QUEBEC - The idea has been floated by Quebec's minister for natural resources and wildlife that responsibility for managing mineral resources be given to municipalities in urban areas.
The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) objects strongly, saying in a press release, "By transferring its management role to municipalities, the ministry will create many new mineral resource managers throughout Quebec. This will quickly become untenable for the industry and Quebec, and it may affect our competitiveness. With its approach, the minister sets a dangerous precedent that exists nowhere else in the world in terms of mineral resources management."
The AEMQ insists that the Quebec government remain in sole control of mineral resources and associated activities in the province. If the town of Malartic had control of the Canadian Malartic deposit, would Osisko be preparing to open such an ambitious mine this spring? Would Val d'Or have allowed the development of the Goldex mine? And there are many more examples.
"AEMQ believes that the management of mineral resources development in Quebec should continue to be provided by the government of Quebec. The measures proposed by the minister risk destroying the mineral exploration industry. This is a serious precedent. The mineral wealth is a common property of all Quebecers," concluded the association.
Go to www.AEMQ.org to register your support for the association's position.
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