Québec City, March 21, 2019 – Without offering any direct measures to support mineral development in Québec, the first budget tabled by the Legault government includes some promising measures to accelerate the issue of environmental authorizations, support infrastructure development and promote the energy transition. In the view of the Québec Mining Association (QMA), the budget shows that the Québec government wants to stimulate the economy and that major industrial projects that contribute to this objective are welcome.

« The government’s 2019-2020 budget does not contain any direct tax measures to give mining companies more breathing space. However, it does provide support for a number of initiatives which, indirectly, promote mineral development in Québec. In its budget, the government sends a clear message in favour of a stronger economy, and the mining industry will be ready and willing to support the government’s objectives. »

« Overall, the QMA reacts positively to the Legault government’s first budget. It clearly expresses the goal of accelerating approval for the environmental aspects of investment projects, and therefore addresses a concern frequently raised by our members and by the QMA. We hope that this measure will quickly lead to results. »

« Mining companies spend around $8.5 billion every year on their operations. They are key players in economic development for Québec as a whole, and not just in the mining regions. Since they contribute $1 billion each year in taxes to the Québec government, it is clear that the government has an interest in supporting the mining sector to ensure Québec’s socio-economic prosperity. »

– Josée Méthot, QMA president and CEO

Relevant measures in the budget

The budget measures welcomed by the QMA include:

• Reducing approval times for investment projects, by hiring additional personnel;

• Allowing the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining sustainable development certification to be deducted as an allowance under the mining tax regime;

• Providing support for training for the local and Aboriginal workforce in the North, in particular by

o developing training in response to certain special needs in the North; and
o hiring liaison officers for optimizing the integration of Aboriginal workers into the labour market.

• Encouraging businesses to use artificial intelligence;

• Improving regional infrastructures:

o ensure access to a high-speed Internet connection and broadband cellular network in all regions;
o support the extension of the natural gas distribution network;
o support the implementation of transportation logistics for liquefied natural gas on the Côte-Nord;
o support the development of the Société ferroviaire et portuaire de Pointe-Noire;
o support the QcRail project;
o support the development of multi-user infrastructure in northern areas.

• Supporting businesses in their energy transition process, in particular by

o introducing a component for large projects under the Technoclimat program;

o introducing a component for large industrial projects under the ÉcoPerformance program.

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, March 4, 2019 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan released by the Government of Canada, which contains strategic directions that match the QMA’s actions to make Québec’s mining sector more competitive and attractive.

Based on strategic directions that are already part of the DNA of the QMA and its members, the Plan will consolidate the actions undertaken by the QMA to ensure that Québec continues to play a leadership role and remains one of the best locations for mining worldwide. The strategic directions in the Plan are:

• Economic development and competitiveness
• Advancing the Participation of Indigenous Peoples
• Respect the Environment
• Science, Technology and Innovation
• Social acceptability
• Global Leadership

The Québec Mining Association, which submitted recommendations during the consultations that led up to the Plan, will continue its involvement when the Plan is implemented.

« The proof is there: the mining industry is an indispensable part of our everyday lives. From electronic devices to medical instruments, and from vitamins to food supplements, we are surrounded by metals and minerals. This is why the QMA and its members believe that it is essential to implement measures that promote mineral development in Québec, which remains a source of inspiration for other mining jurisdictions, in particular in terms of respect for the environment and for local communities. The new Plan is a step in the right direction.»

– 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 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, February 28, 2019 – Québec continues to progress in the annual Fraser Institute survey of the mining sector, rising from 6th to 4th place worldwide as an attractive destination for mining investment. This improvement is viewed in a positive light by the Québec Mining Association (QMA), which has made every effort over the last five years to persuade governments to establish measures and actions that will increase Québec’s international presence and attract investors.

For the QMA, it is essential not to lose sight of the ultimate objective: to regain the top position held by Québec from 2007 to 2010. To achieve this goal, it will be necessary to address the issues that caused Québec to drop in the ranking, in particular regulatory incoherence and duplication, the tax regime, uncertainty over land claims and a shortage of workers.

