EMPLOYEES’ COMMITMENT KEY TO KEEPING WORKPLACES SAFE
ADOUG WHEELER Project Director, Voisey’s Bay Mine
t Redpath, safety is not just a policy—it’s a core value that guides everything we do. While we focus on selecting the right people at the hiring stage, providing comprehensive training, education, and raising awareness about safety and the risks associated with our work, the true cornerstone of our safety culture is our own individual commitment to safety. As a Project Director at Voisey’s Bay, I am proud to see our employees’ positive and proactive approach to safety and how this commitment is reflected
programs and strict adherence to our safety management systems. While the single most important reason for working safely is to ensure that our people go home safely after each shift, there are other motivations for creating a safe work environment for a company such as ours. For example, when individuals work safely, there are fewer disruptions due to accidents or injuries. This leads to a more efficient and productive workforce.
Men and women with no previous mining or underground experience transitioned to become valuable contributors to the success of this world-class project.
in all aspects of the work they do. Redpath hired and trained a total of 130 Indigenous employees at Voisey’s Bay. Men and women with no previous mining or underground experience transitioned to become valuable contributors to the success of this world-class project. The transition would not have been possible without Redpath’s training
A safe work environment also boosts employee morale. When team members feel safe, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. In addition, a good safety record enhances the company’s reputation. Clients and partners are more likely to trust and collaborate with a company known for its commitment to safety.
Redpath’s unwavering adherence to safety and everyone’s personal attitude towards safety are key to keeping our workplaces secure and our teams strong. It is this commitment and proactive approach that truly makes the difference. Let’s continue to stay safe, vigilant, and always prioritize Safety – First, Last and Always in everything we do.
GEORGE FLUMERFELTChief Executive Officer, The Redpath Group
CELEBRATING THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
As we reflect on Redpath’s journey, it is clear that our success is rooted in the incredible partnerships we build and the exceptional efforts of our team around the world.
In this publication, we celebrate one of our most inspiring achievements: the power of collaboration with Indigenous communities. Partnerships like the Innu Inuit Redpath (IIR) collaboration at Vale’s Voisey’s Bay nickel mine, located in Labrador, Canada, showcase the meaningful impact
Redpath is no different. In fact, our challenge is often greater due to the diverse and dynamic nature of mining construction, and the often short-term nature of our work done in diverse geographical locations. Yet, time and again, we’ve demonstrated our ability to overcome these obstacles by training local workforces, breaking down cultural and language barriers, and fostering the spirit of teamwork needed to “hit the ground running” and deliver outstanding results.
Seeing the incredible skills of our team members firsthand during project visits is always a source of great pride for me.
2024 was a remarkable year for Redpath, and the future looks just as bright. With a healthy order book, industry-leading safety performance, and a strong financial position, we are poised for continued success in 2025. None of this would be possible without our employees’ hard work, ingenuity, and commitment to excellence.
At Redpath, we recognize that our greatest strength is our people. Our people’s skills, resilience, and
Partnerships like the Innu Inuit Redpath (IIR) collaboration at Vale’s Voisey’s Bay nickel mine, located in Labrador, Canada, showcase the meaningful impact we can achieve together.
we can achieve together. This extraordinary project, recently completed, stands as a testament to the shared commitment, hard work, and mutual respect that define Redpath’s approach.
The global mining industry faces the challenge of recruiting and developing skilled personnel, and
dedication drive our success and allow us to overcome challenges across the globe. Our people are the orebody we value mostgrowing, evolving, and powering our achievements. Let’s continue to nurture and protect this incredible strength as we move forward together.
he successful completion of the complex underground material handling project at Voisey’s Bay marks yet another significant milestone for Redpath and showcases the immense value of excellence in execution. This achievement was made possible through the dedication and expertise of our skilled underground professionals, whose commitment to quality and safety is unparalleled. A standout feature of this project was our collaboration with, and the training of, an Indigenous workforce, supported by our joint venture partnership with Innu Development Limited Partnership and Nunatsiavut Group of Companies. By fostering an inclusive environment, we not only empowered local communities but also harnessed unique perspectives and skills that enriched the project’s outcome. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of building relationships and investing in people, which ultimately leads to success.
