ensure environmental considerations remain at the forefront of project planning and decision-making. 

Alex brought enthusiasm, curiosity and a strong commitment to learning to the role. His willingness to embrace new challenges and gain hands-on experience reflects the qualities Wyloo looks to foster through student and early-career opportunities. 

At Wyloo, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of environmental professionals by providing meaningful opportunities to learn, develop skills and contribute to real projects. Students like Alex play an important part in our team, bringing energy and fresh perspectives while gaining experience that will support their future careers. 

The Future of Fatherhood: Transforming Behaviours for Generations 

Posted on | by Jpalmer

At Wyloo, we are proud to have a supportive and flexible work environment that allows our people to bring their whole selves to work every day.  

Recently, our Chief Development Officer, Joel Turco, spent the morning exploring the transformative journey of fatherhood at an event held by CEOs for Gender Equity. Hosted by Sarah Maconachie, Founder and CEO of Work Hard Parent Hard, The Future of Fatherhood event explored how the role of dads is shifting and what that means for families, workplaces, and society. 

For Joel, it was an inspiring event and an opportunity to learn, reflect and share his experience as a father of two.  “The expectation of fatherhood is transforming,” he reflected. “And the way we show up for our children today will shape their own expectations of fatherhood when they’re parents themselves. That’s how change happens across generations.” 

One idea explored at the event, that stuck with Joel, was just how far-reaching the benefits of supporting fathers at work can be. Supporting fathers in the workplace supports everyone: the father themselves (as an employee), their partner, their children, other current or prospective fathers in the organisation, and other employees across the organisation who observe this attitude towards supporting employees to bring their whole self to work. 

Joel knows this first-hand. Balancing a busy professional life with the daily rhythms of raising a family isn’t always easy. There are mornings that feel rushed and bedtimes that stretch long into the evening. But he left the event with a new perspective, shared by parents in the room with older kids: those small, everyday interactions –   breakfast before school or a bedtime story – are the moments that matter most. These interactions are something to treasure and to look forward to. 

Research shared at the event reinforced this point. When fathers are positively involved in their children’s lives, outcomes improve across the board for their kids: better mental health, improved numeracy and literacy, stronger relationship building and better decision making. 

Workplaces play a critical role in enabling dads to be engaged fathers. At Wyloo, we’re proud to role model a lot of the recommended practices for supporting fathers in the workplace. As an organisation, we provide and encourage flexible working for all employees, whether that’s working from home or adjusting hours to be there for school drop-off and pick-up. Our parental leave policy makes no distinction between primary and secondary carers, aligned to our commitment to ensure all parents can take time to bond with their child as a family. We aim to make parenting visible and to support the fathers in our organisation to role model active, hands-on fatherhood. 

“It’s important to communicate that support for fathers is not a ‘special consideration’ but an extension of the support we give to all our employees (parents or otherwise) that enable them to bring their entire selves to work every day.  The future of fatherhood is here,” Joel said. “And by embracing it, we’re building stronger families, better workplaces, and healthier communities.” 

Students on a site visit

Student visit CoRE to education

Posted on | by Jpalmer

On Wednesday 30 August Wyloo, in partnership with The Centre of Resources Excellence (CoRE), welcomed students and teachers from Joseph Banks Secondary College to our Northern Operations in Kambalda, Western Australia.

Wyloo proudly sponsors CoRE, helping to transform STEM education in Western Australian schools through immersive field trips. CoRE offers an innovative educational approach with a primary focus on preparing students for meaningful careers in the resources industry. 

Zoran Seat, Asset President, said he was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day.

“CoRE’s immersive field trip program aligns closely with Wyloo’s commitment to building strong local partnerships, supporting STEM education, and fostering a sustainable future,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see the next generation of miners, technicians, and engineers experiencing site for the first time and not just in theory, but in real life. Together, we’re helping to grow a skilled workforce and contribute to a thriving Western Australia.”

During the visit students were given the chance to step beyond the classroom and into real operational environments, building awareness of future career opportunities and developing valuable skills.

Suzy Urbaniak, CoRE’s founder, who attended the trip, said that site visits sparked interest in STEM careers.

“Our visit to Wyloo’s Northern Operations at Kambalda brought the real classroom to life,” Suzy shared. “Students experienced an authentic day in the underground mining world.”

