Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins and Société de développement de la Baie-James invest in the mining sector

VAL D'OR, QC, May 31, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - In conjunction with the activities surrounding the Building the North conference being held today and tomorrow in Val d'Or, Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins and Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ) are proud to combine their expertise to support businesses operating in the mining sector. The agreement to collaborate provides leverage for both partners to take an active part in developing the territory through an enhanced offering for junior mining exploration companies.

Marie-Claude Boisvert, Chief Operating Officer of Desjardins Venture Capital, the manager of Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, is excited by the new agreement with SDBJ. "We have the financial tools needed to develop the economy of the resource regions. In the mining sector, the companies that will receive our support and the expertise of SDBJ must demonstrate that their projects will have a direct impact in communities by creating or retaining quality jobs for workers in the region."

"This agreement is a clear signal of our commitment to building stronger profitable partnerships for the sustainable development of the diverse populations in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory," stated Raymond Thibault, SDBJ's President and Chief Executive Officer. He added that it will increase available capital for mining exploration, contributing to the discovery of new deposits and the diversification of mineral resources in both the territory served by SDBJ as well as in all of the other resource regions.

About the SDBJ

The SDBJ was created in 1971 by the James Bay Region Development Act to foster the Baie-James territory's economic development and the development of its natural resources, other than hydroelectric resources, from a sustainable development perspective. The SDBJ's mining portfolio includes more than 30 resource companies active in the area.

About Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins

Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins, this year celebrating its 10^th anniversary, is a publicly traded company managed by Desjardins Venture Capital. With close to 107,000 shareholders and net assets of $1,220.4 million, the Company contributes to Québec's economic development while driving the growth of cooperatives and the resource regions. Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins directly and indirectly supports close to 300 companies, cooperatives and funds in various industries spanning all Québec regions. (www.capitalregional.com)

Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins

Marco Gaignard, B.A.A.
Investment Manager
Desjardins Venture Capital
819-825-2843
1-866-588-2843, ext. 2226

Société de développement de la Baie-James

Raymond Thibault, Eng.
President and CEO
819-739-4717, ext. 1256