Québec City, January 10, 2020 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is pleased to note the induction of Eberhard (Ebe) Scherkus to the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame (CMHF), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the mining industry in Québec and Canada.
A fervent defender of the mining industry, Ebe Scherkus played an active role in the QMA as a member of the Board of Directors from 1990 to 1997 and as Chairman of the Board from 1994 to 1995.
Ebe Scherkus was also instrumental in the development of Agnico Eagle Mines. Under his leadership it grew from a minor Canadian gold producer to the company we know today, with nine mines around the world including facilities in Canada, Finland and Mexico and projects under development in all three countries as well as the United States and Sweden.
Ebe Scherkus’ legacy
Ebe Scherkus was the driving force behind what has become the deepest mine in the Americas—LaRonde Mine. When he joined Agnico Eagle in 1985, it was mining a small-scale deposit with estimated gold reserves of 200,000 ounces. As a geologist, he had always believed in the importance of mineral exploration, and he persuaded the company to invest more to discover the full potential of the property. In the space of three years he had identified reserves that extended the mine’s lifespan by 10 years. The mine continues to grow today, after producing five million ounces of gold since it opened and with reserves for another 10 years of production!
Mr. Scherkus also helped raise the profile of Québec and Canadian mining expertise abroad. He never hesitated to rely on local expertise for the development of his mining projects. His support allowed a large number of specialized service providers, equipment makers, engineering firms and others to innovate and develop their unique expertise. Several of these companies have gone on to become flagships of Canadian industry, exporting their products and services throughout the world and able to ensure the growth of the Canadian mining industry.
« Throughout his career, Mr. Scherkus did his part to promote the QMA’s mission and vision, and for this reason we are proud to have supported his nomination for the CMHF. Mr. Scherkus’s reputation crosses all boundaries. His commitment and dedication will remain a source of inspiration for the whole industry and for a generation of young people who have chosen careers in the mining sector. His extensive achievements deserve to be showcased in the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO
About the Québec Mining Association
The Québec Mining Association (QMA) was founded in 1936 and speaks proactively for mining companies involved in exploration, extraction and processing, mining contractors and junior mining companies, along with suppliers, institutions, non-profit organizations and other mining sector partners. It is proud of the 40,540 jobs and total expenditure of almost $8.5 billion generated by Québec’s mining industry over the last year. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.