admin, auteur/autrice sur Association Minière du Québec

Québec City, February 12, 2021 – Given that very few mine projects are currently under development in Québec, the Québec Mining Association (QMA) sees the announcement of financing for the construction of Canadian Malartic’s Odyssey Mine in the Abitibi-Témiscaminque region as a red-letter day for Québec and the mining industry.

With investments of $1.7 billion over seven years, mining operations scheduled to continue until 2039, and almost 1,500 jobs at the peak of the mine’s activities in 2031, it is clear that the Odyssey Mine will be a pathfinder project for the Québec economy.

Although authorization from the Québec government is still needed to launch some phases, the QMA is pleased to see that Agnico Eagle Mines and Yamana Gold have the confidence needed to go ahead with the project.

« What a good way to start the year! The construction of a new mine is always a special moment in the mining sector. We are delighted to see that major players in the industry have decided to go ahead with a promising project, developed by a company that is responsible and responsive to individual and community concerns. This is really good news for Malartic, for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, and for the whole of Québec. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

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, January 6, 2021 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the announcement that mining will continue despite the full-scale lockdown ordered by the government, based on the robust measures introduced by the mining industry to limit the spread of COVID-19 at mine sites.

Because workplace health and safety is already deeply rooted in the industry, mining companies have worked since the spring to establish controls at the entrance to mine sites, or in some cases at a distance from the entrance, to limit the risk of infection. Some companies also have their own laboratories to test for the virus.

The mining industry has left nothing to chance, and the government has recognized the positive impact of its actions, as reflected in the small number of cases reported for work teams in the mining sector.

The mining industry has always contributed to the socio-economic prosperity of Québec and its regions, and the government has identified it as one of the key sectors that will support the economic recovery. The government’s decision to allow mining to continue is consistent with its plan, which focuses in particular on transportation electrification and the secondary and tertiary processing of mineral resources. It also supports the implementation of the government’s recently-unveiled northern action plan, which specifically targets job creation in outlying regions.

The mining industry will retain its competitive edge with respect to other jurisdictions where production continues, and will be able to meet needs in various supply chains, including the production of medical equipment.

« We understand that the health and safety of the population must come first. This is why the mining industry has taken the matter seriously since the spring. Economic factors will never take precedence over health and safety, and no exceptions will be made. The results achieved through the measures applied show clearly that the safe operation of our mines is possible. The government’s decision to maintain mining activities reflects our own conclusions, and this is reassuring for our industry and for the economy in several different regions. »
« The decision is in line with all the government’s statements that the mining industry will be a cornerstone for the province’s economic recovery. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, December 16, 2020 – The year 2020 has been challenging in many ways. However, the Québec Mining Association considers that this unusual year has still been positive overall.

March-April

The upheaval caused by COVID-19 was followed by a display of solidarity, leadership and resilience by all players in the mining industry, and public health and control measures were introduced immediately to limit the spread of the virus at mine sites. The effectiveness of the measures was recognized by the Québec government, which quickly authorized the resumption of mining activities. The measures clearly had a positive impact, since only a few cases of COVID were recorded among mining sector workers. The economic aspects were never allowed to take precedence over health and safety, and mining companies continue to maintain a high degree of vigilance.

August

Gold prices reached a historical record of 2,740 Canadian dollars per ounce. This made up for some of the losses caused by COVID-19 mine shutdowns, and also by the introduction of strict public health and control measures. For operating mines, the QMA estimated that the three weeks of work stoppages in the spring cost over $550 million in extra costs and lost production.

October

The Québec government unveiled its plan for the development of critical and strategic minerals. Québec’s mining industry will play a leading role, in particular by supplying the metals and minerals needed for transportation electrification and the energy transition. The QMA believes that the government’s message highlights the ability of the mining sector to offer a genuine solution to the issues of climate change, while potentially enriching Québec.

The QMA also published its most recent study of the benefits generated by the mining industry in Québec. It shows once again that the Abitibi Témiscamingue region occupies the pole position. Out of almost $10 billion spent throughout Québec, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region accounted for $3.44 billion, while Montréal ranked third with $1.2 billion of spending.

