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Québec City, June 10, 2021 – For the second time in its history, the QMA’s board of directors will be chaired by a woman: Vanessa Laplante, Tax and Montréal Office Director of Canadian Malartic Partnership. She takes over from Jean-François Verret, Director, Projects, Geology and Exploration at Glencore’s Raglan Mine, who held the position for six years.

Ms. Laplante is a member of the Quebec CPA Order and has worked in the mining industry for over 15 years. A leader in her field, she has developed expertise in mine and tax management after working with major gold producers working in Québec and elsewhere. She is closely involved with the mining community and hopes that her efforts will increase the representation of women within the mining industry.

There is only one new face among the 16 members of the board of directors: Danny Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer at Glencore’s Horne Smelter and CCR Refinery, will replace Marc Bédard, Head of Copper Metallurgical Operations at Glencore.

Ms. Laplante begins her term of office as the chair of the board of directors with a focus on continuity. Among the priorities she will address are the competitiveness of Québec’s tax regime, the ongoing viability of the mining industry in Québec, the industry’s attractiveness for investors, and its reputation among the general population.

The members of the QMA’s Board of Directors are as follows:

Chair of the Board of Directors and Treasurer

Vanessa Laplante, Tax and Montréal Office Director, Canadian Malartic Partnership

Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors

Alexandre Belleau, Chief Operating Officer, Champion Iron Ore

Secretary of the Board of Directors

Jean-Baptiste Dromer, Senior Director, Mining and Manufacturing, Windsor Salt

Directors

Hélène Cartier, Vice President, Environment and Sustainable Development, Falco Resources
Mapi Mobwano, President and CEO, ArcelorMittal Mining Canada
John Mullally, Regional Vice President Sustainability and External Relations, Newmont – Éléonore (member of the executive committee)
Daniel Paré, Vice President Operations – Eastern Canada, Agnico Eagle Mines
Jean Quenneville, Director External Affairs – Québec, Rio Tinto
Patrick Sévigny, Vice President, Operations, Stornoway Diamond Corporation
Stéphane Ste-Croix, Vice President, Canadian Operations, and General Manager, Gold Côté Project, IAMGOLD Corporation
Danny Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer of Copper Metallurgical Sites, Glencore, Horne Smelter
Guy Tremblay, Director, Human Resources and Health & Safety, CMAC-THYSSEN
Jean-François Verret, Director, Projects, Geology and Exploration, Glencore’s Raglan Mine

Observers

Hélène Lauzon, President, Québec Business Council on the Environment
Jean-Marc Lulin, President and CEO, Azimut Exploration
Isabelle Verreault, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Quebec, Hill+Knowlton Strategies

« I am starting my work with a focus on continuity, alongside a competent and dedicated team. I am extremely proud to have this opportunity to defend the priorities and concerns of a strong industry as part of a dynamic, credible and constructive association. During a period of massive change, our industry has been able to adapt and will continue to reinvent itself as it ensures that Québec remains a leader in the worldwide mining industry. I am enthusiastic about taking up this challenge as I begin a new period in my involvement with the QMA. »
– Vanessa Laplante, Chair of the QMA’s Board of Directors

« The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for our industry to be able to rely on a credible association that is able to rally its forces to achieve its objectives. With a board of directors that is well aware of the QMA’s position and issues, we will be able to represent the mining industry effectively and ensure that it is fully recognized and has access to the conditions it needs to continue its development in Québec. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA

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 48,006 jobs and total expenditure of $9.9 billion generated by Québec’s mining industry in 2018, based on the most recent data. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

Québec City, June 10, 2021 – Graymont’s Marbleton Plant, located at Dudswell in the Eastern Townships, was one of the companies honoured at the annual presentation of the prestigious F.J. O’Connell awards by the Québec Mining Association (QMA) to recognize outstanding achievement in the field of workplace health and safety.

The Marbleton Plant won the trophy in the “Surface operations, transportation and primary metals processing” category.

Since 1966, the trophies have been presented each year to make workers and supervisors more aware of the importance of teamwork in prevent accidents during mine operations. The criteria for awarding the trophies also take into account improvements in a facility’s performance, its performance compared to the industry average, and the combined accident rate based on pre-determined target values.