A detailed analysis of the results highlights the areas where Québec is performing well, and also where progress is needed to avoid sharing the fate of Ontario, which has dropped from 7th to 20th place in the ranking. According to the Fraser Institute, a stable regulatory environment, coupled with a highly competitive tax regime, is the key to attracting investors. This is something that the QMA has been repeating for many years, and this is where Québec can make changes to improve its ranking.

« This two-place improvement in the ranking is good news, since it sends a message to investors that Québec is open for business and that mining companies are welcome. However, it is important to avoid over-confidence. The result is not set in stone, and will require a sustained effort to ensure that Québec remains a destination for investors and project developers. »

« The current government has taken a clear position in favour of mining development and we will be glad to help it establish the structural measures that will make Québec the world’s leading destination for investors. We must begin to remove the obstacles that are acting as a brake on the development of mining projects 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 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, January 8, 2019 – Following the cabinet shuffle completed by François Legault, the Québec Mining Association (QMA) notes the appointment of Benoit Charette as Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change. It congratulates him on his new appointment and reiterates its willingness to assist him in his new duties.

In the view of the QMA, the mining industry must be able to rely on a Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change who is aware of the issues facing the industry and who puts forward legislative and regulatory measures that ensure that the government’s objectives can be achieved in a way that takes the realities of Québec’s mining sector into account.

« Québec can count on a mining industry that is responsible and conducts its operations in a way that respects both people and the environment. Several promising mines are now operating, and others are under development. Actions must be taken now to ensure that the mining industry continues to drive Québec’s prosperity, in particular by reducing excessive delays in the environmental authorization process for the development of mining projects. This affects Québec’s competitive edge worldwide, and the QMA hopes that Mr. Charrette will remain attentive to its concerns. »

– 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 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.

Mines Seleine, a K + S Windsor Salt Ltd. property, is located on Grosse-Île in the Magdalen Islands. It is Québec’s only salt mine.

History

In 1972, the Québec mineral exploration board SOQUEM discovered the salt domes on the Magdalen Islands, including the dome on Grosse-Île. There are seven domes in all.

One of the domes, the closest to the surface, is located under Grosse-Île, and rock salt has been mined there since 1982. The salt is used for road de-icing.

How were the domes formed?

The Magdalen Islands are located at the centre of a vast undersea plateau known as the Magdalen Shallows. A surprising fact is that around 360 million years ago, the plateau was actually situated on the Equator.

There, it formed a sunlit valley that was periodically flooded with saltwater from the sea. The strong sunlight caused the water to evaporate, leaving a deposit of salt. Over several million years, hundreds of metres of salt crystals formed, and were then compressed and hardened to form rock salt.

As the continents drifted apart, the Magdalen Shallows left the Equator and moved to their current position in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is thanks to the buoyancy of the salt domes beneath that the Magdalen Islands emerge from the waters of the St. Lawrence.[1]

Mining to a depth of 489 metres

Although the domes are close to the surface, mining takes place underground, at a maximum depth of 489 metres.

Mines Seleine uses a room-and-pillar mining method, explained below.

  • Mining takes place on several levels. The mine workers use a ramp to access the various levels of the mine.
  • Each level is mined in a way that creates empty “rooms” between a series of “pillars” that hold up the roof.
  • A cutting machine is used to make a clean horizontal cut at floor level. Each cut prepares the wall of the room for blasting, over a width of up to 25 metres. Drillers create horizontal and vertical drill holes to prepare for blasting.

Several galleries allow equipment to be driven through the underground network of rooms. This can be seen in a video of Premier Philippe Couillard, announcing the signing of an agreement between Mines Seleine and the Québec department of transport, sustainable mobility and transport electrification transport to provide de-icing salt to make Québec roads safer in winter. The Québec Mining Association also addresses the same topic in a humorous clip that can be viewed here (French).

The mine produces over 1,300,000 metric tonnes of salt each year.

Key facts

A cutting machine resembles a giant chain saw with a blade 4.2 metres long. Similar machines were used in coal mines in the 1960s, and were then adapted for use in salt mines.

