THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION WELCOMES ARCELORMITTAL'S NATURAL GAS CONVERSION PROJECT
22/03/2016
Québec City, March 22, 2016 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) congratulates its member company ArcelorMittal on the leadership displayed in setting up a pilot project to convert some of its facilities in Port-Cartier from heavy oil to natural gas, a less polluting form of energy.
"The mining industry is truly committed to sustainable development. By switching from oil to natural gas, companies not only generate cost savings, but also reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to represent companies that actively try to make a difference," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's President and CEO.
According to the QMA, this investment by ArcelorMittal during a difficult period for the iron ore industry shows that the company believes in its future in Québec and on the North Shore, while implementing measures to increase its competitive edge. "The QMA has always lobbied for government support for the conversion of facilities to less polluting forms of energy. Thanks to this investment by ArcelorMittal and the support received from the Québec government, the mining industry has taken a step in the right direction in order to contribute to Québec's objectives for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions," Ms. Méthot continues.
It is important to remember that energy represents one of the major expenditure items in mining companies' operating budgets. Liquefied natural gas does not currently play a prominent role in mining operations because of the lack of a distribution network and the cost of converting equipment, especially during a slowdown when cash is in short supply. "All forms of assistance to help reduce mining companies' costs and improve their environmental balance sheet are welcome, and match the government's objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels by 2030. The industry has shown its willingness to work in this direction," 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.