Rediscovering Opportunity in Quebec: A Geologist’s Perspective on Returning Home and Looking Ahead: An Interview with Jacques Simoneau

After a career that spanned continents, our Director of Exploration in Quebec found himself drawn back to where it all began. What brought him home wasn’t just familiarity — it was the chance to be part of one of the most storied and scientifically rich mining districts in the world. 

Returning to Val-d’Or: A fresh look at a familiar landscape 

When Jacques returned to Val-d’Or in 2015 to join Integra Gold, the Triangle deposit had just been discovered. Early models weren’t fitting the data, but one drill hole — the one that intersected what is now known as the C4 Zone — sparked a breakthrough. He recognized a vertical shear-vein system similar to the veins mined at the historic Sigma Mine. That insight led to a full reinterpretation of the deposit and a resource jump from 300,000 ounces to 1.5 million ounces in a single year, ultimately attracting Eldorado’s initial investment. 

Working in the Abitibi, he says, is both humbling and exciting. While it’s a mature district, recent discoveries like Ormaque prove there is still plenty left to uncover for those willing to think differently. For him, contributing here is about more than ounces — it’s about advancing geoscience, driving discovery, and inspiring the next generation in a region with a deep mining culture and enormous remaining potential. 

Why Eldorado: A commitment to geoscience and clear decision-making 

Eldorado was the first company to truly grasp the potential of the Triangle deposit — and acted quickly. That decisiveness, he notes, remains one of Eldorado’s great strengths. 

As part of the exploration team, he feels empowered to contribute in meaningful ways. Eldorado invests heavily in high-quality geoscience, research partnerships, and integrated models that support everything from mine design to environmental planning. The team’s passion for geology makes the work energizing, and the Company’s commitment to innovation helps guide smarter, more data-driven decisions. 

Exploration in the Abitibi is no longer about searching near surface — most of those deposits have already been found. Today’s opportunities lie under deeper cover, demanding better targeting, more advanced tools, and professionals capable of interpreting complex data. Eldorado embraces this challenge with the right combination of expertise, technology, and long-term thinking. 

Why the future is bright — for Quebec and for young geologists 

What excites Jacques most is how Eldorado’s work contributes not only to the Company’s growth but also to the scientific understanding of the entire Abitibi region. Each discovery enhances the collective knowledge of how deposits formed, their distribution, and their footprints — insights that are essential for future exploration success. 

For young geologists, this is an extraordinary place to grow. The Abitibi may be mature, but it remains highly prospective, especially in its southern camps where discoveries continue to cluster. Working in this environment means combining research, innovation, and complex problem-solving — a powerful foundation for any geoscience career. 

Looking ahead: A strong pipeline and a long-term vision 

Eldorado’s long-term commitment to Val-d’Or is clear. The acquisition of QMX in 2021 solidified a major land position in one of the most productive areas of the Abitibi — not just for gold, but for future copper and zinc opportunities as well. He is confident that major deposits remain to be found within Eldorado’s holdings. 

Beyond Val-d’Or, the exploration pipeline includes high-quality early-stage projects and strategic investments such as the AMEX Perron project near Normétal. Leveraging decades of regional experience gives Eldorado a competitive advantage as it works to identify and develop the next production center in the Abitibi. 

With strong assets, a culture of innovation, and a team driven by curiosity and expertise, he sees the future as full of opportunity — both for Eldorado and for the next generation of geologists eager to shape the discoveries still to come.