The Mining Act, adopted in 1880, established that Quebec’s subsoil belongs to the State. Since then, it has been amended nearly one hundred times to address new realities, while maintaining this fundamental objective.
In 2013 and 2024, the government introduced significant changes, including:
The Environmental Quality Act has also been updated, with regulations currently in force. In 2021 and 2022, additional modifications strengthened the regulatory framework, to which mining companies must comply according to the standards of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
Thus, the regulation governing mining activities in Quebec is robust, current, and adapted to today’s challenges.
In Quebec, 92% of the territory, including the land and subsoil, is made up of public lands managed by the State.
Mineral exploration on private lands is rare. In the few cases where this occurs, the law requires a written agreement with the landowner before any activities can begin
Article 246 confirms the provincial government’s authority over the management of mineral resources in Quebec.
This is not about pitting mining companies against municipalities, but rather a reminder that the subsoil of Quebec is State-owned, under its authority and management.
It would be more accurate to speak of an increase in mining claims, as the number of active mines in Quebec has remained stable, oscillating between 20 and 25 for nearly 15 years. On average, fewer than one mine (0.7) opens each year, and very few claims lead to a mine: only 0.014% since 2011.
Mineral exploration depends on fluctuations in metal prices and follows a cycle. Since 2015, there has been a resurgence in exploration, but this has not resulted in an increase in mine openings.
The relationship between the number of claims and the number of mines is indirect due to the delays involved in exploration and construction steps before any exploitation can take place.
There is no “right” or “wrong” place for a mine, as they must be located where the deposits are found. Mineral resources have been fixed since the formation of the Earth billions of years ago, and their location is fixed.
It is therefore not possible to relocate mining infrastructure outside of the areas where the resources are located. However, some companies may process the extracted ore in facilities rented from other organizations, which could result in increased transportation through nearby communities.
Mining companies strive to find the best options from both an environmental and economic perspective.
The regions most active in mineral exploration are often those with the highest proportion of protected areas. Conversely, the southern regions of Quebec, where exploration is less present, show a lower protection rate.
As of March 31, 2023, 16.3% of Quebec’s territory was protected, with a goal of 30% by 2030. The two natural provinces that have already exceeded this proportion are also areas of mining activities. Therefore, it is false to claim that exploration prevents the achievement of this goal.
The government of Quebec has implemented several laws to limit the impacts of mining activities on waterways, soils, and agricultural lands. Specific regulations define territories that are incompatible with mineral exploitation, ensuring the protection of these environments. Waterways benefit from the protection of environmental laws, while agricultural lands have been protected since 1977 under the Agricultural Land Protection Act.
Unlike urban sprawl and infrastructure development, the mining industry does not pose a direct threat to agricultural lands.
Mineral exploration activities are often discreet, starting with small teams and limited equipment. In the later stages, a drill may be used, but on a small surface area.
Some companies, as early as the exploration phase, voluntarily analyze private wells, sometimes revealing contaminations that predate the work.
Today, best practices in the industry aim to recycle more than 90% of drilling water through a drilling mud management system.
Although reducing water consumption remains a challenge, the industry continues to develop solutions and advanced practices to minimize water usage and reduce waste.
Mining claims have no significant impact on eskers, as the work is sporadic and minimally invasive. They are strictly regulated by laws and regulations designed to prevent any contamination. If a discovery leads to the construction of a mine, detailed hydrogeological studies and the BAPE process ensure the implementation of all necessary measures to protect the esker.
It is worth noting that other infrastructures, such as the airports in Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d’Or, as well as various real estate, commercial, and industrial projects, are built on eskers. In 2020, 173,450 metric tons of gravel were extracted from eskers in Abitibi-Témiscamingue for construction work and other human activities. These uses may have a greater impact than mineral exploration activities.
Initiatives such as the Restor-Action Nunavik and Cree Funds have been created to restore abandoned sites, with support from partners such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife, local communities, and a consortium of mining companies. Continuous adjustments in laws and regulations ensure that no mining site remains orphaned. The efforts of the industry and authorities aim to better inform the public about the environmental guarantees and practices in place, although this reality is sometimes misunderstood in news reports.
While climate change is a global issue, the mining industry is working to contribute to solutions by reducing the use of fossil fuels, optimizing energy management, improving recycling, and focusing on innovation. In 2020, the transportation sector was the largest emitter of GHGs in Quebec (42.8%), with road transportation accounting for 78.3% of these emissions.
The strategic and critical minerals produced by the mining industry play an essential role in the electrification of transportation, which will reduce GHG emissions. However, it is pragmatic to recognize that the exploitation of certain mines for green technologies could temporarily increase emissions. The goal is to reduce GHGs globally, considering that mining operations in Quebec occur within an environmentally controlled and rigorous framework. The solutions developed must also be exportable to maximize their positive global impact.
Here are some reflections and solutions implemented to reconcile the imperatives of economic development with the conservation of natural resources.
The preservation of caribou requires the commitment of all: Indigenous communities, the mining industry, forestry, conservation groups, hunters, and the public. By combining Indigenous traditional knowledge and scientific expertise, sustainable solutions can emerge.
The Ministry of the Environment, Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks should consider a risk-based management approach, which involves monitoring the health and behaviour of caribou. Mapping calving areas, seasonal habitats, and migration corridors would better inform land users and limit the impact of human activities.
The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA) already practices this respectful coexistence. Each spring, it informs its members of the traditional hunting zones (Goose Break) of the Eeyou Istchee territory, allowing companies to plan their activities in harmony with Cree practices
Mitigation measures, rather than rigid restrictions, allow exploration activities to be adjusted based on seasons and local needs. The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) provides guidelines to help companies plan responsibly, integrating communities and considering environmental impacts
Certain areas may require restricted access temporarily. Well-thought-out planning and transparent communication enable companies to adapt their operations while respecting both conservation needs and those of land users.
Social acceptability is an evolving process that requires investment in transparent and proactive approaches from the earliest stages of a project. Informing stakeholders and engaging in constructive dialogue promote positive relationships with affected communities. Mining exploration companies, in particular, play a key role in presenting their projects, listening to concerns, and adopting mitigation measures based on the feedback received.
For years, the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA) has supported responsible mining development by promoting open and proactive communication with communities. This listening and exchange role cannot be delegated. Similarly, it is essential for governments, at both the provincial and local levels, to play an active role in sharing clear and factual information about projects from the outset.
To promote informed social acceptability, we propose that the Government of Quebec establish a detailed overview of the impacts of mining activity on various aspects: economy, environment, protected areas, water resource sustainability, quality of life in surrounding areas, and site restoration efforts. This overview, based on factual data, would allow the population to gain a clearer understanding of the issues, thus strengthening their understanding and appreciation of the industry’s efforts for responsible and environmentally respectful development.