Thank you to this edition’s contributors:
• George Flumerfelt
• Doug Wheeler
• Scott Hayne
• Ryan Jessup
• Doug Sands
• Gregory Rich, IDLP
• Sarah Leo, NGC
• Paul Healy
• Kimberly Broomfield
• Tiffany Flowers
• Kendra Pain
• Karen House
• Jessica Peterson
• Sherry Goodwin
REDPATH’S INDIGENOUS COLLABORATIONS
PT REDPATH INDONESIA
Redpath continually strives to train and advance the local Papuan workforce, and to provide and promote opportunity for career development within the company. One recent example in Indonesia is Benny Diwitau, who was promoted to Superintendent for the Deep Mill Level Zone Mine (DMLZ) lateral development project. Benny joined Redpath in 2007 as an Alimak miner. He later became a shaft miner, then tunnel miner and supervisor before his recent promotion.
Redpath has a proud and long-standing record of successful efforts to help develop training, employment and economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples across our international communities.
REDPATH AMERICAS
Redpath’s Americas group is active in more than a dozen Indigenous Peoples’ partnerships. Current alliances include:
• Innu Inuit Redpath GP Inc.
• Papuan Seven Tribes, Indonesia
• Nuvumiut Developments Inc.
• Black Diamond – Redpath LP
• Three Nations LP
• Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC)
• Redpath – Shared Spirits JV
REDPATH AFRICA (PTY) LIMITED
The hiring of locals, coupled with a focus on skills development, training, and sourcing materials from local suppliers, speaks to Redpath Africa’s commitment to add social and economic value in the areas where the company operates. Redpath Africa Limited also plays an active role in supporting local social programs related to health, wellness and education through donations, fundraising, knowledge-sharing, and employee participation.
Redpath Australia’s Journey
Contemporary Indigenous artists Judi and Chern’ee Sutton from the Kalkadoon people have employed traditional artistic techniques to capture Redpath Australia’s growth, values, and commitment.
REDPATH AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED
Australia’s RAP complements
Redpath’s broader strategy of nurturing an inclusive work environment for all current & prospective employees.
Redpath Australia’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was recently endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the lead body for reconciliation in Australia. The plan outlines the commitment to developing relationships and partnerships with Traditional Owners and local community groups in areas where the company operates, and providing employment and sustainable business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
IN CANADA’S FAR NORTH
In a historic agreement in 2018, Redpath entered into a partnership with Innu Development Partnership and Nunatsiavut Group of Companies – two governmental organizations representing the Innu and Inuit of Labrador. The partnership, Innu Inuit Redpath (IIR), has provided the area’s Indigenous workforce with the training and skillset needed to undertake the Voisey’s Bay Mine Expansion Project. IIR commenced the commissioning of two underground mines at Voisey’s Bay in August of 2018 and completed the project in December of 2024.
Voisey’s Bay Mine
• Located on the traditional lands of the Innu and Inuit of Labrador
• Home to one of the largest nickel deposits in the world
• Owned by Vale Base Metals
• Surface mining began in 2005
• Fly-in-fly out operation
• Ocean-going icebreaker vessel transports equipment, materials and concentrate
• Transition from open pit to underground mine completed in December, 2024
Drilling first collar round at Reid Brook October 2018.
Eastern Deeps portal lights September 2020.
Redpath provided training to both IIR’s and the client’s Indigenous workforce. The training included operating heavy equipment in an underground mine for the first time. A total of 130 employees were hired and trained.
IMPACT AND BENEFIT AGREEMENTS (IBAS)
The Voisey’s Bay deposit is located on the traditional lands of two aboriginal groups – the Innu and Inuit of Labrador, who are represented by Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government, respectively. “Traditional lands” are the ancestral lands over which Aboriginal Peoples have legal rights. Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) have been established with Nunatsiavut Government and Innu Nation, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship where benefits to Innu and Inuit of Labrador are maximized and negative outcomes are minimized. The IBAs provide specific business, employment and training opportunities for members of Innu Nation and Nunatsiavut Government related to the mine and concentrator component of the development. Approximately 80% of the operations support contracts at the Voisey’s Bay mine and concentrator were with aboriginal businesses. In 2023, approximately 30% of Vale’s Voisey’s Bay operation’s workforce were Impact and Benefit Agreement Beneficiaries, representing both Nunatsiavut Inuit and Innu Nation members.