To give students a real sense of what working in mining looks like, the Wyloo team designed a day that reflected the dynamic nature of site operations, from field exploration through to emergency response and underground infrastructure.

Students completed a safety share and toured the broader Kambalda region by bus, where they visited key operational and historical landmarks, gaining insight into the scale of the local mining landscape and its connection to the broader resources sector. Back on-site students completed a series of hands-on sessions, led by Wyloo team members, across a range of disciplines. From geology and exploration to shaft infrastructure, mine safety and emergency procedures, students experienced the diversity of roles required to keep a site running smoothly.

The day offered more than just a tour, it provided an authentic look at how varied, challenging and rewarding a career in mining can be. Team members didn’t just explain their roles, they brought them to life, sharing first-hand stories, answering questions and demonstrating the collaboration and coordination that drives success on site.

“The Wyloo team went above and beyond, sharing their passion, expertise and career insights with CoRE’s students and their educators. This is exactly what the CoRE Learning Model was designed for — to bridge education with real industry, inspiring future pathways through immersive, meaningful learning,” said Suzy.

A sincere thank you to all the students, teachers and team members who made this day such a success.

A Symbol of Shared Commitment to Indigenous-led Development in the Region

Posted on | by Keren Yun

This month, the Chiefs, Councils, Elders and community members of Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations came together in a joint ceremony to respectfully take down the ceremonial teepee at Esker Site.

It was an honour to host this meaningful event – a symbol of our shared commitment to Indigenous-led development in the region. The collaboration between Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations is truly inspiring, marking a landmark approach to resource development in Canada – one that prioritizes Indigenous sovereignty, environmental stewardship and shared prosperity.

Read the joint press release issued by Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations here: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/marten-falls-and-webequie-first-nations-hold-ceremony-to-mark-next-step-in-indigenous-led-development-at-ring-of-fire-877333280.html

Wyloo’s Esker Site is located on the shared traditional territory of Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, both signatories to Treaty 9, and whose communities are most proximal to our Eagle’s Nest Project.

As we work and live here, we recognize that we must learn about the rich history of the land to better understand our role as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers. Wyloo will always endeavour to respect the natural and Indigenous customs and teachings provided by these communities.

The teepee ceremony also coincides with the end of the field season, as we begin carefully securing the site for the months ahead. This includes cleaning and securing the buildings, winterizing the equipment, safely storing fuel and removing food and waste.

These measures ensure that Esker Site remains safe, environmentally sound and ready for future activity. Wyloo will conduct quarterly inspections throughout the off-season to monitor the integrity and conditions of the site.

We want to connect!

We want to connect!

Posted on | by Keren Yun

At Wyloo, we value building strong, genuine relationships and believe that true progress comes through collaboration and mutual understanding. That’s why our team would love to meet with you. 

We’re available to arrange community visits to provide updates on our activities. Our goal is to share information about the Eagle’s Nest Project, including our mine plan and design, the work we’re carrying out, baseline data collection, as well as activities at Esker Site. We’re also happy to focus on topics that matter most to your community, ensuring our conversations are relevant to you.  

But it’s not just about presenting – we want to listen, learn and answer any questions you may have. Your feedback on how we can better incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into our activities is important to us, and we’re here to understand and hear from you. 

During our visit, you’ll meet with two or more members of our team, including:

  • Alina Shams, Director Government Relations & Sustainability
  • Zahir Jina, Director Environment
  • Matt Deller, Director Geology

We’d Love to Meet You! 
To schedule a meeting, please reach out to Alina at ashams@wyloo.com or call us toll-free at 1-855-966-7668. We can also set up a video call with members in your community to have a virtual chat! 

Miigwech and thank you for your time. We look forward to connecting with you soon!  

We want to connect!

Balancing work and family life with our updated parental leave policies 

Posted on | by Scott

In short:  

  • We recently shared our updated parental leave policies with our global workforce.  
  • We believe that our policies are progressive and reflect, or exceed, current standards in the Australian and Canadian mining industries.  
  • In Australia, the updated policy includes reductions in minimum service period needed, flexibility to commence parental leave anytime in the first 18 months of the child’s arrival and expansion of our stillbirth or infant death parental leave entitlement.  

