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Quebec portrait

Home Mining industry Quebec portrait

Quebec, a world leader in the mining industry

Quebec stands out on the global stage thanks to an innovative, sustainable, and constantly evolving mining industry.

From gold to graphite to nickel, the province offers a strategic mineral diversity that meets the essential needs of modern technologies and today’s industries.

Some highlighted facts

$11,6 M

Value of Quebec’s annual mineral production

29 %

Quebec’s share in Canadian gold production

53 %

Quebec’s share in Canadian iron production

40 %

Quebec’s share in Canadian nickel production

100 %

Quebec’s share in Canadian graphite and mica production

350 K

Approximate number of active mining claims in Quebec

34

Approximate number of active mining projects in Quebec

14

Number of minerals mined in Québec

* Data is from 2023. Learn more (document in French only)

A responsible and innovative mining industry

Quebec is also distinguished by its commitment to responsible and sustainable exploration and mining practices. Our companies adhere to the strictest standards, such as the UL ECOLOGO® certification, which promotes the best environmental, social, and economic practices.

rom the protection of natural environments to social engagement with local and Indigenous communities, Quebec is paving the way for transparent, respectful, and sustainable mining practices.

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Mining claim vs mining project, what’s the difference?

A “mining claim” is an exclusive right to explore a specific area, granted by the government.

This right allows companies to explore the land to determine the presence of mineral resources, without guaranteeing that a mine will be built.

 

In Quebec, the number of claims has increased significantly in recent years; for example, there were about 264,580 active claims in 2022, which represents a 42% increase since 2013.

However, this increase does not automatically lead to a rise in the number of mines.

 

In reality, very few claims develop into mining projects. Of all the claims, about 13.6% undergo exploration work.

The fluctuations in the number of claims are cyclical and influenced by changes in metal prices, which stimulate exploration even though few projects reach the exploitation stage.

 

 

Discover in detail the steps of mineral exploration to better understand each phase, from the start of prospecting to the development of deposits. 

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A wealth of metals with diverse applications

Mineral resources play a central role in many industrial and technological sectors, each harnessing the unique properties of metals to meet the needs of our modern society.

From gold to lithium to iron, each metal has distinct characteristics that make them essential, whether it’s for manufacturing electronic equipment, infrastructure, or in the search for sustainable solutions.

Gold is a precious metal with numerous possibilities for use and recycling. Although its primary use remains in jewelry, it is also highly valued for its unique properties, such as exceptional electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. It is an essential metal in electronics and advanced technologies, playing a key role in the energy transition.

Gold is also a safe haven for investors and central banks. The recycling of gold, influenced by price fluctuations, includes not only jewelry but also end-of-life electronic components.

Primarily used in steel production, iron is a metal heavily utilized in various sectors such as automotive, construction, and medicine.

Nearly 98% of extracted iron is used to produce steel, which is fully recyclable, contributing to resource and energy savings. Other iron derivatives, such as iron powder and iron oxide, are used in specialized applications.

Although it is not a metal, graphite shares similar properties, such as good thermal and electrical conductivity.

It is found in both natural (34%) and synthetic (66%) forms, used to make electrodes, batteries, lubricants, and in foundry activities. The graphite recycling market is still modest but growing, with applications such as brake linings and thermal insulation. The Lac des Îles mine in Quebec is the only active graphite producer in Canada.

Nickel makes up 8% to 13% of stainless steel components, providing strength and protection against corrosion and extreme temperatures.

This infinitely recyclable metal retains its qualities after each reuse cycle. Approximately 68% of the nickel in end-of-life products is recovered. In 2018, it was estimated that 57% of all nickel extracted was still in use, thanks to its durability and recycling efforts.

Québec and Canada are already producing lithium, notably through Sayona, which operates a mine in Abitibi as well as another in Manitoba.

However, the extraction potential remains significant due to the numerous spodumene deposits across the territory. In 2023, more than $339 million was invested in the exploration of lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements, reflecting the growing interest in these metals essential to the energy transition.