Former IIR Indigenous employees from the Labrador area are now, after the completion of the Voisey’s Bay Mine Expansion Project, being transferred to other Redpath projects and Redpath partnerships within Canada, where they capitalize on the training, skills and expertise they acquired at Voisey’s Bay.
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to the following peoples of Indigenous ancestry: the Inuit, the Innu and the Mi’kmaq. The Inuit are the descendants of the Thule people who migrated to Labrador from the Canadian arctic 700 to 800 years ago. The primary Inuit settlements are Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet on the north coast of Labrador. In 2021, the Inuit population in Newfoundland and Labrador was 7,335 people. The Innu, formerly known as the Naskapi-Montagnais, are descended from Algonkian-speaking huntergatherers who were one of two Indigenous peoples inhabiting Labrador at the time of European arrival. In the 2016 census, 27,755 people identified as having Innu/ Montagnais ancestry, and 1,085 identified as Naskapi. The Innu of Labrador consists of approximately 3200 people, most of whom live in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.
IDLP is the economic arm for the Innu of Labrador with a focus on Innu employment across all job levels. The organization applies a preference policy that maximizes Innu participation in IDLP businesses, and implements training initiatives for Innu people with all contractors and subcontractors. IDLP partners with a large number of companies across a variety of industries to provide growth for the Innu communities of Labrador.
Q. Reflecting on the last seven years, what stands out as particularly unique about this partnership?
Innu Inuit Redpath has had a positive multifaceted impact on the Innu communities of Labrador. Through our partnership, Innu Inuit Redpath has not only cultivated a workforce of local individuals but has also generated revenues that have directly impacted our local communities through the financial support of social programming, infrastructure, housing and the overall economic support of community public works. Our partnership with Redpath has set a positive precedent for future collaborations between Indigenous communities and mining companies.
The three-way partnership between Redpath, Innu Development Limited Partnership and Nunatsiavut Group of Companies has paved the way for economic and social advancement, and the development of a trained workforce capable of taking on other potential mining projects.
Gregory Rich CEO, Innu Development Limited Partnership
Q. Beyond employment and training opportunities, how has this collaboration impacted the local communities?
Innu Development Limited Partnership is owned by Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and the Mushuau Innu First Nation with a mission to economically support the Innu of Labrador. Through our Innu Inuit Redpath partnership, IDLP has been a pillar of financial support for the communities thus continuing to positively impact the growth and development of these communities.
Q. What are the most significant insights gained from this collaboration?
During the negotiations, there was a mutual understanding between the three companies in wanting to create better futures for the people of Labrador while capitalizing on the mining opportunity in Voisey’s Bay. It was a recognition that this partnership would create a local, Indigenous workforce that would have valuable skillsets needed for this project, and other potential mining projects.
Q. How do you envision building on the success of this partnership in future projects?
Navigating the underground mining industry of Labrador with Redpath has taught IDLP that working with a company that shares our values has proven key to a successful working relationship.
Paul Healy President, Redpath Americas
On behalf of Redpath, I would like to thank our partners for their continued support and contributions to the success of IIR. We look forward to engaging with them on future opportunities at Vale and other potential projects in Labrador.
Q. Reflecting on the last seven years, what stands out as particularly unique about this partnership?
When NGC enters into a partnership, we do so to ensure the Inuit community will also benefit from the partnership. Throughout the past six years, Redpath has collaborated with NGC and Nunatsiavimmuit* in actively recruiting and training Beneficiaries for positions on the Voisey’s Bay Mine Expansion project. Further to that, Redpath has understood the benefit of contributing to the local communities through the Community Initiative Fund and including their partners in how to best support the communities.
Q. Beyond employment and training opportunities, how has this collaboration impacted the local communities?
Beneficiaries and residents of Nunatsiavut employed by IIR provided economic benefits through spending in their respective communities. Additionally, IIR’s commitment to the adjacent communities provided for additional support to local food banks and pantries. It also supported an exciting
Sarah Leo Chief Operating Officer, Nunatsiavut Group of Companies
program, Inotsiavik, which offers Inuit language and cultural programs.
