Mobilization at one of Canada’s most remote mines

Mobilizing facility and food services at one of Canada’s most remote mines during a global pandemic

Overview of the Story  

Sodexo Canada was proud to partner with a leading Montreal-based company that operates a copper and nickel mine in Nunavik, the northernmost region in Quebec. The mine’s base camp is operated year-round by more than 450 employees and is located approximately 50 kilometres from the nearest town—this is a 20-minute drive in summer months but can take upwards of 45 minutes in the winter. What’s more, large supply deliveries can only be facilitated by boat during the warmer seasons. 

In July 2020, Sodexo was engaged to provide facility and food services at the mining camp in addition to supplying the necessary PPE in light of the evolving global COVID-19 pandemic. Due to weather as well as the mine’s location and operational needs, Sodexo’s mobilization required the sourcing and delivery of the nine-month supply of food and provisions in a six-week timeframe while managing the transition of essential hospitality services to ensure the health and safety of all employees.

Sodexo and our Inuit partner Nuvu successfully established a team to secure a reliable supply chain. Together, we leveraged Sodexo’s international experience and Nuvu’s local expertise to apply innovative methods and cultivate meaningful relationships with the community to deliver results. 

During the mobilization, mine operations were not disrupted. Sodexo sourced and distributed all supplies through its Canadian supply chain network and continues to manage all accommodation services at the mine.