Québec Energy Policy: THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS THE GOAL FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

07/04/2016

Québec City, April 7, 2016 – For many years, the Québec Mining Association (QMA) has called for the government to support mining companies in converting their facilities to natural-gas operation. The QMA hopes that the new energy policy, based in particular on energy efficiency and energy substitution, will allow this goal to be met in Québec's mining industry.

Since energy is one of the major expenditure items in the operating budgets of a mining company, any assistance in reducing energy costs is welcomed by the QMA. "If the government is serious about reducing Québec's greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency, it will have to take action to support the efforts made by the companies. Converting facilities from oil to natural gas or renewable energy sources, when possible, is one of the mining industry's goals. However, with the slowdown in the mining sector, investing large amounts in conversion may place competitiveness and jobs at risk, and the Association looks forward to seeing how the government intends to support companies in this area," says Josée Méthot, the QMA president and CEO.

The mining industry is already making major efforts to improve its energy efficiency. However, many mines sites currently have no access to natural gas or renewable energy, and must use more expensive and more polluting forms of energy. "The mining industry is willing to make the energy transition announced by the government, provided its financial and administrative burden does not increase, and hopes that the decisions made by the authorities will take into account the realities facing mining companies in Québec," Josée 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 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.