Gold is a precious metal with numerous possibilities for use and recycling. Although its primary use remains in jewelry, it is also highly valued for its unique properties, such as exceptional electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. It is an essential metal in electronics and advanced technologies, playing a key role in the energy transition.

Gold is also a safe haven for investors and central banks. The recycling of gold, influenced by price fluctuations, includes not only jewelry but also end-of-life electronic components.

Primarily used in steel production, iron is a metal heavily utilized in various sectors such as automotive, construction, and medicine.

Nearly 98% of extracted iron is used to produce steel, which is fully recyclable, contributing to resource and energy savings. Other iron derivatives, such as iron powder and iron oxide, are used in specialized applications.

Although it is not a metal, graphite shares similar properties, such as good thermal and electrical conductivity.

It is found in both natural (34%) and synthetic (66%) forms, used to make electrodes, batteries, lubricants, and in foundry activities. The graphite recycling market is still modest but growing, with applications such as brake linings and thermal insulation. The Lac des Îles mine in Quebec is the only active graphite producer in Canada.

Nickel makes up 8% to 13% of stainless steel components, providing strength and protection against corrosion and extreme temperatures.

This infinitely recyclable metal retains its qualities after each reuse cycle. Approximately 68% of the nickel in end-of-life products is recovered. In 2018, it was estimated that 57% of all nickel extracted was still in use, thanks to its durability and recycling efforts.

Québec and Canada are already producing lithium, notably through Sayona, which operates a mine in Abitibi as well as another in Manitoba.

However, the extraction potential remains significant due to the numerous spodumene deposits across the territory. In 2023, more than $339 million was invested in the exploration of lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements, reflecting the growing interest in these metals essential to the energy transition.

The mining industry at the heart of Quebec's regions

Quebec’s mining landscape highlights key regions such as Nord-du-Québec, Côte-Nord, and Abitibi-Témiscamingue, where the extraction of precious and strategic metals boosts the economy and employment.

Other regions complement this mineral wealth with varied resources like graphite and mica. Through investments, mining taxes, and well-paid jobs, the mining industry actively contributes to the development of these regions while striving for a balance with the protection of natural areas.

Nord-du-Québec

GDP :

$1,007.6 million (direct), $1,089.2 million (total).

Employment :

4,092 direct jobs, with an average salary of $119,795.

Mining Taxes :

A main contributor, alongside Côte-Nord, for iron.

Exploration Spending :

67% of drilling expenditures in 2021 ($309.5 million).

Number of Mines:

Several nickel mines (Nunavik Nickel and Raglan) and gold mines.

Metals :

Gold, nickel.

Protected Areas :

Some natural provinces with a high protection rate, such as the Central Plateau of Nord-du-Québec (around 33% protected areas).

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

GDP :

$2,297.2 million (direct), $3,268.7 million (total).

Employment :

4,328 direct jobs, with an average salary of $137,015.

Mining Taxes :

Significant contribution through gold mines.

Exploration Spending :

24% of total exploration spending in 2022.

Number of Mines :

High concentration of gold mines.

Metals :

Primarily gold.

Protected Areas :

Abitibi lowlands with 14.9% protection.

Côte-Nord

GDP :

$2,296.7 million (direct), $2,932 million (total).

Employment :

3,724 direct jobs, with an average salary of $159,774.

Mining Taxes :

Significant contribution, especially through iron (61% of the region’s mining revenue).

Exploration Spending :

Lower spending due to high drilling costs ($528.3/meter).

Number of Mines :

Several iron mines.

Metals :

Primarily iron.

Protected Areas :

Plateau of the Moyen-et-Basse-Côte-Nord (about 23% protected areas).

Other regions

GDP :

$1,397.7 million (direct), $3,241.8 million (total).

Employment :

2,588 direct jobs, with an average salary of $88,253.

Mining Taxes :

Indirect contribution.

Exploration Spending ::

9% of total exploration spending in 2022.

Number of Mines :

Dispersed mines including feldspar (Outaouais), graphite (Laurentides), mica (Mauricie).

Metals :

Various, including feldspar, graphite, mica.

Protected Areas :

Varied, with some natural provinces having protection rates such as the southern Laurentians (about 8.4% protected areas).