Québec City, November 29, 2024 – In the view of the Québec Mining Association (QMA), the passage of Bill 63 will result in some gains for the mining industry, when compared to the Bill as originally tabled. The QMA notes that several of its demands have been heard. However, other major concerns remain, including access to land by mining companies, the extension of the Minister’s discretionary powers, and the number of regulatory changes that will be needed to implement the Bill’s provisions.
“Although some of the amendments made to the Bill offset its negative impacts, a big effort is needed to implement the reform on the ground without causing too much harm to the mining industry and without further impacting the level of predictability needed to attract new investment. As the QMA explained at the parliamentary committee hearings, increasing the area on land on which mining is banned will reduce the scope for exploration, and also reduce Québec’s mineral potential, which in 2022 generated tax revenue of $1.9 billion for the Québec government without counting corporate income tax,” says Josée Méthot, the QMA’s president and CEO.
The QMA is pleased to note that the government has heard some of the industry’s concerns. In particular, all new mine projects will be subject to the BAPE environmental impact assessment and consultation process. This change will make the authorization process clearer and, above all, more predictable for project promoters, the government and the general public. The process for granting exclusive exploration rights (claims) will be modernized, limiting and perhaps ending the speculation that has artificially boosted the number of active claims in Québec and increased the level of public concern.
“The mining industry is a key driver of regional economic development. According to the QMA’s latest survey, in 2022 the industry supported 29.4% of GDP in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and 35.4% in the Côte-Nord region, besides providing direct, indirect or induced employment for over 51,000 people throughout Québec. To support development in Québec’s regions, the government will need a strong mining industry, which will also help it achieve its objectives for decarbonization and the development of the battery sector. It goes without saying that the QMA will continue to assist the government in its upcoming regulatory work,” Ms. Méthot concludes.
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 51,334 jobs and $12 billion it contributes to Québec’s GDP. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.