PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION ON BILL 79 - The Québec Mineral Exploration
Association and the Québec Mining Association view the week's proceedings as
positive

QUÉBEC CITY, Aug. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - As the Parliamentary Commission on Bill 79 to amend the Mining Act resumes its work, the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) and the Québec Mining Association (AMQ) would like to acknowledge the high quality of the presentations made by industry representatives at the public hearings held this week in Québec City.

Presentations by Uracan and Xstrata, in particular, have illustrated that mining companies in Québec are actively engaged in projects and activities that address the environmental, social and economic dimensions that are consistent with sustainable development objectives.

Xstrata, a leader in the industry, highlighted best industry practices in social and environmental responsibility, communications and community relations. In addition, the company gave its recommendations and reservations to the committee about certain provisions of the Bill by saying that Québec's attractiveness as a mining jurisdiction is based on the wealth of diversified mineral potential and a reliable legislative environment conducive to investment. Xstrata stressed that the fragile balance between these two dimensions must be strictly maintained so that Québec can cope with increased international competition in the global mining industry.

Uracan raised the question of uranium, setting certain facts straight and providing additional information on specific safety standards and environmental requirements that apply to the uranium industry, in both exploration and mining. The company also emphasized the importance of the social acceptability of projects and the concept of partnering with communities, in particular, the First Nations.

Despite the atmosphere of controversy that prevailed at times, the AEMQ and the AMQ have a positive view of the past week's proceedings, which saw lively but constructive debate on the future of Québec's mineral industry.

About the Québec Mining Association

The Québec Mining Association is a provincial organization that represents Québec's mining industry. It is composed of companies active in Québec, metallurgy companies, junior mining exploration companies and mining entrepreneurs.

About the Québec Mineral Exploration Association

The Québec Mineral Exploration Association's mission is to encourage the development, implementation and dissemination of cutting-edge exploration practices and thereby contribute to sustainable and responsible economic and social development. It has more than 130 corporate and 900 individual members from all segments of the mining exploration industry in Québec and across Canada.

For further information: Ghislain Poirier, Chair, AEMQ, 418-254-6550; Michel Leclerc, Chair, AMQ, 819-763-9867; André Lavoie, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Québec Mining Association, 418-657-2016, [email protected]