admin, auteur/autrice sur Association Minière du Québec

Québec City, May 20, 2020 – The Québec Mining Association, proud as ever of its members’ achievements, congratulates Glencore’s Raglan Mine on its performance at the recent award ceremony organized by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM).

Raglan Mine received the John T. Ryan National Trophy for Metal Mines after recording the lowest accident rate in the country. Last year, the company won the prize for the Québec-Maritimes region.

The Mining Safety Leadership Medal was presented to Charles Levac, a retired manager at Raglan Mine, for his exceptional contribution towards improving mining health and safety results within the mining industry in Canada.

« These awards presented by the CIM highlight Québec’s leadership in health and safety in mining. Québec’s expertise is recognized in Canada and also around the world, and this is a source of pride for us all. »
« We must be able to rely on companies and workers to maintain the highest standards of workplace health and safety, especially during a pandemic when safety is an issue for all. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who focus every day on providing safe working environments. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

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 40,540 jobs and total expenditure of $8.5 billion generated by Québec’s mining industry over the last year. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

Québec City, April 13, 2020 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the decision by the Québec government to no longer restrict mining activities to minimum care and maintenance. It emphasizes that respect for workers and for their health and safety, as well as the health and safety of their families and the general public, will be the main priority. There will be no compromises on this aspect.

To achieve this goal, mining companies will intervene at, or before, mine site entrances to restrict access to people who present no risk of propagating of COVID-19 and do not belong to a high-risk group.

In addition to the measures taken at the entry point, the actions taken by the mining industry will target

More intensive cleaning and disinfection of mining sites and equipment and means of transportation;
A reorganization of the work schedule where necessary to limit contact between workers and ensure physical distancing;
The identification of procedures that will apply if a worker or supplier begins to show symptoms;
Etc.

« Mining companies take the risks of COVID-19 infection extremely seriously and are applying measures before people enter a mine site. The economic issues will never be given priority over health and safety.»
« The government recognizes the priority nature of the mining sector, in particular because of its economic impact and its role in the supply chain for many different industries, including the medical sector. It also notes that some competing jurisdictions have not halted their activities. Since the crisis will end eventually, we must be in a strong position to remain competitive. This was the best decision to make, given that mining companies have shown that they can operate safely. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, March 10, 2020 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is disappointed by the 2020-2021 budget tabled by the Minister of Finance, since it was hoping to see more measures specifically designed to stimulate mining activities.

The good news in the budget is that the government intends to promote the critical and strategic minerals (CSM) sector using a $90 million budget envelope to

step up knowledge acquisition, education and awareness regarding critical and strategic minerals as well as the promotion of their potential;
encourage innovation and develop expertise and value chains associated with critical and strategic minerals;
contribute to the development of the green sector, recycling and exemplary environmental practices.

Although the QMA’s main demand was for support to reduce the costs of mineral development, this measure is the only measure that applies specifically to the mining industry.

Among other interesting items in the budget, the QMA notes the creation of a new investment and innovation tax credit (C3i) to encourage companies to purchase manufacturing and processing equipment, computer hardware and management software. However, the QMA would have liked to see the mining sector made eligible for the tax holiday for major investment projects after previously being unjustifiably excluded.

As the mining sector begins its shift to the digital future, the QMA is pleased to note that the objectives of C3i include

Supporting the acquisition of new technologies to digitize production processes;
Promoting the modernization of manufacturing equipment to increase robotization and automation.

« Given that Québec has just dropped from 4th place to 18th place in the Fraser Institute’s latest ranking of the best jurisdictions for worldwide investment, the Québec Mining Association hoped to see more in the 2020-2021 budget. We remain confident, however, about the government’s intentions, in particular to make the mining sector more competitive and attractive and a more effective generator of prosperity in Québec. »
« Although disappointed by the lack of measures for the mining sector in the budget, we will continue to work with the government as a key partner to ensure the long-term viability of mining in Québec. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, February 25, 2020 – Québec has been hit with some bad news, following the publication of the annual survey by the Fraser Institute of mining jurisdiction attractiveness around the world. Québec has dropped from 4th to 18th place, its worst result since 2014. This is a cause of concern for the Québec Mining Association (QMA), which notes that Québec has also slipped back in the ranking of Canadian jurisdictions, from second in 2019 to third this year.

