Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s subsoil holds a variety of minerals \u2013 including copper, graphite, niobium, zinc, cobalt, nickel, titanium and lithium \u2013 which are crucial for the energy and technology transition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFrom the exploration to the restoration stages, innovation enables the mining industry to operate more efficiently but also safely.<\/p>\n
If we focus on the mining operations, there are several examples that could be cited here, such as the protocols in place for the recovery of mining waste; the innovative water treatment with bacteria (Agnico Eagle\u2019s LaRonde Mining Complex is able to treat 90% of the used water); the Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system which makes it possible to communicate more than 3km underground; or even the electric loaders driving themselves underground, since everything can be done remotely from a control room.<\/p>\n
Innovation can take many forms in the mining industry, but when it is in the service of automation and connectivity, it allows for better work planning, more efficiency, and a safer environment for workers. In a nutshell, innovation allows the Qu\u00e9bec mining industry to maximise its performance, while minimising its environmental footprint and preserving the workforce.<\/p>\n
How are you helping to ensure sustainable and responsible development practices throughout Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s mining sector?<\/h3>\n Mining companies really have environmental issues at heart and are working on reducing their environmental footprints but also improving their social impacts on communities. At the QMA, we require that our members implement the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative \u2013 an ESG standard led by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC).<\/p>\n
This sustainable development programme is a performance evaluation system that has gained worldwide recognition as it helps mining companies manage key environmental and social risks by applying best practices that exceed the legal and regulatory requirements. The initiative offers a set of tools and indicators to the companies to assess and manage the footprints when mining for critical and strategic minerals.<\/p>\n
It includes eight protocols based on 30 indicators that support transparent and efficient communications with communities of interest and ensure that the main risks associated with mining for strategic and critical minerals are managed responsibly. Each year, mining companies must publish performance results for their facilities and state the improvement solutions to be put in place.<\/p>\n
Also, the environmental legislative and regulatory framework is known to be stringent in Qu\u00e9bec and Canada, which positions Qu\u00e9bec as a leader in sustainable mining.<\/p>\n
In Qu\u00e9bec, there are a multitude of innov\u00ad\u00adative projects that have contributed significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the preservation of biodiversity, the regeneration of wastewater, and restoration at the end of mine life. At the QMA, we are enthusiastic for the future because we can really testify that our members are always eager to go beyond what they are obligated to do.<\/p>\n
Are there any issues that need to be addressed to enable Qu\u00e9bec to thrive as a critical and strategic minerals provider?<\/h3>\n For now, the biggest issue is the harmonisation of the environmental authorisation process of the Federal government with those of the provinces.<\/p>\n
When both the Federal and the Qu\u00e9bec government have an agreement on a joint environmental impact assessment, it will allow shorter project development timelines.<\/p>\n
At the QMA, we work collaboratively with the government to ensure that the critical and strategic minerals industry continues to develop within a competitive environment and a sustainable development perspective and continues to attract investors.<\/p>\n
The QMA strongly believes that high-purity iron ore mined in the Labrador Trough should be recognised as a critical mineral since it helps to decarbonise the steel-making process. For that reason, the QMA has undertaken discussions with both governments in that effect.<\/p>\n
Please note, this article will also appear in the fourteenth edition of our\u00a0quarterly publication<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Discover how the province of Qu\u00e9bec has great potential to provide the critical and strategic minerals needed for the future. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":32317,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24204],"tags":[24335,24495],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Building on the potential of Qu\u00e9bec's critical and strategic minerals<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n