Stolt LNGaz: construction of a natural gas liquefaction plant in Bécancour: THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION SATISFIED WITH THE BAPE'S CONCLUSIONS
11/06/2015
Québec City, June 11, 2015 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is pleased to see that the report by Québec's environmental hearing board, the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement or BAPE, gives an "acceptable" rating to the project to build and operate a plant to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) presented by Stolt LNGaz Inc. in the industrial and port zone in Bécancour. The project aims to make natural gas supplies available to all industries in Québec currently without access to the natural gas network, including the mining industry.
"If mining companies are to continue their operations in Québec, they must be competitive. Since energy represents roughly 30% of their operating costs, natural gas offers an interesting option, provided it is available," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO. "The project has raised hopes in the mining sector, since it will allow mines without road access to be supplied by boat. It offers an interesting new opportunity for energy supplies, since natural gas is a less costly energy source and creates less pollution than diesel fuel, for example."
"In the Association's view, there can be no doubt that with better gas availability and accessibility, Québec will be able to attract new economic players and will have a chance to see new industries develop," adds Ms. Méthot. "This is a positive step for our industry, and for Québec as a whole."
About the Québec Mining Association
The Québec Mining Association (QMA) was founded in 1936 and speaks proactively for mining companies involved in 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 $3.2 billion in investment generated by Québec’s mining industry over the last year. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and play a role in the development of a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.