It is currently expected that activities at the mine will be able to continue for another 30 years.

Around 150 people work at Mines Seleine, most of them inhabitants of the Magdalen Islands.

After 30 years of activity, Mines Seleine now has a second generation of Magdalen Islanders working as miners.

Key dates

1972 – Discovery of the salt domes by SOQUEM (Société québécoise d’exploration minière)

1982 – Opening of the mine after an investment of $125 million

1988 – The mine is sold to the Canadian Salt Company (Windsor Salt)

2009 – The mine is taken over by the German group K+S

Operator: Mines Seleine, K+S Windsor Salt Ltd.

Region: Magdalen Islands

Substance: Salt

Status: Active underground mine

Jobs: 150

Sources:

  • Mines Seleine, K+S Sel Windsor ltée
  • Attention Fragîles : La formation des îles, une histoire de sel
  • Ici Radio-Canada nouvelles
  • Wikipédia

[1] La formation des îles, une histoire de sel (http://www.attentionfragiles.org/en/who-we-are/15-transport-ecologique.html)

Yes, that’s right!

At the start of the Renard project, Stornoway decided that the mine would have as little impact as possible on water quality. How did the Stornoway team achieve its goal? Read on.

Water is needed to supply an ore treatment plant, and generally it is drawn from nearby lakes and watercourses. In other words, fresh water is used. Remarkably, Stornoway does not use any fresh water at all, but only runoff from the mine site and the product of dewatering operations in the underground mine. All of this water is recycled, and is available in sufficient quantities to supply the ore treatment plant. Lac Lagopède, and six other lakes and streams close to the mine infrastructures, are not affected by large-scale water withdrawals. Only drinking water for the mining camp is taken from Lac Lagopède.The picture shows environment technician Charles Dubois on Lac Lagopède and, in the background, the ore treatment plant.

When, at the end of the process, the water is returned to the environment after its journey through the wastewater treatment plant, it is of the highest quality. Regular analyses show that the treated water easily meets industry standards and the environmental emission objectives established by the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC).

This outcome results from a comprehensive approach launched as soon as work began to construct and commission the Renard Mine in 2014. When construction activities commenced on the site, Stornoway built a temporary water treatment plant. All runoff, and all water that had come into contact with the mine site, was treated there until April 2016, when the brand-new permanent water treatment plant came into action.

In addition to treating meltwater that has been in contact with the mine site, the plant treats runoff and surface drainage water, and water from dewatering operations in the open-pit and underground mine. Stornoway has even dug ditches around the whole of the site to contain all the water that comes into contact with the mine. The ditches also ensure that runoff that has not come into contact with the mine site can be diverted, reducing the volume of water requiring treatment.

Stornoway set itself the challenge of ensuring that its activities

would have the lowest possible environmental impact.

The same exemplary approach used for drinking water and domestic wastewater

It is easy to understand that with almost 400 workers living on-site, a considerable quantity of wastewater is produced. Before being discharged into the environment, this domestic wastewater is treated in a plant equipped with cutting-edge technology. “We built an ultra-modern, highly automated facility” explains Martin Boucher, Stornoway’s Vice President for Sustainable Development. The equipment is so modern that operations can even be monitored from a distance. “It’s as if the various plant components could talk to the technicians,” he adds.

The plant exceeds MDDELCC requirements for domestic wastewater treatment. It is one of the most modern facilities in Québec, even though Stornoway is not a municipality but a mining company.

For drinking water, Stornoway’s unrelenting focus has produced outstanding results. To date, no notices have been issued to boil or avoid drinking the water. In addition, no analysis results have shown the presence of micro-organisms indicating fecal contamination or coliform bacteria.

Voluntarily and to ensure transparency, Stornoway has introduced a program to monitor drinking water quality that meets the requirements of the Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water, the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, and the certificate of authorization issued by the MDDELCC. It is important to note that the Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water does not impose a specific monitoring program on companies—in other words, Stornoway has gone beyond the regulatory requirements in order to preserve its workers’ health.