« For the QMA, which was founded in 1936 to improve the health and safety record in mines, it is important to recognize the exemplary commitment and involvement of mining companies and their employees in workplace health and safety. This is why, for the last 55 years, the QMA has presented its F.J. O’Connell trophies to highlight the individual efforts made to ensure a safer workplace for all. Mining companies have focused on prevention, and the results speak for themselves. »
« During the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of workers and their families have come under even greater scrutiny. Québec’s mines have been able to introduce public health measures while maintaining their emphasis on precautions as a way to avoid accidents. We can be proud of their efforts, which demonstrate once again that workplace health and safety is taken very seriously in Québec’s mines. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA President and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, June 10, 2021 – Companies in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec regions took almost all the honours at the annual convention of the Québec Mining Association (QMA) in the field of workplace health and safety and various initiatives connected with mining operations.

F.J. O’Connell trophies

The 55th annual presentation of prestigious F.J. O’Connell trophies led to a three-way tie in the “Underground operations—over 400,000 hours worked” category, as Éléonore, Matagami and Raglan mines earned the highest honours.

Another company based in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, Procon Eastern Canada, won the trophy in the “Underground operations—under 400,000 hours worked” category. Last, Graymont’s Marbleton plant in the Estrie region received the trophy in the “Surface operations, transportation and primary metals processing” category.

Since 1966, the trophies have been presented each year to make workers and supervisors more aware of the importance of teamwork in preventing accidents during mine operations. The criteria for awarding the trophies also take into account improvements in a facility’s performance, its performance compared to the industry average, and the combined accident rate based on pre-determined target values.

New QMA Distinction Awards

Traditionally, the QMA has rewarded its members’ workplace health and safety performance, but to ensure recognition for other aspects of mining it has created the QMA Distinction Awards.

For the first time in its history, the QMA presented its new awards to recognize innovative, distinctive or creative achievements in the following areas of activity: communications/marketing, environment, community relations and human resources.

Eldorado Gold Québec and Canadian Malartic Mine shared the honours, with each winning two Distinction Awards.

Communications/marketing: Canadian Malartic Mine for its health and safety campaign, “Je m’engage”.
Environment: Eldorado Gold Québec for its project to convert equipment to the use of biodegradable hydraulic oil.
Community relations: Canadian Malartic Mine for its cooperation agreement with the Anicinapek First Nations.
Human resources: Eldorado Gold Québec for its comprehensive strategy for retention, planning of the future workforce and leadership development.

Congratulations go also to the other finalists in the various categories: Glencore’s Horne Smelter, Agnico Eagle Mines and Glencore’s Raglan Mine.

« The health and safety culture is strongly anchored in the mining industry and the presentation of the F.J. O’Connell trophies provides an opportunity to recognize our members, who spare no effort to limit the risk of incidents on mine sites. We are proud of our record, which results from decades of decisions and actions. »
« In addition to actions in the field of workplace health and safety, we wanted to recognize innovative initiatives in other indispensable areas of mine operations. The creation of the Distinction Awards makes it possible to highlight work that is easily overlooked, but which is essential to the development of an approach to mining that is responsible and respectful of communities, the local population and workers. We congratulate our first award-winners! »
– Josée Méthot, QMA President and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, April 30, 2021 – The Québec Mining Association is extremely proud to report that six of its members were honoured at two prestigious awards ceremonies for their leadership in the fields of sustainable development, innovation and workplace health and safety. This is, once again, a sign that Québec’s mining industry has made its mark through a modern approach that is respectful of people, workers and the environment.

Mercuriades

At the Mercuriades ceremony organized by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), two QMA members left with a coveted Mercure trophy:

Horne Smelter, a Glencore company – in the “Industrial innovation” category;
Osisko Mining – in the “Sustainable development strategy” category.

The QMA congratulates Québec Iron Ore for its nomination in the “Workplace health and safety” and “Sustainable development strategy” categories, and Horne Smelter, which was also a finalist in the “Contribution to economic and regional development” category.

Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum

In addition, Québec’s mining sector was showcased at the gala awards ceremony of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM). Four QMA members were recognized for their performance in the field of workplace health and safety.

