I read with interest the article by Jasmine Legendre “Around the mines, a chasm is growing” on the mines of Abitibi.
I agree with him on the fact that opinions are divided on the subject of mines. However, we must realize that without the mines, Abitibi would just be a more or less respectful logging region, a hunting country where the Aboriginals would no longer be at home…
Abitibi was and still is a source of national wealth and has provided many metals for our cars, our jewelry, our telephones, our computers, etc.
Not so long ago, mining was done underground (less visible). Surface mining came later, thanks to the price of metals. Yes, it changes the landscape, but the skyscrapers of Montreal, the Hydro-Quebec dams, the roads and highways change it too.
It is therefore a societal choice. Yes, I agree with the idea that mines can look better.
Yes, we must put pressure on local and national authorities, involve First Nations and communicate well in order to make the mining industry more acceptable to everyone.
I know the Abitibi mines well, and the closure of a mine has never been good news for the residents who lived there.
I know people from Abitibi who don’t complain about the mines and who love their region.
To see in video