Wyloo is pleased to share our updated parental leave policies, designed to provide the flexibility, care and support our people need when balancing their work and family lives. 

 “Our updated policies reflect our ongoing commitment to provide a culture of inclusion, equity and care,” said Vice President People and Culture, Xanthe Shaw.  

“We think that creating a culture of care and focusing on the wellbeing of our people is required to attract and retain talent. One of our values, as an organisation, is family and we are proud to offer our people a policy that allows them to thrive both at work and at home.’’ 

We believe that our policies are progressive and reflect, or exceed, current standards in the mining industries in Australia and Canada. Our approach to flexibility and parental leave reflects best practice across the industries that our people come from, including mining, banking and other professional services. 

Key features of the updated policies include:  

Australia 

  • We have reduced the minimum service period needed to access paid parental leave to six months and continue to make no distinction between primary and secondary carers, aligned to our commitment to ensure all parents can take time to bond with their child as a family.  
  • We continue to offer up to six months paid parental leave and accommodate up to 12 months total parental leave. This leave can now be commenced anytime in the first 18 months of the child’s arrival.   
  • We have expanded our stillbirth or infant death parental leave entitlement from three to six months. We recognise that in these tragic circumstances it may take time to physically and emotionally recover, and we want to support our people to return to work at Wyloo on a timeline that works for them.   

Canada  

  • Our entitlements continue to meet our ESA obligations and reflect best practice among Ontario employers.  
  • All new parents can access parental leave, and employees in receipt of EI or maternity benefits can access “top up” payments for up to six months to bring them to the level of earning that they would otherwise have received if they were working.  
  • Parental leave can commence anytime in the first 18 months of the child’s arrival.  

A Legacy of Leadership and Change, Glenn Nolan

Posted on | by Keren Yun

As Glenn Nolan prepares to retire this year, it would be impossible not to reflect on the extraordinary impact during his distinguished career. 

His journey has been one of trailblazing leadership, forging connections and leaving a lasting legacy – one that will continue to shape both the industry and the communities he has served.

Glenn’s story is deeply rooted in his personal connection to mining and development, which started at a young age. Growing up near a mining camp in northeastern Ontario, Glenn witnessed first-hand how the industry could have a positive impact on his community, Missanabie Cree First Nation, and in the surrounding region. Inspired by the opportunities mining offered, Glenn became an advocate for positive change, serving as Chief of Missanabie Cree for nine years, where he championed responsible resource development and encouraged capacity building for members in his community.

In November 2009, Glenn joined Noront Resources as Vice President Aboriginal Affairs, where he took on the critical role of navigating complex relationships within the Ring of Fire region of northern Ontario. As he transitioned later to Vice President Government Affairs, his ability to build bridges – both between industry and Indigenous communities, as well as local, provincial and federal governments – has been instrumental in advancing development in the region. 

Glenn has worn nearly every hat throughout his career. In 2022, under Wyloo’s leadership, he took on a groundbreaking new role as Vice President Indigenous Enterprises – the first of its kind in the industry. His forward-thinking approach, combined with his personal experience as Chief helped to shape his leadership in this role. This led to the inaugural Indigenous Enterprises Business Development Opportunities Workshop hosted by Wyloo in 2023, a first in a series of workshops designed to bring together communities, industry leaders and partners, as well as government representatives, on Indigenous-led businesses and opportunities. Glenn’s dedication to fostering collaboration and advancing Indigenous participation in the resource sector have and will continue to pave the way for future generations of leaders and entrepreneurs, establishing a foundation for communities to create lasting economic value – one that can sustain and thrive long after resource projects have ended. His work in this role has demonstrated that resource development and community empowerment can go hand in hand, and allowing Indigenous communities to become active partners in the process.

But Glenn’s leadership extends far beyond the walls of Wyloo. As past President of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) from 2012 to 2014, he became the first Indigenous leader to hold the position, leaving a profound impact on the association and the broader industry. Glenn was also the recipient of the prestigious Skookum Jim Award in 2023, recognized for exceptional achievement and service in the mining industry. 

His message of Indigenous Reconciliation has been shared globally through keynote speeches and executive roundtables. In 2023, at the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development in Geneva, Switzerland, Glenn was invited to discuss what is required to build trust between Indigenous communities and the mining industry.

