Strategic Vision for Mining Development in Québec: FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S VISION, ACTION IS NOW NEEDED ACCORDING TO THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION

15/03/2016

Québec City, March 15, 2016 – "We have been waiting for this Strategic Vision for Mining Development in Québec for a long time. Now that it has been released, the mining industry hopes that the Vision will lead to structural actions therefore lifting some of the barriers hindering mining activities in Québec," says Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the Québec Mining Association, following the tabling of the Strategic Vision by the Minister for Mines.

The QMA is pleased to see, among the measures proposed, the government's goal of quicker processing for authorizations to launch new mining projects, as well as financial support for R&D and exploration. "This document confirms the goals the government has expressed frequently. Although some of the measures proposed were already known, the fact that they have been set out officially in the Vision gives them the form of commitments. The government must exercise its leadership to help the industry prepare for the economic recovery," Ms. Méthot continues.

The mining sector has experienced a series of disturbances over the last five years: new legislation, a new mining tax regime, a drop in prices and demand, an increase in the administrative, regulatory and financial burden, new consultation requirements, increased environmental obligations, etc. The QMA hopes that these processes will be streamlined and that the measures applied will not harm Québec attractiveness for investors. "If it becomes too difficult to do business in Québec, investors will go elsewhere. The future of the industry in Québec is at stake. The decline in mining activity in Québec is real, and it is important for the measures included in the Vision to reverse this trend and help Québec retain its place among world leaders," 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 $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.