December

Iron prices also performed well in 2020, since they reached a seven-year peak of over 50 US dollars per tonne. This points to a bright future for mineral development in the Côte-Nord region, where companies such as Québec Iron Ore have announced their intentions to expand their mining site.

Disappointment

Despite all this good news, 2020 also brought a measure of disappointment. For example, Québec lost its place in the Fraser Institute’s Top 10 list of the best mining investment destinations worldwide. By dropping from 4th to 18th place, Québec recorded its worst result since 2014, showing that the uncertainty of recent years has had an impact on investors. This is not an encouraging sign for the future.

Another disappointment came from the confirmation in December, by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, of a decline in mining investment in 2019. Instead of the expected increase of $400 million Québec saw a drop of almost $300 million, to a total of $2.98 billion. Because of its impact on the future of the mining industry, the QMA is concerned about this decline in investment in Québec mines, which is expected to continue into 2020.

Prospects for 2021

One of the things to watch in 2021, besides resource prices, will be Québec’s ability to benefit from the development of critical and strategic minerals. The Nouveau Monde Graphite project continues to attract attention along with lithium development, resulting in particular from the restructuring of Nemaska Lithium. More good news in September was that mining would resume at Stornoway Diamonds’ Renard Mine. With a credible relaunch strategy and a more favourable diamond market, it will be interesting to monitor developments at Québec’s first diamond mine.

With the end of the pandemic now in sight, it is clear that Québec’s mines will have a key role to play in the economic recovery of many regions and of Québec as a whole.

« This is the end of a challenging year. Québec’s mining sector can be proud that it has weathered the storm without too much damage thanks to the commitment of its workers and the application of strict public health and control measures. The mining industry has been recognized as essential by the Québec government and has taken responsibility for conducting operations in a safe manner. We can be proud of the results. »
« Strong prices for many metals have helped maintain mining activities in Québec. However, it is important to reverse the decline in investment and exploration expenditure in order to maintain a prosperous and permanent mining industry in Québec. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, December 7, 2020 – According to the Québec Mining Association (QMA), northern development depends on a strong, competitive mining industry, and the Québec government must take this into account in the implementation of its new Northern Action Plan.

The QMA supports the government’s plan to inhabit the North more widely, in particular by creating robust transportation and communications infrastructures. These will be essential if the mining industry is to continue its contribution to the region’s socio-economic vitality through high-quality jobs, some of the best conditions of employment in Québec, and constructive partnerships with local communities.

Workforce needs in the mining sector make it necessary to use a FIFO (fly in / fly out) approach. However, mining companies have a long-established focus on local hiring, and if the Northern Action Plan makes it possible to attract and train more qualified workers in the North then it is clear that the mining industry will take them into account.

« Mines in northern Québec currently offer almost 7,500 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $104,000. With iron and gold prices remaining high, new mine expansion projects and a growing focus on critical and strategic minerals (CSMs), the area covered by the Northern Action Plan will continue to prosper thanks to the mining industry. »
« The QMA is pleased to see the actions taken to equip the North with reliable modern infrastructures. The objective of connecting the North will increase the pace of mine automation. This is good news, since it will also make mines more competitive. The same applies to transportation infrastructures, which are essential to mining operations. The government has set the right targets, and we will help it make the plan a success. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, October 29, 2020 – The development of critical and strategic minerals (CSMs), for use in particular in the electrification of the transportation system and the energy transition, offers a wealth of opportunities. The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the publication by the government of the Québec plan for the development of critical and strategic minerals, and hopes to see it implemented quickly.

In the view of the QMA, Québec’s mining industry is a key link in the CSM value chain which, as the government points out, constitutes one of the key solutions for fighting climate change. Québec has some of the world’s best mineral resources and qualified workers, both elements that give it an advantage. In addition, its ethical, responsible and respectful approach to mining makes it attractive to CSM investors and consumers.

