Published on November 28, 2024
The Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ) welcomes the adoption of Bill No. 63, An Act to amend the Mining Act and other provisions. Nearly two years after its Forum on the integration of mining activities into the territories, the UMQ is proud to have contributed to improving the bill.
Seven major gains for the harmonious development of mining activity
- Protection of private lands: Private lands will be withdrawn from mining activity, unless they have been the subject of exploration work since 1988. The UMQ obtained the addition of an amendment to preserve territories incompatible with mining activity (TIAM) in force and that a regulation can make it possible to manage problems such as the evolution of the drinking water supply.
- Flexibility for urbanization perimeters : Municipalities may request partial or total lifting of the subtraction, which will take into account the reality of mining regions.
- Strengthened communication with municipalities : An annual plan for exploration work will now be sent to municipalities, with the possibility for them to request an information session.
- Local supply : The exploitation of sand and gravel will now be possible in TIAMs located on public lands.
- Increased participation in the monitoring committee : The composition of the mining project monitoring committee will now give a more important place to municipal representatives.
- Reduce speculation on the claims : Professionalization of mining exploration players. A future regulation will impose qualification requirements that will reduce the presence of speculators.
- Improved financial guarantees : Several measures will strengthen the guarantees required from mining companies for the restoration of sites, an important element for the sustainability of our territories.
For all the details, consult the brief by clicking here.
Things to watch out for
- The government has not agreed to create an allocation for contribution to local infrastructure in the calculation of mining tax. The pre-mine and post-mine issues remain unresolved and the UMQ will continue to mobilize for this purpose.
- The UMQ supported several measures that will partially reduce short-term speculation on claims. However, some of its proposals to go further, notably those aimed at curbing the accumulation of reserves by industry players, were not accepted. The UMQ notably called for the establishment of a limit on the renewal of claims, in order to encourage the arrival of new players and increase the potential for regional economic development.
“Quebec has a notable mining history and several communities were built thanks to this development. The modernization of our mining regime is particularly important to ensure harmonious mining development. We would like to salute the attentive listening shown by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forests, Ms. Maïté Blanchette Vézina, to our comments. The UMQ is proud to have contributed to improving the bill and will continue to follow the file for the economic development of our regions. », mentions Manon Cyr, mayor of Chibougamau and Benoit Lauzon, mayor of Thurso.
