Xstrata: Perseverance Mine NOVEMBER 09 www. bus- ex. com 13 constantly focuses on opportunities for improvement. That makes the difference, and this is clearly our strength. We have budgeted and committed to that production for next year as well." By the end of 2009, the mine is expected to produce 133,000 tonnes of zinc, an improvement of 16 percent over plan, and 8,813 tonnes of copper, an improvement of 27 percent over forecast levels. Equally important was improving safety, keeping workers safe even at higher production levels. That goal was also reached, with a 58 percent improvement in safety performance. The mine's maintenance division managed to clock an entire year without a reported accident- which includes anything that involves seeking even the most minor form of medical attention. Belleau credits strong communication with the mine's 225 employees, which includes 160 hourly workers, with the safety gains. The company works with a five- point safety system but also relies heavily on a behavior- based safety approach that rewards good behavior rather than strictly focusing on negative events or lapses in safety. " We tend to promote good behavior, and our sense is that it mobilizes our workforce better to know what to look for and to have Laval Fortin Adams is a general contractor specializing in industrial, mining, institutional, and civil construction. The company undertakes large- scale projects often in extreme conditions, and continuously strives to deliver top quality results at highly competitive prices. LFA employees poured 2000 cubic metres of concrete at Xstrata's Perseverance Mine in Matagami to build the majority of its infrastructure, including the administrative building, the mechanical workshop, the foundations of the paste backfill plant and of the electric substation, as well as the water treatment system. Our clients can rely on a highly skilled, multifunctional team, meticulous planning, strong sub- contracting partnerships, and the proven ability to achieve major projects, such as this one. Laval Fortin Adams clearly stands apart from the competition. Laval Fortin Adams