The results confirm the concerns raised over the last few years by the QMA, as it has urged the government to introduce measures to facilitate, but not deregulate, mineral development. The new survey shows that, unfortunately, the federal and provincial governments have not been able to create an attractive climate for investors, in particular because of delays in passing the new federal legislation on environmental assessments. In Québec, the mining sector is still waiting for the new regulatory provisions governing the assessment process. On this point, the QMA commends the Québec government’s open-minded approach to the process for drafting the new provisions, which have been submitted for consultation.

Based on the new results, it is clear that Québec performs poorly in several key areas of mineral development:

Uncertainty concerning environmental regulations
(from 10th in 2019 to 41st in 2020);
Regulatory duplication and inconsistencies
(from 17th in 2019 to 27th in 2020);
Uncertainty concerning protected areas
(from 13th in 2019 to 27th in 2020);
Uncertainty concerning the administration, interpretation, or enforcement of existing regulations
(from 11th in 2019 to 28th in 2020).

Despite the fact that Québec has moved up two places with respect to its taxation regime, it is still only in 26th position worldwide. There is room for improvement, and the QMA hopes that the government will heed the demands made in the lead-up to the 2020-2021 budget. It could, through some simple and realistic measures, give mining companies operating in Québec the breathing space they need to continue their activities.

« Although the Québec government is clearly making an effort to reduce the time needed to obtain permits, to introduce environmental regulations that take the realities of the mining sector into account, and to reduce companies’ financial and administrative burden, this is not reflected in the confidence of investors, who continue to see Québec as a jurisdiction where uncertainty reigns. Investors need predictability, and the results unveiled by the Fraser Institute should be understood as a clear signal that the investment climate must be improved immediately, and as a reminder that Québec is competing with the rest of the planet to attract mining projects. »
« It is true that the mining industry is in relatively good health in Québec, but it would be a mistake to wait for the next downturn in the cycle before taking action to improve the province’s attractiveness. Given that a mineral deposit discovered today will only become a mine in fifteen years, we need to act now to ensure the long-term viability of the mining industry in Québec and protect the significant socio-economic benefits it generates. »
– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, January 22, 2020 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA), the Comité sectoriel de main-d’œuvre de l’industrie des mines (CSMO Mines) and the Institut national des mines du Québec (INMQ) have joined forces to equip mining companies and other organizations with the tools they need to transition towards Mining 4.0 and help workers meet the new challenges involved. The tools now available will help them upgrade the digital skills of mine workers.

The transition towards highly-skilled specialized trades is an issue common to all mining companies, which are increasingly turning to new tools to move forward and take more advantage of the opportunities offered by Industry 4.0. Thanks to these new tools, mining companies and other organizations can continue to integrate new technologies into their daily operations by focusing on the training needs of their current workforce.

Tooling up for the transition

Phase 1 of the project involved creating an overview of digital applications in Québec’s mining industry, while Phase 2 created a reference framework for the skills needed in the digital era for eleven of the positions most affected by the transition. It also identified the key skills that need to be developed in order to hold those positions.

The overview and the reference framework provide a clearer view of the current situation as mining companies converge on Mining 4.0 and identify target skills. Phase 3 of the project involved creating a guide to the human resources management tools that can be applied to deal with the issues identified in Phases 1 and 2. The tools will provide assistance in workforce training and the hiring of new workers in the positions targeted.

The following tools are now available for companies and organizations: job descriptions and skill profiles, both for the present and for the future, question grids for behavioural interviews, training and skills development plans, and a guide for managing change in six steps in order to successfully integrate these inevitable changes.

« The shift from traditional mines to the mines we know today required workers to adapt. The same will apply to the digital transition. Although human beings will always be an essential part of the mining industry, it is important for the QMA to support its members in the success of this inevitable, and necessary, industrial revolution. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

« New approaches require new skills. The mining industry is undergoing a transformation, and a successful transition to the digital era will depend on adjustments to the way work is organized along with new digital skills. This is why it is important for the mining industry to become a proactive player in managing the digital shift. »
– Kathy Gauthier, director general, CSMO Mines

« Lifelong learning is essential to the success of an industrial sector such as mining. Taking ownership of new technologies, developing skills and using training to adapt to the changes introduced by Mining 4.0 is the best way to move forward and ensure the long-term viability of Québec’s mining industry. »
– Jean-François Pressé, president and CEO, INMQ

Québec City, January 10, 2020 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is pleased to note the induction of Eberhard (Ebe) Scherkus to the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame (CMHF), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the mining industry in Québec and Canada.