Q. What is the most significant insight gained from this collaboration?
Throughout the partnership, Redpath has consistently shown its commitment to the respect and value of Indigenous partners.
Nunatsiavut Group of Companies
NGC is comprised of wholly-owned and majority-owned companies and minority partnerships involved in a diverse range of activities, including aviation, marine, construction, and mining. The Nunatsiavut Group of Companies’ mission is to provide wealth in trust for Nunatsiavut Beneficiaries by owning profitable, sustainable businesses. NGC is dedicated to supporting the well-being of our communities by hiring and supporting qualified Beneficiaries and building vital community infrastructure to the highest standard.
Q. How do you envision building on the success of this partnership in future projects?
The relationship created through the IIR partnership was quite positive and NGC would certainly look forward to working with Redpath again if the opportunity arose.
*The people of Nunatsiavut.
40TH ANNUAL HERITAGE DOG TEAM RACE
Innu Inuit Redpath, along with the Nunatsiavut Government, sponsored the 40th Annual Heritage Dog Team Race in Hopedale in March 2023. Involvement in community programming and events such as the dog race was an important part of the collaboration.
THE IIR TEAM A SHOWCASE
OF FEMALE LEADERSHIP
Kimberly Broomfield Project Controller
KIMBERLY
Kimberly is from Happy Valley-Goose Bay and has been with IIR for four years.
Kimberly started as an Aboriginal Liaison with IIR and was later promoted to Project Controller, a very proud and memorable moment for her.
“Although I truly loved my role as the Aboriginal Liaison, being a Project Controller has been my biggest interest since university. I am thankful I work for a company that wants to see me succeed and reach my goals just as much as I do!”
For Kimberly, the project is more than just a job. While it has provided her family and her with “an amazing life”, it has also been the place where she discovered a passion for
the mining industry. “IIR has been a place of community and lifelong friendships, while simultaneously growing and advancing my career.”
I am thankful I work for a company that wants to see me succeed and reach my goals just as much as I do!
KENDRA
Kendra is from Nain and has been with IIR for one and a half years.
Both of Kendra’s parents worked in the mining industry and they influenced her to start at the Voisey’s Bay project. Kendra began as a Field Clerk with IIR and transferred to the Aboriginal Liaison position half a year later.
As the Aboriginal Liaison, Kendra’s role is to assist in the hiring protocol established between Redpath, Innu Development Partnership and Nunatsiavut Group of Companies, ensuring a full and fair opportunity for employment and advancement.
Kendra’s duties also involve creating a welcoming environment for IIR’s Innu and Inuit employees, and to be an advocate for them.
“I have been very happy to assist those Beneficiaries from all over the province to succeed, especially those from Nunatsiavut.” She appreciates the encouragement from not only Redpath, but also from Managers, Foremen, Superintendents, and coworkers on site towards the project’s Inuit and Innu staff.
It’s the small, everyday achievements that Kendra considers the very big highlights of her job. These achievements include when a young Beneficiary gets signed off on a piece of equipment that she has helped them with. Or when a Beneficiary asks for assistance with a resume to further advance themselves and fulfill their goal. “I am very proud to help those who need a little encouragement to succeed.”
Tiffany Flowers Lead Project Controller
The Voisey’s Bay project was a transformative experience, providing opportunities for growth, new challenges, and personal milestones.
TIFFANY
Tiffany is from Hopedale and has been with IIR for five years.
Redpath is the first mining company that Tiffany has had the opportunity to work with. When the development of the underground mine at Voisey’s Bay began, she saw it as an excellent opportunity to become involved in this dynamic industry. She refers to the Voisey’s Bay project as a transformative experience, providing opportunities for growth, new challenges, and personal milestones. “Completing my MBA
made the journey especially meaningful.”
Tiffany’s first role on the project was as an Aboriginal Liaison, where she supported training for Innu and Inuit employees and watched them grow into key roles. When she transitioned into Project Controls, her understanding of mining operations deepened and new avenues for growth in her career opened up.
Kendra Pain Aboriginal Liaison
KAREN
Karen is from Nain and has been with IIR for six years.