As Glenn retires from his role, he leaves behind a legacy defined by groundbreaking achievements and a model for leadership that prioritizes respect, collaboration, Courage and Determination, Integrity and inclusivity. His work has forever changed the landscape for Indigenous participation in the mining industry and his impact will be felt for many years to come.

Glenn, thank you for your tireless dedication, visionary leadership and the many doors you have opened for generations to follow. Your legacy is one of which we at Wyloo are incredibly proud to be a part of.

Chi-miigwetch Glenn!

 

"Glenn is an inspirational Indigenous leader in the Canadian and global mining space. His achievements and accolades reflect the scale and impact of his leadership in our industry, with Indigenous people and in building understanding between both. Throughout Glenn’s time in industry, he has been an exemplary trailblazer and role model for many First Nations and Indigenous people, myself included. It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside and learn from Glenn through our short but shared journey. Chi-miigwetch, giga-waabamin miinawaa."
— Kristan Straub, CEO Canada Wyloo

"Glenn’s contributions to Noront, Wyloo and the Canadian mining industry are significant and memorable. We are fortunate for your insights, experience and friendship. Equally important is your leadership in your community, which has role-modelled what First Nations-led mining can achieve."
— Luca Giacovazzi, CEO Wyloo 

"Glenn is the living embodiment of principled leadership and progressive thinking. He never backs down from a challenge. Most impressively, he does it all with humour and humility. My friend, we have benefited mightily from your guidance and we will miss you greatly."
— Stephen Crozier VP, Sustainability, Wyloo

"Glenn, for all of your accolades and achievements, what I will remember most fondly is your ability to bring people together – no matter what is thrown your way – and always do it with a smile on your face." 
— Alan Coutts, Former CEO, Noront Resources

Image: In the summer of 2005, Chief Glenn Nolan, Missanabie Cree First Nation and 15 paddlers embarked on a three-month long canoe journey to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the 1905 Treaty 9 commissioners’ route.

A Legacy for Leadership and Change: Glenn Nolan

Why can’t she? From mining to Australian rules football meet Caitlin

Posted on | by Scott

Principal Corporate Development Caitlin Boccamazzo understands the importance of diversity in many environments and is determined to continue to question “why can’t she?” instead of “why can she?”. 

Caitlin grew up in a regional town in Western Australia and sport, particularly Australian rules football (AFL), was a major part of her family’s life. Caitlin watched her dad play, coach and later became the Director of the Great Southern Football League, however there were no opportunities for young girls to play Australian rules football in the 90s/00s.  

It wasn’t until Caitlin was in her twenties that she had the opportunity to play the sport she loved and, while a knee injury cut her time on the field short, she found other ways to be involved, volunteering over the space of five years with the Claremont Women’s Football Club in several on-field and off-field roles. 

Last year Caitlin started a new position as a Director at the Claremont Football Club and is excited to continue to give back to the sport she loves in a leadership position. 

“In this new role I hope to further increase the exposure and visibility of the women’s program internally and externally including finding initiatives that promote the inclusion and respect of the female program, increase Western Australia Football League Women (WAFLW) sponsorship, and increase WAFLW matchday offerings and awareness,” Caitlin said.  

Caitlin also applies her approach, learnings and drive for gender equality and inclusion in her role at Wyloo and the broader mining industry.  Caitlin has sat on inclusion and diversity boards in the workplace and advocates for women to not only join the finance industry but also look for opportunities in the mining finance and investment industry, both of which have traditionally been male dominated.  

“I don’t think there is a huge difference between a sporting team and a workplace, both sets of groups are working and collaborating to execute a set of objectives,” Caitlin said. 

“Diversity in any environment is important, as it helps to facilitate out of the box thinking and creates inclusive and equitable discussion and actions through increased social intelligence.  

“These things will lead to better environments and cultures within teams and workplaces that support the objectives of a team or organisation while motivating a diverse number of groups and people. 

“There is still a long way to go, but each year there is more respect and recognition for females in both male dominated sports and industries.” 

At Wyloo we believe in driving performance through diversity and know that diverse perspectives lead to stronger, more innovative solutions, and value the contributions of people of various genders, ages, ethnicities and work and life experiences. 

We are targeting gender equality in leadership roles and across our broader workforce with 40 per cent women, 40 per cent men and 20 per cent any gender.