Work on several Quebec exploration projects have grinded to a halt to comply with restrictions imposed by the government to deal with the regional forest fire situation.

Late last week, the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests announced prohibitions regarding forest access on Crown lands and closed forestry roads to public safety, given the wildfire situation in the Abitibi and Eeyou Istchee James Bay regions.

Osisko Mining has withdrawn its staff from the Windfall gold project, chairperson and CEO John Burzynski reported on Monday.

“Our team is in constant communication with local and provincial authorities to coordinate all efforts in this difficult time.  All personnel are safe, and the Windfall facilities are secure. While all activities at site are currently suspended, we do not anticipate any material impact on our business,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Fury Gold Mines also halted all exploration activities at the Eau Claire project, in the Eeyou Istchee Territory.

“As wildfires continue to threaten parts of the James Bay area, we are following the direction of local authorities and prioritising the safety of our team,” commented Fury CEO Tim Clark.

“We are thinking of the communities and their members who are impacted by the fires in northern Quebec. We look forward to returning to work at Eau Claire shortly.”

Patriot Battery Metals, which in late May started its 2023 summer-fall drill and surface exploration programmes at the Corvette property, in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, also temporarily ceased all drilling and surface exploration field activities.

In the meantime, Patriot is continuing to process drill core from holes completed at the property in May, as well as advance the exploration camp construction activities.

“The company is actively monitoring the situation to ensure all Company activities are compliant with respective governmental decrees and to ensure the safety of personnel associated with the property.”