QUÉBEC MINING SPOTLIGHT

Inside the resource-rich territory poised to advance the energy transition with world-class mining practices

Avast region spanning over one-sixth of Canada’s total land area, the eastern province of Québec is blessed with a diverse bounty of mineral resources. Indeed, the area provides one-fifth of Canada’s entire mining output.

Gold, nickel, and iron ore stand out as some of its most significant resources, however, Québec is now playing an increasingly important role in the mining of critical minerals, including graphite, lithium, rare earths, zinc and apatite, with very advanced projects in graphite and lithium.

As a mature sector, Québec’s mining industry is wellreputed for its world-class best practices, particularly with regards to health and safety, and its burgeoning recognition as a diverse and inclusive field of employment. Indeed, within the past decade, Québec’s mining workforce has significantly increased its representation of both women and Indigenous communities. Between 2014 and 2020, the number of direct jobs held by each demographic within the industry increased by 42 percent and 69 percent respectively.

Combining its diverse mineral wealth with environmental awareness and social responsibility, Québec continues to prove its status on the global mining stage as a responsible mineral source. In terms of renewable energy, the sector is heavily reliant on hydroelectricity, and thanks to its continued foray into critical minerals, it will be integral in driving the energy transition and growing a domestic battery storage industry. The sector today is a hive of activity, with a multitude of innovative projects underway to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, preserve biodiversity, regenerate wastewater, and restore tailings sites and former mines. Currently, there are multiple mining projects in development across the region, encompassing 17 new gold mines, four new iron ore mines and 14 new projects for critical minerals.

With the government actively advancing a responsible mining agenda through the implementation of a battery strategy designed to boost both demand and investment, Québec’s mining sector is poised to energise Canada’s future.