Other environmental initiatives

Wherever there is machinery, there is oil, which can escape to the environment in many different ways. Stornoway has taken steps to prevent any kind of spill, and has installed equipment to separate oil from water. These oil separators receive wastewater from the mechanical repair workshop and the airport hangar. Oil floats to the surface, where it is recovered and stored in special containers before being taken off-site to be recycled.

Groundwater

Stornoway has also implemented a program to monitor groundwater quality, as required by the MDDELCC around high-risk sites and trench landfills. At Renard Mine, 42 observation wells have been dug to monitor groundwater closely. They cover the entire mine site and the area around the landing strip.

Respect for the host environment: a shared concern

The environmental and social management system (Système de gestion environnementale et sociale, or SGENVS) established by Stornoway also deserves attention. It was created when work began with one key objective: to allow Stornoway to respect its commitments.

The SGENVS includes

  • an environmental and social monitoring program;
  • a work permit, known as an “Éco-Permis”, to improve the monitoring of work;
  • an environmental monitoring plan for construction work.

Every contractor working on the site must obtain an “Éco-Permis” before beginning any work that may affect the environment.

As Martin Boucher explains, “we have ensured that contractors and workers understand and implement Stornoway’s goal of maintaining the worksite in immaculate condition and respecting the host environment.”

An exemplary approach

Stornoway has applied an exemplary approach since the start of the 2000s.

It has informed the local communities and held numerous consultation sessions. The population has had an opportunity to make its concerns known, and a working group on the environment has been set up with the Cree community of Mistissini. The working group’s interventions have ensured improvements to the project at all stages in its development.

Stornoway opened an office in Mistissini in 2011, as the best way to maintain a dialogue with the main stakeholders. The Mecheshoo Agreement, signed in 2012, sealed the collaboration between Stornoway and the Crees. Discussions about environmental matters—and the search for sustainable solutions—have continued within the framework provided by the Agreement.

In July 2012, Stornoway signed a “Partners’ Declaration” with the host communities of Chapais and Chibougamau. It provides a way to respond to problems and initiatives of joint interest, such as communications, employment, economic diversification and the attraction of new workers to the region.

In short, Stornoway has done everything possible, and even a little more, to ensure respect and support for its host communities. The results are convincing, whether in environmental or social terms!

“From the very beginning, we made it a point of honour to work with professionalism […] to ensure respect for people and the environment […].”Matt Manson, President and CEO

Le projet Horne 5, propriété de Ressources Falco, est situé au nord de la ville de Rouyn-Noranda, dans la région de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Il se trouve immédiatement en dessous de l’ancienne mine Horne qui a été exploitée par Noranda de 1926 à 1976.

Le projet Horne englobe les anciennes mines Horne et Quémont ainsi que le gîte Horne 5. Falco détient 100 % des intérêts sur 74 000 hectares de terrains dans le camp minier historique de Rouyn-Noranda. La société contrôle 70 % du camp dans son ensemble, y compris la mine Horne de calibre mondial, ainsi que 13 autres anciennes mines d’or et de métaux de base.

Un potentiel prometteur

Dans un communiqué daté du 3 octobre 2016, Ressources Falco rendait publique la mise à jour de l’estimation des ressources minérales de son projet. Cette mise à jour augmente les ressources globales équivalentes en or de 32 %, soit:

  • 736 000 onces d’équivalent en or en ressources mesurées;
  • 6 336 000 onces d’équivalent en or en ressources indiquées;
  • 1 710 000 onces d’équivalent en or en ressources présumées.

En plus de l’or, le projet Horne 5 renferme de l’argent, du zinc et du cuivre. Le gisement demeure ouvert en profondeur, ce qui lui confère un excellent potentiel de développement.

Études

Le 9 mai 2016, Ressources Falco a diffusé les résultats de l’Étude économique préliminaire (EEP). L’EEP indique que le projet Horne 5 correspond à un projet d’exploitation minière sous terre à forte marge sur une période de 12 ans, avec des paramètres économiques des plus intéressants dans le contexte actuel du prix de l’or. Les faits saillants du projet sont présentés dans cette fiche d’information.