Two Québec mines tied for the award of the John T. Ryan Safety Trophy (national) after achieving the lowest reportable injury frequency in Canada: Raglan Mine and Matagami Mine, both Glencore companies. For Raglan Mine, this is the third consecutive John T. Ryan Trophy it has won, after receiving the national award in 2020.

An impressive feat: this is the fourth time in five years that Québec mines have received a John T. Ryan Trophy in this key category.

Tata Steel Minerals Canada and Hecla Québec’s Casa Berardi Mine also merited John T. Ryan Trophies in the “Select East” and “Metal Québec /Maritimes” categories.

The CIM honoured Robert Wares, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Osisko Metals, for his remarkable exploration achievements by presenting him with the A.O. Dufresne Exploration Achievement Award. Mr. Wares has over 35 years’ experience in exploration and mining project development, and was behind the discovery of the deposit that led to the creation of Canadian Malartic Mine.

« We have a mining industry in Québec that is one of the best in the world. This is something we already know! But we are even prouder when external organizations recognize our good practices and commitment to communities and workers in such a clear way. This shows, once again, that Quebecers can trust their mining industry which contributes to economic development, but also does so in compliance with the strictest standards and in a highly responsible way. »
« Congratulations to the winners and finalists for their genuine commitment to the development of a modern, innovative and future-focused industry. The challenges involved in ensuring the long-term viability of Québec’s mining industry are real, but we can rely on companies and workers with the motivation to make this happen, and among other things to supply the minerals needed for the upcoming energy transition and electrification of the transport system. Québec is in a strong position and this is due in large part to the exemplary practices of our members. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, April 9, 2021 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the solidarity demonstrated by its members in the Côte-Nord region, which have agreed to participate in the mass vaccination campaign.

ArcelorMittal Mining and Infrastructure Canada and Québec Iron Ore will pool their resources with other companies to step up the vaccination campaign and help immunize the Québec population against COVID-19 as quickly as possible.

Many mining companies are already involved in making a difference in their host communities, and have offered their assistance to government authorities across Québec.

« We are proud that our members have agreed to place their resources and qualified personnel at the service of the population. Mining companies are genuine partners in their local communities, and this contribution to the mass vaccination campaign provides genuine proof of this. »
« The pandemic has helped strengthen the solidarity that characterizes Québec’s mining industry. Our members are united behind the strict measures that will limit the spread of COVID-19 on mine sites. Now, they are joining with the general population to put this extraordinary situation behind us as soon as possible. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, March 25, 2021 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the budget measures tabled today by the Minister of Finance to support the mining industry, and reiterates the willingness of its members to help revive Québec’s economy.

Although not all of its demands have been met, the QMA commends the effort made by the government in a situation where budgetary choices had to be made.

Development of critical and strategic minerals

The incentive for the development of critical and strategic minerals (CSMs), totalling $22 million over five years, will help support a costly and decisive stage of the mineral development process which also involves high risk. During this phase, mining companies will be able to decide whether or not to invest in bringing a deposit into production on a cost-effective basis.

Given that Québec is seeking to become a world leader in CSM development, this assistance comes at an ideal time. The QMA would have liked to see it apply across the industry, but it welcomes it very positively.

Towards sustainable mining development

The QMA is also pleased to see the creation of a program to provide financial support for responsible development in the mining sector, with a budget of $1.7 million over two years. The measure will help mining companies acquire certification and apply continuous improvement in the move towards sustainable development. In the past, the QMA had requested assistance to help members implement the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative.

Since 2018, all mining companies applying to join the QMA must show that their operations take account of the initiative, which is designed to stimulate yields while ensuring that the main risks of mining activities are managed in a responsible way in their facilities.

Other positive measures

Among the other measures tabled, the QMA notes the investment of $2 million to facilitate the implementation of Wallbridge’s Fenelon Gold project, thanks to the access road to the west of Matagami and the initiatives to provide natural gas supplies for regions currently without service.

Quotes

“The mining industry has been targeted by the government as a key industry in Québec’s post-pandemic economic recovery. The mining companies active in Québec have responded to this call and the measures announced in the 2021-2022 budget are a mark of confidence in the mining industry.”

“Our Association had made other demands to make the mining sector more competitive worldwide, but in the current context, the QMA understands that difficult choices had to be made. This is why it welcomes the assistance provided and reiterates its willingness to work with the government to continue its work to make Québec one of the best places in the world to invest in mining projects.”

– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, March 18, 2021 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the financial contribution of $1.3 million to the MISA Group by the Government of Québec for the implementation of its project Mission Mines Autonomes 2030, which aims to encourage mining companies and industry partners to continue their work to create smart, autonomous mines.

Although the digital shift has already begun in Québec’s mining industry, much remains to be done and it is clear that this pooling of forces will help accelerate the process. By introducing new technologies and focusing on automation, digitization and artificial intelligence, mining companies will become more productive and competitive while offering a safer working environment.

The Québec Mining Association wishes the project partners every success, and commends the commitment and joint action that once again highlights the solidarity of Québec’s mining industry and its world-leading role.

« Québec’s mines have already begun their digital shift. Self-driving trucks are already at work in mines, other equipment is operated remotely, and many other technological innovations are used to maximize processes and increase a mine’s performance and competitiveness, while making workers safer. We believe that Mission Mines Autonomes 2030 will be able to accelerate and extend this process. This is a promising project for the future of the mining industry. »
« The QMA supports the pooling of forces and teamwork as a way to take advantage of every opportunity. In awarding this financial assistance, the government confirms its commitment towards a modern, wealth-creating mining industry that is a source of pride for all Quebecers. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA President and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, March 4, 2021 – Québec’s mining industry paid almost $400 million in mining rights to the Québec government in 2019, once again demonstrating its major contribution to the province’s social and economic prosperity. In the view of the Québec Mining Association (QMA), this increase of 37% from 2018 to 2019 reflects the dynamic approach of the mining companies active in Québec.

The record amount of mining rights paid to the government acts as a reminder of the total contribution made by the industry to Québec’s public coffers, which amounts to over $1.3 billion without including corporate income tax.

This is in addition to the almost $10 billion spent by the mining industry in 2018 (the most recent data available) throughout Québec, the 48,000 jobs created or maintained, a payroll of $1.8 billion and the contributions made to communities to support local initiatives.

« Quebecers can be proud of their mining industry and its contribution to the province’s economic and social prosperity. There can be no doubt that the mining sector is, more than ever before, a key player in wealth creation. The mining industry will be a leading partner in the process to revive the economy following the pandemic. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, February 25, 2021 – Québec has had some good news from the Fraser Institute, which has ranked it 6th worldwide and 2nd in Canada in its annual survey of mining jurisdiction attractiveness for exploration investment. The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is delighted by this twelve-place jump compared to last year, but notes the gap between today’s result and the first place held by Québec from 2007 to 2010.

The move from 18th to 6th position sends a signal that Québec has the ability to attract exploration investment. The QMA welcomes this finding and hopes that exploration spending will lead to the opening of new mines in the near future.

Although Québec’s overall performance is strong, a more detailed analysis of the results shows room for improvement in several areas. Comparing the surveys for 2020 and 2021, the province scores poorly under several headings:

uncertainty about protected areas (27th in 2020 to 35th in 2021);
uncertainty about land claims (18th in 2020 to 42nd in 2021);
the tax regime (26th in 2020 to 27th in 2021);
the quality of its geological databases (7th in 2020 to 18th in 2021).

The end to the uncertainty surrounding environmental regulations has been profitable for Québec, which rose from 41st position in 2020 to 18th position in 2021 on this point. Similarly, the reduction of uncertainty in the administration, interpretation and application of existing regulations allowed Québec to move from 28th place in 2020 to 18th place.

Only Saskatchewan, of all the jurisdictions in Canada, ranked higher than Québec overall—3rd worldwide and 1st in Canada.

« This is good news for the mining sector because it will put Québec in the spotlight for investors. What we hope for now is that exploration projects will be implemented and lead to new mines in the future. This is the crucial point. We need more exploration and investment, but ultimately what we want to see is more operating mines. This is the only way to ensure the future viability of the industry. »
« Unfortunately, only a few mines have come into production in recent years. It is important to address Québec’s weaknesses to stimulate the development of new mine sites. Because several of the weakest points are under the responsibility of the Québec government, it must continue to focus on creating the conditions that are conducive to mine development. The intention is there, and the results are encouraging. But we must do better, starting today. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA President and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association