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
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.