Ressources Falco devrait investir environ 1,34 milliard de dollars pour mener à terme le projet Horne 5 et générer un produit brut de 6,8 milliards de dollars.

La mine produirait annuellement 236 000 onces d’or pendant 12 ans; elle emploierait environ 525 personnes.

Sur la base de 12 années d’activité, la mine pourrait produire 3,1 millions d’once d’or, 807 millions de livres de zinc, 194 millions de livres de cuivre et 23,8 millions d’onces d’argent.

L’usine sur le site traiterait entre 10 000 et 15 000 tonnes de minerai par jour.

Les coûts de restauration sont estimés à 51,6 millions de dollars.

Selon ses estimations, Ressources Falco prévoit que la mine sera mise en service en 2020 et qu’elle atteindra sa pleine capacité en 2021.

Après la publication de cette étude, Ressources Falco a entrepris l’étude de faisabilité du projet et l’étude d’impact environnemental. Les résultats de ces études sont attendus en 2017.

Voyez cette animation 3D du projet Horne 5.

Exploitant: Ressources Falco

Région: Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Substance: or, argent, zinc, cuivre

Statut: projet de mine souterraine

L’information contenue dans cette fiche provient de sources connues et vérifiables.

Source :

Ressources Falco

Notes

Crédit photo: Graham Robson, Creative Commons Licensed

Les renseignements qui suivent proviennent du site Internet du ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles du Québec.

LISTE DES SITES MINIERS ABANDONNÉS EN DATE DU 31 MARS 2016

ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
641331

BAS-SAINT-LAURENT / GASPÉSIE

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
401

CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
100

CHAUDIÈRE-APPALACHES

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
109

CÔTE-NORD

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
204

ESTRIE

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
1719

LANAUDIÈRE

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
100

LAURENTIDES

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
102

MAURICIE

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
103

CENTRE DU QUÉBEC

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN  RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
102

NORD-DU-QUÉBEC

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
9310

OUTAOUAIS

SITE(S) RESTAURÉ(S)EN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
28211

TOTAL

SITES RESTAURÉSEN RESTAURATIONÀ VENIR
1301982

NUNAVIK (FONDS RESTOR-ACTION NUNAVIK)

SITES NÉCESSITANT DES TRAVAUX DE GRANDE ENVERGURE

NETTOYÉSPARTIELLEMENT NETTOYÉSÀ NETTOYER
1512

SITES NÉCESSITANT DES TRAVAUX DE MOYENNE ENVERGURE

NETTOYÉSPARTIELLEMENT NETTOYÉSÀ NETTOYER
2114

 

Rétrospective

1940 – 1980

Entre la fin des années 1940 et 1980, d’importants programmes d’exploration minière ont eu lieu au Nunavik, notamment dans la fosse du Labrador et de l’Ungava.

À cette époque, les préoccupations environnementales n’étaient pas celles que l’on connaît aujourd’hui. Il n’y avait d’ailleurs aucune réglementation visant à encadrer les activités des sociétés, minières ou autres, afin de limiter leurs impacts sur l’environnement et le milieu social.

1990

Au début des années 1990, des communautés inuit entreprennent de nettoyer les sites d’exploration minière sur leur territoire.

En 1991

En 1991, la Loi sur les mines oblige les compagnies minières à déposer des plans de restauration et à fournir des garanties financières appropriées pour la couverture de 70% des coûts de restauration des aires d’accumulation (art. 232.1 à 232.10). Ces articles ont été mis en application en 1995 lorsque les règlements d’application ont été adoptés.

En 1991, des travaux de restauration sont entrepris par le gouvernement. Ils prendront fin en 2002. Onze sites miniers ont été restaurés au coût de 20 M$.