“It has meant a lot to me as an Inuk woman to work at this project, which also happens to be right next door to my hometown of Nain. I am very honoured to have had the privilege to work on such an elite team, who taught me so much along the way. I was treated with dignity and respect by my peers and mentors, which enriched my experience. I am walking away with my head held high, a smile on my face and ready to tackle the next project head on.”
Karen House Field Clerk
Sherry Goodwin Aboriginal Liaison
SHERRY
Sherry is from Goose Bay and has been with IIR for two and a half years.
“I’ve had the privilege to work with the best crews with whom I’ve made lifelong friends. Hearing positive feedback for the work we have done was always uplifting. It was wonderful to see progress from our dedicated crews.”
JESSICA
Jessica is from Hopedale and has been with IIR for five years.
“I started out at Voisey’s Bay as an Aboriginal Liaison and have been mentored into my current Maintenance Planner position. I have worked at the Redpath shop, at the underground shop and now in a Vale office taking on more equipment responsibility.
I have learned a lot in the last 5 years and have met a lot of great people. The constant support of coworkers have always meant the most to me. Everyone is away from home and making the best of their time at work. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have without my peers.”
It has meant a lot to me as an Inuk woman to work at this project, which also happens to be right next door to my hometown of Nain.
-Karen House REDPATH’S
Jessica Petersen Maintenance Planner
VOISEY’S BAY MINE EXPANSION PROJECT
IIR developed two new mines, Reid Brook and Eastern Deeps, involving four portals, 13 kms of ramps and drifts, bulk material handling system (BMH) at each mine and various permanent underground infrastructure installations.
The mine’s remote location and harsh climate make mobilization to the site extremely challenging. All mobile equipment, construction steel and materials were brought in by the ocean-going icebreaker vessel that services the site. The shipping schedule is also impacted by agreed to “blackout periods” during the winter months to allow the communities to travel on the ice without open-water issues. This creates heavy demands on the vessel when shipping resumes. IIR was responsible for management and verification of all materials delivered by third parties to the project, and for the maintenance of all Redpath equipment. A priority at the start of the project was the construction of a surface shop for protecting equipment from the elements and for enabling maintenance to be completed.
The most recent scope completed in the past year is the Eastern Deeps Bulk Material Handling System. The picture on the right shows the picking conveyor transfer to Incline Conveyor at the 760 level.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Area Manager, 22 years at Redpath
Project Manager, 18 years at Redpath
Project Superintendent, 6.5 years at Redpath
CHRIS WINSOR
Rock box from coarse ore bin feeds into apron feeder. The box is made up of eight 10-ton panels, which had to be placed onto the support stand in a very tight area. Very complex coordination was needed for the installation to take place.
Level 730: Sizer maintenance trench. The ore sizer unit travels on rails, which had to be installed with a 1 mm level tolerance.
Truck dump for the rock breaker/grizzly at the 700 level.
Project Manager/ Construction Manager, 15 years at Redpath
GABRIEL MONGRAIN
Mechanical, Piping, Electrical & Instrumentation Manager, 13.5 years at Redpath
Development Superintendent, 11.5 years at Redpath
HENRY
TRANSFER STATION
The transfer station on level 515 is where IC1, a 1.8 km long conveyor system, changes direction by 180 degrees and continues to surface on IC2, a 2.2 km long conveyor, and feeds the stacker. The excavation was massive, high and wide, to accommodate the two belts and all the steel structure required for the location where the two belts intersect, and where the ore transfer chute was installed.
Level 760 at the bottom of the fine ore bin. The ore is transferred by a chute onto a vibrating feeder and is dumped onto a picking belt to separate metals and other potential waste materials, prior to being conveyed onto conveyor 2.
Incline Conveyor 2 (IC2) on the level 515 transfer station.
Level 515 transfer station “switchback” for Incline Conveyor 1 and 2 (C1 and 2).
Rapid Development Mandate
The three declines from surface were all treated as “Priority 1” and had aggressive performance targets.
IIR worked closely with the client to implement the latest equipment technology, short interval controls and continuous improvement programs. This resulted in single heading advance rates peaking at 8.6 m/day on average.
The personalized approach of one-on-one, in-field interactions cultivates a proactive culture that prioritizes safety and operational excellence.
The photo shows the tail end of IC 2 at the 760 level, which feeds ore to the 515 transfer station.
