Opening of the Jeffrey Underground Mine - Asbestos mobilizes broad support
ASBESTOS, QC, June 17 /CNW Telbec/ - "We now have the winning conditions needed to settle the Jeffrey Mine question, and the region is mobilizing for the Québec Government to grant the $58M loan currently under study to make sure that the underground mine opens."
In these words, Alain Boucher enthusiastically spoke on behalf of a coalition created through the initiative of the Caisse Desjardins des Métaux blancs along with the COOP Métro plus, the Coopérative Pré-Vert and the Corporation du complexe industriel d'Asbestos. If the Government grants the loan, these organizations have agreed to donate $1.6M to the Coopérative des travailleurs miniers de Mine Jeffrey to allow it to inject $2M in the mine.
"The Government imposed certain conditions," Mr. Boucher explained, "and community involvement was one. This condition has been met, and we believe that with the new work agreement accepted, the Government can now respect its side of the bargain."
As a stakeholder in the mobilization of the population, the town of Asbestos also called upon the Québec Government to take part in its economic development. "We have a number of projects," emphasized Mayor Hugues Grimard, "but the mining tradition has always been the bedrock of our economy. We are strongly behind the opening of the Jeffrey underground mine because the financial spinoffs will help the diversification and economic development of Asbestos."
For the cooperatives that have mobilized their support and the town of Asbestos, all the conditions are now in place to ensure the Jeffrey Mine's success and, in turn, that of the entire region. The objective is to see Asbestos once again take its place as an economic leader and to give the population back the pride that has long made them the envy of all the regions of Québec.
For further information: and interviews: Karine Vallières, Senior Executive Assistant And Communications Advisor, CP Desjardins des Métaux blancs, Cell: 819-679-4580, [email protected]; Marie Morneau, ARP, Public Relations Consultant, Ville d'Asbestos, Cell: 418-580-1994, [email protected]; Sources: Caisse Desjardins des Métaux Blancs: www.desjardins.com\caisse-metauxblancs; Ville d'Asbestos: www.ville.asbestos.qc.ca
Share this article