Gold prospecting started near Matachewan since silver was discovered near Elk Lake in 1906. The Matchewan Consolidated Mines Ltd and Young-Davidson Mines Ltd produced a total of 956,117 ounces of gold and 165,598 ounces of silver between 1934 and 1957 worth $34,688,256 at the time. 150,000 cubic metres of tailings flowed into the
Montreal River, increasing
lead levels to unsafe levels. Drinking water between Elk Lake and
Lachford was declared unfit for human consumption. == See also ==