The government’s goal of improving the business environment for mining project proponents and reducing their administrative burden is see by the QMA in a positive light, since it will inevitably make it easier to attract investors and maintain a strong mining industry in Québec. Because it takes over 10 years to progress from a mineral discovery to the opening of a new mine, action is needed now to ensure the long-term viability of Québec’s mining sector. The QMA believes that CSMs offer a good opportunity to introduce even more diversity into Québec’s mineral portfolio.

The QMA commends the government’s decision to give pride of place to data collection as well as research and development. Exploration and the pooling of research efforts are two key ways to target and identify mineral resources and develop the innovative approaches that will position Québec as a leader in the CSM field.

The QMA believes that the plan’s success will depend on the development of new mineral sectors and the consolidation of traditional sectors such as nickel. The government will therefore have to adapt its organizational processes quickly to facilitate the development of new mining projects and meet the growing demand for CSMs, while pursuing the other goals it has announced, including CSM recycling and optimization of the mineral potential at each active mine site.

« Québec’s mines are ready and willing to take part in this exciting society-wide project. We have shown, over the years, that we are able to develop mining projects responsibly and in a way that ensures respect for communities and the environment. The government’s message confirms that the mining sector can offer a genuine solution to climate issues and has enormous potential to enrich Québec. The positive impacts of CSM development will be added to the benefits that Québec already reaps from other traditional minerals, and will create even more value from mineral resource development. »
« If battery and electric vehicles manufacturers are serious about sourcing products from responsible sources, Québec is an obvious choice. The action plan provides extra leverage, since it confirms that the government will support efforts to promote Québec’s mining sector and assist people who choose to invest in Québec. With cooperation from stakeholders and the government’s decision to shift into high gear, Québec will earn itself a pole position in CSM development. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

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. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

Québec City, October 20, 2020 – Although only one mine remains active in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, the mining industry still generates substantial benefits for the region, in particular because of its proximity to Québec’s three largest mining areas. This is one of the findings from a study published by the Québec Mining Association (QMA) that provides an overview of the impact of mining on Québec’s economy.

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, which reports almost 2,400 jobs held by residents of the region (ranking 5th in Québec), 385 suppliers (ranking 4th in Québec), and spending assessed at $409 million (ranking 6th in Québec), has seen growth across all indicators.

Overall, the study shows that the mining industry in Québec is responsible for more than 48,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, that almost $10 billion is spent by mining companies throughout Québec, and that a network of more than 3,800 suppliers helps support the development of Québec’s mineral resources. It is also important to mention that the average annual salary in the industry is close to $104,000, well above the average annual salary in Québec of $64,000.

The study also addresses a frequently-asked question: how much do governments receive from mineral resource development? The answer: over $1 billion each year. More specifically, $1.3 billion was paid to the Québec government alone in 2018, without including corporate income tax, while the Government of Canada received a further $500 million.

Although the data relates to activities in 2018, it is the most recent available and provides a representative view of the contribution made by the mining industry to Québec’s socio-economic development.

The full report can be viewed here.

« It is always striking to see the contribution made by the mining industry to Québec’s economy. Although it is easy to think that only the mining regions benefit, in fact the regions of Montréal and Montérégie also receive a major share. It is vital, for Québec as a whole, for the mining industry to remain strong and prosperous. »
« Thanks to the resilience of the workers in Québec’s mining industry and their ability to innovate, mining companies have returned to the levels of activity seen before the COVID-19 pandemic relatively quickly.
However, it will be interesting to see, in the next study of economic benefits covering the results for 2020, whether the pandemic has had an impact on employment and expenditure. Québec is in a strong position to recover from the current situation and to continue to enjoy the benefits generated by the mining industry. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

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. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

Québec City, October 20, 2020 – The Nord-du-Québec region has seen spending by mining companies increase from $182 million in 2014 to $1.2 billion in 2018, resulting from major growth in mining activities. This is one of the findings from a study published by the Québec Mining Association (QMA) that provides an overview of the impact of mining on Québec’s economy.

In addition to spending, for which the region ranks fourth in Québec, the study shows that the Nord-du-Québec region employs the second largest number of mine workers, with a total of more than 3,900 direct jobs in mining operations. The Abitibi-Témiscamingue ranks first, with almost 4,165 direct jobs in mining operations.