Pour les sites qui étaient fermés en 1995, la loi permettait au ministre d’enjoindre le responsable à faire des travaux de restauration. Cependant, il n’a pas été possible de retrouver toutes les entreprises responsables (ex. : faillite). Ce sont ces sites qui sont qualifiés de « sites abandonnés ». La responsabilité financière associée à la restauration de ces sites est revenue à l’État.

2007 – 2012

En 2007, l’industrie minière crée le Fonds Restor-Action Nunavik, en collaboration avec le gouvernement du Québec et la nation Inuit. Une trentaine de sociétés minières participent financièrement à ce fonds, de même que des associations minières, des fournisseurs de l’industrie et le gouvernement du Québec.

Entre 2007 et 2012, le Fonds Restor-Action nettoie plusieurs sites d’exploration minière. Les 18 sites jugés prioritaires ont tout été restaurés en entier. Actuellement, le Fonds s’affaire à restaurer les sites jugés non prioritaires. Voir ce document (lien vers document sur le site de Mines Virginia)

L’industrie minière travaille à la création d’un second fonds qui sera consacré à la restauration des sites d’exploration minière sur le territoire des cris.

En parallèle, des compagnies minières ont entrepris, de leur propre initiative, de nettoyer des sites abandonnés. C’est le cas de Canadian Royalties (+30 sites), Oceanic Iron Ore Corp., Anglo American, Rockland Minerals Corp., et Xstrata Nickel. Rio Tinto a également nettoyé et sécurisé à ses frais l’ancienne mine de fer de Schefferville.

1983

En 1983, le MENVIQ (ministère de l’Environnement du Québec) dresse un inventaire des sites d’élimination de déchets dangereux. On y trouve 100 sites de résidus miniers. Le ministère recommande l’établissement d’un programme d’étude et de restauration des lieux contaminés. Ce sont les programmes NEDEM (1989-1997) et le programme de restauration des sites miniers, qui appartiennent au gouvernement.

1987

Avant 1987, rien, dans la Loi sur les mines, n’obligeait les compagnies minières – ou toute autre entreprise de quelque secteur industriel que ce soit – à faire des travaux de restauration. Les seules conditions qui permettaient à une compagnie d’abandonner son bail étaient :

  • d’en faire la demande par écrit;
  • d’avoir acquitté ses redevances;
  • d’avoir remis tous les plans requis par la loi.

En 1987, la Loi sur les mines a ajouté une nouvelle condition au détenteur de bail pour pouvoir abandonner un site minier. Le détenteur du bail devait avoir obtenu l’autorisation du ministre des Ressources naturelles qui consultait alors le ministre de l’Environnement sur la question.

En 1995

En 1995, les articles 232.1 à 232.10 ont été mis en application lorsque les règlements d’application ont été adoptés.

Pour les sites miniers qui étaient fermés, la Loi sur les mines permettait au ministre des Ressources naturelles d’obliger le responsable à faire des travaux de restauration. Malheureusement, dans certains cas, il a été impossible de retracer les entreprises responsables pour cause de faillite, par exemple. Ces sites ont alors été qualifiés de « sites abandonnés ». Ils ont été pris en charge par l’État.

En 2006

En 2006, le gouvernement a accepté d’inscrire ce passif environnemental à la dette publique, pour assurer des fonds au ministère des Ressources naturelles (MRN). Depuis lors, le MRN procède à des travaux d’évaluation et de restauration des sites miniers abandonnés.

Août 2013

Les règles ont changé depuis le 23 août 2013, à la suite de l’adoption de modifications réglementaires touchant notamment la garantie financière.

La garantie financière correspond à 100 % du coût des travaux de restauration. Avec l’adoption du projet de loi sur les mines, l’approbation du plan de restauration est une condition préalable à l’obtention du bail minier et au début de l’exploitation.

Sur approbation du plan de restauration, l’exploitant doit verser 50 % du montant requis en restauration dans les 90 jours de la date d’approbation du plan. Par la suite, la somme restante doit être versée en deux versements (25 % chacun) à la date anniversaire de l’approbation du plan.

Les exploitants dont le plan a été approuvé avant le 23 août 2013 doivent verser 50 % de la garantie financière d’ici au 22 août 2014, et les deux autres versements comme qu’indiqué précédemment.

