Modernization of the Environment Quality Act : THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION HOPES THAT THE NEW RULES ON ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS WILL BE SUITABLE FOR THE MINING SECTOR
09/06/2016
Québec City, June 7, 2016 – Following the tabling by the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, David Heurtel, of the Act to amend the Environment Quality Act to modernize the environmental authorization scheme, the Québec Mining Association (QMA) has stated its support and its hope that the new rules will take into account the characteristics of Québec's mining sector, in order to reduce delays in the development of mining projects.
"Unfortunately, Québec is known for its cumbersome administrative processes and especially for the time needed to obtain environmental authorizations. The QMA therefore welcomes this attempt by the government to modernize the process, but some of the proposals in the Green Paper released before the Bill actually increased the time needed to process applications from the proponents of industrial projects, going against the spirit of the modernization process. We are anxious to analyze the Bill in more detail to ensure that the concerns of the mining sector have been taken into consideration," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO, mentioning that she would like to have an opportunity to appear before the parliamentary committee in order to present the point of view of Québec's mining industry.
It is important to note that the mining sector is already subject to over 100 laws, regulations, directives and guidelines in the environmental field. "The mining industry does not want any steps to be ignored, but supports a regulatory and administrative simplification process to facilitate the development of projects in Québec. Imposing new conditions would increase the climate of uncertainty for our investors," says Josée Méthot.
The mining industry supports 45,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs and generates significant economic benefits:
• $1.2 billion in wages paid by mine operators;
• $2.3 billion in investment in 2015;
• Almost 4,000 suppliers located throughout Québec;
• $1.1 billion paid annually to the Québec government.
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 45,000 high-quality jobs and $2.3 billion in investment 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.