The full report can be viewed here.

« It is always striking to see the contribution made by the mining industry to Québec’s economy, and this holds true also for the Nord-du-Québec region. The upward trend in the region since 2014 is impressive, especially in terms of spending by mining companies. The way in which the region’s mining sector has been able to innovate and grow over the years offers hope for the future. Strong gold prices are another encouraging sign that point to ongoing economic benefits in the coming years, alongside the presence of essential minerals for transportation electrification and the energy transition such as nickel and lithium. »
« Thanks to the resilience of the workers in Québec’s mining industry and their ability to innovate, mining companies have returned to the levels of activity seen before the COVID-19 pandemic relatively quickly. However, it will be interesting to see, in the next study of economic benefits covering the results for 2020, whether the pandemic has had an impact on employment and expenditure in the Nord-du-Québec region. However, it is in a strong position to recover from the current situation and to continue to enjoy the benefits generated by the mining industry. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

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. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

The full report can be viewed here.

« It is always striking to see the contribution made by the mining industry to Québec’s economy, and this holds true also for the Nord-du-Québec region. The upward trend in the region since 2014 is impressive, especially in terms of spending by mining companies. The way in which the region’s mining sector has been able to innovate and grow over the years offers hope for the future. Strong gold prices are another encouraging sign that point to ongoing economic benefits in the coming years, alongside the presence of essential minerals for transportation electrification and the energy transition such as nickel and lithium.»
« Thanks to the resilience of the workers in Québec’s mining industry and their ability to innovate, mining companies have returned to the levels of activity seen before the COVID-19 pandemic relatively quickly. However, it will be interesting to see, in the next study of economic benefits covering the results for 2020, whether the pandemic has had an impact on employment and expenditure in the Nord-du-Québec region. However, it is in a strong position to recover from the current situation and to continue to enjoy the benefits generated by the mining industry. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

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. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

Québec City, October 20, 2020 – A new study of the economic benefits generated by the mining industry in Québec, published by the Québec Mining Association (QMA), once again confirms the domination of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, which harvests the largest share of benefits from mining activities. Whether in terms of total expenditure, number of jobs or number of suppliers, the region ranks first for all the indicators studied.

The Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions accounts for $3.44 billion in spending by mining companies, out of a total of almost $10 billion for Québec as a whole. For the region, this represents an increase of $1.5 billion since 2014.

In addition to spending, the study shows that almost 15,000 of the 48,000 total jobs supported by the mining industry are held by residents of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, including 6,615 direct jobs, placing it in front of the Côte Nord region (over 7,100 total jobs) and Montréal (over 6,400 total jobs).

The Abitibi-Témiscamingue region also has the largest number of suppliers, with 1,210 suppliers making up 24.5% of the total.

The mining industry’s contribution to prosperity and economic vitality in the region is clear, since it accounts for almost 19.5% of total employment in the region and almost 24% of total employment income. It is also important to mention that the average annual salary in the industry is close to $104,000, well above the average annual salary in Québec of $64,000. The mining industry contributes almost $2.9 billion, or 36% of total GDP for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.

The full report can be viewed here.

« It is always striking to see the contribution made by the mining industry to Québec’s economy, and this is especially true for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. Obviously, mining has been in the region’s DNA since it was founded, but seeing how it has renewed its approach and grown over the years offers hope for the future. »
« The results released today show, once gain, the full extent of the industry’s contribution to the so-called mining regions, but also, significantly, to major urban centres. This reminds us that regions like Montréal and Montérégie are a lot closer to the mining industry than at first appears. »
« Thanks to the resilience of the workers in Québec’s mining industry and their ability to innovate, mining companies have returned to the levels of activity seen before the COVID-19 pandemic relatively quickly. However, it will be interesting to see, in the next study of economic benefits covering the results for 2020, whether the pandemic has had an impact on employment and expenditure in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. Strong gold prices and promising new projects under development, the region is in a strong position to recover from the current situation and to continue to enjoy the benefits generated by the mining industry. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

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. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.