Study of mining sector benefits commissioned by the Québec Mining Association : EXPENDITURE OF OVER $470 MILLION IN THE MONTÉRÉGIE REGION
09/01/2017
Québec City, January 9, 2017 – Annual expenditure of $472.1 million, 6,716 jobs created or maintained, and a network of 331 suppliers—these are the key points that highlight the importance of the mining industry for the Montérégie region. They are taken from a study of the economic benefits generated by Québec's mining industry, commissioned by the Québec Mining Association (QMA) and based on a survey of its members.
The study shows that all regions benefit from mining activities in Québec. Contrary to popular belief, mining does not just generate benefits in the "resource" regions. Although the Montérégie region is not generally considered to be a mining region, it still benefits substantially from mining activities. With 6,716 jobs created or maintained, it ranks second in terms of employment behind the main mining region, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and fourth for the level of expenditure and number of suppliers.
These impressive benefits can only increase, according to the QMA, when the mining industry recovers from the current slowdown and begins to launch new projects. "The mining industry is a driving force for economic development in Québec, and the study shows that this is also true for the Montérégie region. We can be proud of our mining industry, which helps develop Québec's mineral wealth, for the benefit of all Quebecers and with respect for people and the environment. It also supports high-quality jobs, often at a distance from the actual mine sites," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO.
Methodology
The study is based on a survey of QMA member mining companies concerning their expenditure in 2014. The data was combined with other data from a survey on employment and wages, and was then used to calculate the economic benefits generated by the mining industry in Québec. The response rate for the two surveys was around 97%.
The indirect benefits generated throughout Québec were estimated using simulations from the intersectoral model developed by the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ), while the models developed by EcoTec Consultants were used to break down the indirect benefits by administrative region. The same models were used to (1) calculate the induced benefits and break them down by region and (2) calculate the indirect and induced benefits in other provinces.
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 jobs and total expenditure of almost $6 billion generated by Québec's mining industry. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.