Government investment in mineral development
GOOD NEWS FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE MINING SECTOR

Québec City, March 7, 2024 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is pleased to report two announcements in recent days with significant impacts for the mining sector in Canada and Québec. The investments announced by the two levels of government show that they are ready to exercise leadership in the decarbonization of the world economy and recognize the need to develop the mineral sector in Canada.

In a press release issued yesterday, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced federal investments of over $15 million in projects to increase Indigenous participation and support the development of Canada’s critical minerals sector. The QMA also notes $4.49 million in funding for Magneto Investments Limited Partnership, which is developing cobalt and nickel sulphate projects, key inputs in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. This R&D funding will help the mining industry improve technologies and processes, in particular to support the battery sector.

At the provincial level, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests, announced 16 grants totalling $6 million for research initiatives in the mining sector, especially those targeting critical and strategic minerals (CSMs). The QMA commends the involvement of the Québec government in knowledge acquisition, as well as research and development. The extraction, processing and recycling of CSMs and the pooling of work by research centres will all generate innovative approaches that will make Québec a leader in the field of CSM development. The government funding will support the ongoing energy transition in Québec as a way to fight climate change.

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“These investments by the federal government are in addition to the work and commitments of the Québec government to support research and development in the mining sector. The QMA is pleased to see both levels of government investing in mining as an industry of the future. Québec’s mining industry is eager to contribute to the society-wide efforts made as part of the worldwide energy transition.”

Josée Méthot, QMA President and CEO

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 48,187 jobs and activities totalling $11.7 billion generated by Québec’s mining industry in 2020. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.