The Valentine Gold Mine team from Calibre Mining Corp (TSE: CXB) (OTCMKTS: CXBMF) (FRA: WCLA) and Newfoundland’s Miawpukek First Nation have established a new scholarship for band members of the Indigenous group pursuing post-secondary studies. Calibre prioritizes community activism near the project.
The gold producer recently awarded a pair of Miawpukek scholars enrolled at Memorial University with the Calibre-VGM Miawpukek First Nation Scholarship. They are the first to receive it.
“Both students exemplify academic excellence, community service and extracurricular involvement,” Calibre said in a social media post.
Recipient Cole McDonald is a Bachelor of Science student in Chemistry. He wants to enter Memorial’s medicine program once he completes his undergraduate studies. Carmen Benoit, the other scholar, is pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the institution.
“My goal in pharmacy is to bring these services to my community and contribute to the healthcare provided to local and surrounding areas,” Benoit said. “The Calibre VGM-Miawpukek First Nation Scholarship will support me in my studies and working toward achieving this goal.”
The Miawpukek First Nation has had ties to the Valentine operation since it was held by Marathon Gold before Calibre acquired the site early last year. In mid-2023, Marathon held a formal socio-economic agreement signing ceremony in Conne River with Miawpukek Chief Mi’sel Joe and other group members. Calibre has inherited the partnership.
This Indigenous group regularly shares all of Calibre’s job postings for positions at the Valentine project on its Facebook page and website.
Recently we presented this duo with the first-ever Calibre-VGM Miawpukek First Nation Scholarship.
The scholarship – a partnership of Miawpukek First Nation and Calibre's Valentine Gold Mine team – supports band members in their education and career growth.
Congratulations! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/0lgWlFRknZ— Calibre Mining Corp. (@CalibreMiningCo) March 25, 2025
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Calibre takes action to protect local flora & fauna
One of the caribou herds in the province migrates through the Valentine project area twice per annum. Calibre works to ensure that their journey through the mine site goes as smoothly as possible.
The company has a protection and mitigation plan in place for the spring and fall migrations.
“We continue to monitor our environment to assess potential effects so that we can improve our environmental protection and management plans as we move into operations,” said James Powell, Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs at Valentine.
Calibre’s plans have been reviewed by local Indigenous groups like the Miawpukek First Nation and organizations such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association.
Rare plants found in the project area, including nodding water nymphs, get transported to another property so that they can grow undisturbed.
Additionally, Calibre says that it has reached out to local schools to provide education regarding the importance of respecting biodiversity while engaged in mining activities.
First gold will be poured at the Valentine Gold Mine during this year’s second quarter.
Calibre Mining is a sponsor of Mugglehead news coverage
rowan@mugglehead.com