Notes

  • Crédit photos: Administration régionale Kativik
  • Crédit vidéo : Minalliance
Qu’est-ce que le FRAN ? C’est le Fonds Restor-Action-Nunavik. Il a été créé dans le but de contribuer à la restauration de sites d’exploration minière abandonnés dans le Nord-du-Québec.

Il regroupe 30 sociétés du secteur minier œuvrant partout au Québec. Ces sociétés poursuivent un but commun : nettoyer et réhabiliter des sites d’exploration minière abandonnés au Nunavik.

Elles travaillent en partenariat avec les gouvernements, les Inuits et les Premières Nations :

  • Administration régionale Kativik (ARK)
  • Société Makivik
  • Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles du Québec (MERN)
PARTENAIRES
Abitibi Géophysique inc.Société Makivik
Association de l’exploration minière du Québec (AEMQ)Mines Aurizon
Association minière du Québec (AMQ)Mines Opinaca (les) – (Goldcorp)
Agnico EagleExploration Osisko Baie James (Mines Virginia inc.)
QMX Gold Corporation (Alexandria Minerals Corporation)PricewaterhouseCoopers
Areva QuébecAssociation canadienne des prospecteurs et entrepreneurs (PDAC)
Canadian Royalties Inc.Ressources Appalaches
Dios ExplorationRessources Breakwater (aujourd’hui Nyrstar)
Ditem Exploration Inc.Ressources Cartier
Donner Metals Ltd. (maintenant Ressources Sphinx)Ressources Majescor inc.
Eastmain ResourcesRessources Metco
Exploration Azimut inc.Ressources Sirios inc.
Everton ResourcesRessources Strateco
Redevances aurifères OsiskoRoche Ltée, Groupe-conseil (aujourd’hui Norda Stalo)
GenivarGlencore Raglan – (Xstrata Nickel)
Hélicoptères Canadiens (les)Stornoway Diamond Corporation
Knight Resources Ltd.Urenium Star
Administration régionale KativikSociété d’exploration minière Vior inc.

 

Quand ?

Pendant 30 ans, soit entre 1950 et 1980, le Nord-du-Québec a été le théâtre de plusieurs campagnes d’exploration par des sociétés qui n’étaient soumises à aucune réglementation en matière de nettoyage de sites. Plusieurs sites ont été abandonnés, jonchés de matériel, d’équipement, de pétrole et de produits toxiques.

Années 1990 et suivantes – Les communautés Inuits commencent le nettoyage. Un projet pilote est lancé dans le but d’identifier et de localiser les sites d’exploration abandonnés au Nunavik.

2001-2002 – On dresse une liste de 193 sites potentiels, dont 90 sites qui sont identifiés comme des sites d’exploration minière abandonnés et classés comme suit :

NETTOYAGE
Nettoyage de grande envergureNettoyage de moyenne envergureNettoyage de faible envergure
Nombre de sites182745

 

2004 – l’ARK conclut une entente de 4 ans (2004-2008) avec Environnement Canada et lance des projets pilotes en 2005 et 2006 sur 2 des sites nécessitant des travaux de nettoyage de grande envergure (KAW-35 et PJ-1)

Cruise North Expedition, la Société Makivik et l’ARK entreprennent de nettoyer les sites PJ-17, PJ-17A et PJ-18. Ces travaux ont été effectués entre 2005 et 2009.

2007 – Une entente de contribution officielle est signée par l’ARK, la Société Makivik, le MERN et un consortium de sociétés minières connu sous le nom de Fonds Restor-Action-Nunavik (FRAN).

2007-2012 – Des travaux de réhabilitation sont réalisés sur les sites nécessitant un nettoyage de grande envergure. Durant cette période, le FRAN a offert une contribution d’une valeur de 750 000 $. Cette contribution a été renouvelée pour la période 2012-2017.

Pour sa part, le MERN verse une contribution financière maximale de 4,1 millions de $ pour la réalisation du projet.