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.