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
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.