ROUYN-NORANDA, Quebec, March 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) welcomes the government’s plan to support the development of mining exploration. Mining exploration presents a range of varied challenges and involves many stakeholders and constraints, especially when it comes to access to territory.
“Though there are no direct measures to support SMEs involved in mining exploration, we note that the government plans to implement several measures that could directly support our mining exploration activities. The various measures announced today, and those related to territory covered by the Plan Nord in particular, will promote the development of exploration projects where the mineral potential remains largely unknown,” said Mr. Frank Mariage, Chairman of the AEMQ Board of Directors.
The principal measures announced in this year’s budget that relate to mining exploration include:
- The restoration of existing multiple access routes in territory covered by the Plan Nord;
- The construction of new infrastructure to access remote resources in territory covered by the Plan Nord;
- An increase in funding for the James Bay Development Corporation;
- Support measures for the development and training of the workforce;
- An allowance that takes social and environmental challenges into account;
- Various initiatives in favour of energy transition;
- An increase in financial support to the MISA Group of companies committed to excellence.
The AEMQ supports the governmental approach to access to territory, and territory covered by the Plan Nord in particular. Responsible and well-planned restoration and construction of multiple access routes
is a commitment to promoting access to a range of potential users in this territory, including the communities. This is a vital step in the development of our members’ mining exploration projects.
“Overall, the measures announced in this year’s budget support our SMEs involved in mining exploration in their relationship with investors. The Quebec government has shown that it wishes to develop its mining industry and set a range of initiatives in motion. Furthermore, investment in training the workforce ensures that our companies can remain competitive. We need specialized workers that are trained in the latest technologies in order to develop our industry and our resource regions,” said Ms. Valérie Fillion, AEMQ Executive Director.
ABOUT THE QUEBEC MINERAL EXPLORATION ASSOCIATION
THE AEMQ, CREATED IN 1975, IS A PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION THAT REPRESENTS THOSE INVOLVED IN QUEBEC’S MINERAL INDUSTRY. ITS MISSION IS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE EXPLORATION OF QUEBEC’S MINERAL RESOURCES, AND THEIR VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY. IT CURRENTLY HAS 1,200 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. EACH YEAR, THE ASSOCIATION ORGANIZES XPLOR, A CONGRESS FOR STAKEHOLDERS IN THE MINING INDUSTRY IN QUEBEC. THIS YEAR’S EVENT WILL BE HELD IN MONTREAL ON OCTOBER 17 AND 18, 2018.
SOURCE AND FURTHER INFORMATION:
VALÉRIE FILLION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
819-762-1599 EXTENSION 224
DG@AEMQ.ORG