Opening of Stornoway's Renard Diamond Mine: AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN THE VIEW OF THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION
19/10/2016
Québec City, October 19, 2016 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is pleased to note the official opening of Québec's first-ever diamond mine, Stornoway Diamond Corporation's Renard Mine. "A diversification of the range of minerals mined will ensure that Québec keeps its place as one of the world's leading mining jurisdictions. Stornoway is helping meet this objective and we commend Stornoway's daring and perseverant approach," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO.
Considering the major economic benefits generated for the Nord-du-Québec region and Québec as a whole, the company's constant focus on communities, and the actions it has taken to reduce its environmental footprint, the QMA believes that Stornoway is firmly engaged on the path to sustainable development.
"We are proud to have a company like Stornoway as one of our members. To deliver a project of this size ahead of schedule and under budget, while complying with the requirements concerning respect for the local population and the environment, shows the serious-minded approach of the management team. This diamond mine has a promising future, and the official opening is the start of a new adventure," Ms. Méthot continues.
Stornoway's commitments to sustainable development include:
• Using natural gas rather than diesel to heat the mine and other buildings (leading to a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions);
• Signing the Mecheshoo Agreement to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a long‐term working relationship based on mutual trust and respect between the Cree Nation of Mistissini, the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), the Cree Regional Authority and the company;
• Signing the Declaration of Partners with the cities of Chapais and Chibougamau to provide a framework for problems relating to employment and economic diversification.
"We are pleased that the project's positive impacts are already being felt at the economic, social and environmental levels. This new mine will clearly help support the development of the Plan Nord and become a source of pride for all Quebecers", concludes Josée Méthot.
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 total expenditure of almost $6 billion generated in Québec. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.