A fervent defender of the mining industry, Ebe Scherkus played an active role in the QMA as a member of the Board of Directors from 1990 to 1997 and as Chairman of the Board from 1994 to 1995.

Ebe Scherkus was also instrumental in the development of Agnico Eagle Mines. Under his leadership it grew from a minor Canadian gold producer to the company we know today, with nine mines around the world including facilities in Canada, Finland and Mexico and projects under development in all three countries as well as the United States and Sweden.

Ebe Scherkus’ legacy

Ebe Scherkus was the driving force behind what has become the deepest mine in the Americas—LaRonde Mine. When he joined Agnico Eagle in 1985, it was mining a small-scale deposit with estimated gold reserves of 200,000 ounces. As a geologist, he had always believed in the importance of mineral exploration, and he persuaded the company to invest more to discover the full potential of the property. In the space of three years he had identified reserves that extended the mine’s lifespan by 10 years. The mine continues to grow today, after producing five million ounces of gold since it opened and with reserves for another 10 years of production!

Mr. Scherkus also helped raise the profile of Québec and Canadian mining expertise abroad. He never hesitated to rely on local expertise for the development of his mining projects. His support allowed a large number of specialized service providers, equipment makers, engineering firms and others to innovate and develop their unique expertise. Several of these companies have gone on to become flagships of Canadian industry, exporting their products and services throughout the world and able to ensure the growth of the Canadian mining industry.

« Throughout his career, Mr. Scherkus did his part to promote the QMA’s mission and vision, and for this reason we are proud to have supported his nomination for the CMHF. Mr. Scherkus’s reputation crosses all boundaries. His commitment and dedication will remain a source of inspiration for the whole industry and for a generation of young people who have chosen careers in the mining sector. His extensive achievements deserve to be showcased in the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

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 40,540 jobs and total expenditure of almost $8.5 billion generated by Québec’s mining industry over the last year. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

Québec City, December 18, 2019 – No major changes for the mining industry occurred in 2019 and the Québec Mining Association (QMA) considers that the outcome is generally positive, although it has some reservations for coming years.

Gold shines once again

With gold prices hitting CAN$2,000 in September, gold once again performed strongly in 2019. This resulted in more exploration, and gold retained its place as Québec’s most sought-after mineral.

Also in connection with the precious metal, Eldorado Gold’s Lamaque mine was the only mine to open and begin commercial production in 2019.

The iron sector also performed well in 2019. For example, Québec Iron Ore continued its development and announced a project to extend the Lac Bloom mine in the Côte-Nord region.

On the plus side

By moving from 6th to 4th place, Québec improved its ranking in the Fraser Institute’s 2019 survey of the most attractive destinations for mining investment worldwide. Despite the strong overall result, the survey shows that to attract more mining sector investors, Québec needs to offer a strong regulatory framework combined with competitive fiscal policies, two demands that the QMA has repeatedly presented to the government.

2019 also confirmed the trend towards increased mining investment in Québec, with a total of $3.26 billion. Although the increase is smaller than expected, it confirms that mining companies remain active in Québec and continue to contribute to the socio-economic prosperity of the regions and of Québec as a whole.

In terms of competitiveness, the QMA welcomes the government’s plan to reduce the administrative delays involved in obtaining various permits and authorizations to develop and operate mines. A clear signal has been sent by elected representatives and senior civil servants, creating a hope that concrete results will emerge over the medium term.

The Legault government’s focus on the development of the critical and strategic minerals sector is also welcomed by the QMA. Québec has strong potential for the critical and strategic minerals needed for the worldwide energy transition in particular, and it is clear for the QMA that Québec must quickly join the movement in order to become a world leader in this sector.

On the minus side

The financing of certain mine facilities was a prominent issue for 2019 in the mining industry, and acted as a brake on the development of several strategic sectors.

The decline in exploration expenditure, confirmed in 2019 by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, was unwelcome news because exploration is the first step in the process leading to the discovery of new deposits. The QMA is also worried about the small number of mines under construction which, in its view, heralds a future slowdown. The announcement that production at Nyrstar’s Langlois mine will cease also darkened the outlook for 2020.

Upcoming events in 2020

In 2020, the QMA will release its third study of the economic benefits generated by the mining industry in Québec, quantifying the impact of mining company activities in outlying regions and also for the whole of Québec.

