Study of the economic benefits generated by Québec's mining industry : WHO SAYS THAT MINING ONLY BENEFITS THE RESOURCE REGIONS?
27/11/2018
Québec City, November 27, 2018 – Montréal, Québec City and Laval have closer ties to the mining industry than one might think. This is confirmed in a new study by the Québec Mining Association (QMA), which looks at the economic benefits generated by the mining industry in Québec. The study contains the most recent and most representative data on the mining industry's contribution to the Québec economy.
Although the so-called mining regions receive most of the economic benefits, the larger urban centres also benefit from the development of Québec's mineral resources. For example,
• Out of the $8.5 billion total spending by mining companies in Québec, $1 billion went to the Island of Montréal, ranking it third out of all Québec regions;
• The residents of the Montérégie region had the third largest pool of mining sector workers, with almost 4,000 in total;
• Montréal ranked second in terms of suppliers, with a total of 715, while the Montérégie region ranked third with 485 suppliers.
The Abitibi-Témiscamingue region is the overall winner
Credit where credit is due: the Abitibi-Témiscamingue is the number one mining region receiving the most economic benefits, thanks to its sustained gold mining activities. Out of $8.5 billion in total spending by mining companies in Québec, $3.2 billion was spent in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region; 15,000 jobs were held by residents of the region and 1,240 suppliers contributed to the industry's vitality.
And governments in all this?
The study also answers a frequently-raised question: how much do governments receive from mineral resource development? The answer: over $1 billion each year. More specifically, $961.5 million was paid to the Québec government in 2016, not counting corporate income tax, in addition to the $426.8 million paid to the government of Canada.
Other highlights: more women and Aboriginals are employed by the mining industry than ever before. The objective pursued by mining companies is to increase this proportion in the future in order to meet the major labour needs forecast for coming years.
Overview of economic benefits
• $8.5 billion in total spending by mining companies in Québec:
o $3.2 billion in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region
o $2.1 billion in the Côte-Nord region
o $970 million on the Island of Montréal
• 40,540 jobs maintained or created (direct, indirect and induced):
o 15,000 in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region
o 6,130 in the Côte-Nord region
o 3,800 in the Montérégie region
• Average wages of $96,500 dollars in mining operations
• 3,950 mining industry suppliers in Québec:
o 1,240 in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region
o 715 on the Island of Montréal
o 485 in the Montérégie region
• $962 million paid to the Québec government, without counting corporate income tax
Quotes
"Everyone agrees that Québec's mining industry is a key player in Québec's socio-economic development. This is obviously true in the "resource" regions, but also in the major urban centres. This study clearly shows that Québec is enriched by mining activities."
"The mining industry makes a significant contribution to quality of life in Québec, whether through its involvement in host communities or the payments to various levels of government."
- Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA
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 40,540 jobs and total expenditure of $8.5 billion 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.