Quebec Prospectors Association: Access to capital and land

The Qubec Prospectors Association (QPA) was founded in 1975 by members of Qubec’s mineral exploration sector with the objective of increasing exploration activity and supporting the development of Quebc’s mining entrepreneurship.

The association brings together more than 400 individuals who are prospectors, geologists, geophysicists, promoters and developers. Corporate members number more than 60 including service companies as well as junior and major exploration and mining companies.

The QPA’s mission is to develop and promote mineral exploration in Quebec by maintaining or improving the province’s competitiveness regarding taxation, environmental policies and land access. The QPA promotes the idea that exploration activities should be done ethically according to the sustainable development principles and with respect for other land users.

Over the course of its existence, the QPA has been involved in many issues regarding the mining industry, with the principal objective of improving the general environment for mineral exploration in Qubec. In partnership with the Qubec government, the association worked successfully to improve the Mining Act. Economic missions have been organized by the QPA in Europe where exploration companies have been invited to promote business opportunities in the mining industry for new investors. Another achievement is the extension of the flow-through shares financing program.

The two most important issues that are currently the primary focus of the association are: access to capital and land access. Access to capital has been very difficult for the junior exploration companies over the last few years. Efforts are now directed to improving fiscal regulations and regulatory regimes.

Land access is also a major issue for exploration companies and prospectors. The land claims agreements signed by the Qubec government and the First Nations should reassure investors, explorers, promoters and companies involved in Qubec. However, the current important issue regarding land access is to make sure the industry will be considered by the government as a partner in the process of area selection for “Protected Areas”. The QPA agrees with the Qubec government’s objective of protecting part of the territory for wildlife and habitat protection. Internal committees are working actively on these issues and on others such as environmental legislation and how it has an impact on exploration, securities and financing issues with respect to the new Mining Act and our relationship with the First Nations.

The QPA is now recognized as an important stakeholder in the Qubec and Canadian mineral exploration industry. The association is involved or interacts with various provincial and Canadian organizations to better represent the interests of its members. The Qubec Prospectors Association is the primary voice of the mining exploration industry in Qubec.