The QMA will continue to monitor the development of several advanced mining projects, including Osisko Mining’s Lac Windfall project (gold), Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawinie project (graphite), Nemaska Lithium’s Whabouchi project (lithium), Sayona Québec’s Authier project (lithium), Falco Resources’ Horne 5 project (gold), and Arianne Phosphate’s Lac à Paul project (apatite).

« The Québec Mining Association’s survey of 2019 is generally positive, with several encouraging signs for the future, such as the government’s clearly reiterated goal of reducing administrative barriers to mineral development. It is true that few new projects are being planned, and that only one new mine entered production this year, but by laying the groundwork for investment we will stimulate mineral development and encourage investors to consider Québec. »
« 2020 will be an interesting year, as various mine projects advance quickly. We will continue to monitor fluctuations in metal prices, which have a major influence over the mining industry’s performance. We hope that the expected increase in mining investment will materialize and that the decline in exploration spending will not be as dramatic as forecast. »
– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

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 40,540 jobs and total expenditure of $8.5 billion generated by Québec’s mining industry over the last year. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.

Québec City, November 19, 2019 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the decision by the Québec government to launch a consultation on Québec’s role in the development of strategic and critical minerals, in particular to develop the lithium-ion battery sector.

Québec has strong potential for the strategic minerals needed in the energy transition that has already begun worldwide. Québec must join the movement and become a world leader in the field. The consultation process launched by the Québec government is viewed as a positive step by the QMA, which sees it as a good way to gauge the interest of the various stakeholders in order to draft a strategy that meets actual needs.

The QMA believes that, if Québec hopes to become a key player in the battery industry, all the players must work together to build a sector that spans the entire field from mining to the finished product, and includes the recycling of batteries at the end of their lifecycle.

Although other jurisdictions are currently in a stronger position than Québec, it is important to remain on course. According to a study completed by KPMG for Propulsion Québec, current and announced capacity will not be enough to meet the expected growth in demand for electric vehicle batteries.

Quotes

“Although Québec has mineral reserves and the assets needed to develop new strategic sectors such as lithium, graphite and rare earth elements, the difficulty of obtaining financing has hindered the development of some projects. We must also pay attention to more traditional minerals such as nickel, which are an indispensable part of the energy transition, in order to be able to meet anticipated demand. The strategy to be presented by the government must take this into account.”

“Québec is in a strong position to take part in the energy transition. A lot of work is still needed, but we sense a true willingness from the mining sector, government, researchers and other partners to follow this worldwide movement. For major electric vehicle manufacturers that want to have a reliable supply of strategic minerals, Québec is a logical choice because of the methods applied by its mining industry and the availability of clean, renewable energy.”

– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

About the Québec Mining Association

Québec City, November 14, 2019 – After forecasting mining investment of around $3.57 billion in 2018, the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) has reported actual investment of $3.26 billion, a 7% increase over 2017. According to the Québec Mining Association (QMA), this increase shows that mining companies remain active in Québec, but it highlights the need to support mining development to ensure that major investment continues to bring prosperity to Québec and its regions. However, the QMA is concerned about the declining trend in exploration expenditure and the ISQ’s forecast that it will continue in 2019.

The Nord-du-Québec and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions in the lead

The Nord-du-Québec region received most investment ($1.31 billion), followed closely by the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region ($1.19 billion). The bulk of this expenditure was incurred to extend the Canadian Malartic mine and develop Osisko Mining’s Lac Windfall project and Nemaska Lithium’s Whabouchi site.

With $600 million in investment, the Côte-Nord region came third, mainly thanks to the investment made by Québec Iron Ore in reopening the Lac Bloom mine.

A decline in exploration

The bad news in the ISQ report is confirmation that the decline in exploration expenditure is expected to continue in 2019. Although the actual decrease is small ( 1.6%) between 2017 and 2018, the trend will accelerate in 2019 according to the ISQ ( 9.3%).

The Association is concerned about the small number of projects under construction, as this could be an indicator of a future slowdown.

Quotes

“Québec’s mining industry is a major vector for socio-economic prosperity. A healthy mining industry has a positive impact for the mining regions and for the whole of Québec. Although traditional sectors such as gold and iron are performing well, there has been a slowdown in other sectors, such as lithium. It is important to provide support in all sectors to ensure a structured approach to mineral development and the ability to ride out a downturn.”

“When exploration declines, the chances of making new discoveries also decrease. Although the situation is not yet dramatic, attention must be paid to the declining trend and more support must be provided for exploration activities, if required. The future of Québec’s mining industry depends on this.”

– Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association