Quebec mining industry: seven actions for sustainable development

Begun several years ago and continuously supported by the Government of Quebec, the green shift in the mining sector takes on its full meaning in the context of the fight against climate change, especially in the aftermath of COP26 in Glasgow. Overview of the initiatives that make Quebec a leader in sustainable development in the mining sector.

Globally, Quebec’s mines are among those that emit the least greenhouse gases (GHGs). The reasons ? Strict regulations, the use of green and renewable energy – our hydroelectricity is 99% so -, reduction and optimal management of energy consumption, and best environmental practices.

But that’s not all: our mining industry also plays a vital role in the development of new green technologies, good for us and good for the planet. Interview with Bruno Bussière, Scientific Director of the Institute for Research in Mines and the Environment of the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) – Polytechnique, and Professor of the CRSNG-UQAT Industrial Chair on the Restoration of Mining Sites .

1 / Accelerate the energy transition
Good news at a time of major environmental issues: the natural resources essential to the fight against global warming are found in abundance in Quebec soil. These critical and strategic minerals (MCS) such as lithium, graphite, copper, nickel, cobalt, rare earths and platinum group elements are widely used in the manufacture of components essential for the production of electric vehicles. , wind turbines, solar panels and energy collection devices.

“The definition of these minerals associated with new technologies is constantly expanding and there are more and more of them,” explains Bruno Bussière. From a mining point of view, we are particularly interested in deposits that contribute to the deployment of renewable energies, which promote the reduction of our dependence on fossil carbons and which offer real economic value. ”Because the MCS, let us remember, are coveted everywhere on the planet. “We are in a context of international competition, and we want to become more autonomous in order to be able to generate the complete sector allowing us, for example, to produce batteries for electric vehicles. “

2 / Meeting the challenge of site restoration
“It’s the last end, it’s the end of the cycle,” says Bruno Bussière. We explore, we exploit, and when we are done, we return the site to a satisfactory state by ensuring that it will not release anything into the environment, and this, in the long term. It is a huge challenge, a major issue, and great efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact. While 30 years ago we didn’t care much about catering, there has been a real revolution that has been taking place for several years in Quebec. “

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MERN) has thus tightened the rules for mine reclamation, and a redevelopment and reclamation plan must be approved before the issuance of any mining lease. In addition, the financial guarantee required from mining companies must cover all the costs of site restoration. “We are leaders in this area, because the companies and the government of Quebec have agreed to eliminate the problems associated with the end of life of mines,” continues Bruno Bussière. We don’t want to pass problems on to future generations. ”

3 / Recycle minerals and add value to residues
The figures speak for themselves: globally, less than 9% of the resources extracted from the ground are put back into circulation after a first cycle of use. To remedy the situation, the Quebec mining sector has implemented innovative methods and processes as well as incentive measures aimed at upgrading metals and minerals. An approach which adheres to the principles of the circular economy, and which notably promotes the recovery and recycling of products containing MCS.

4 / Implement circular economy practicesQuebec’s mining operations meet very high standards, and the sector is continuously developing cutting-edge environmental management tools intended in particular for projects involving the minerals of the future. Among these is the ECOLOGO® certification program, which encourages mining exploration companies and their suppliers to adopt best practices in sustainable development.

5 / Focus on knowledgeThe mining sector offers more and more quality jobs in various cutting-edge disciplines, in particular with regard to the preservation of the environment and sustainable development. “When I started my career, one or two people, no more, were in charge of environmental issues in a mine,” comments Professor Bussière. Today, the mines have about fifteen people for the same quantity of tons of ore. These teams monitor the application of environmental standards and restoration procedures. Our industry demands more and more skills and specialized personnel, and there is a growing number of environmental doctoral students and high-level consultants working on issues such as catering. “

6 / Prepare today for the future of the regional economy“I am going to speak like an Abitibien: I live in a region whose vitality depends on that of the mining industry,” comments Bruno Bussière. If she coughs, we have the flu. One might think that we are dependent, but we have developed something else: expertise that is deployed outside and that shines all over the world, as well as innovative approaches. “

It is a fact that UQAT’s mining engineering program, which carries out innovative projects directly on neighboring mining sites, is internationally recognized, and, as the professor specifies, it is the CEGEP and the university which is Rouyn-Noranda’s largest employer, not the Horne smelter! “A healthy mining industry ensures that a region and its communities survive the inevitable disappearances of mines. The sector not only generates minerals, but also services and expertise that are exported. “

7 / Give back to local communitiesThe mining industry employs biologists, chemists, computer scientists, technicians, geologists and engineers of all stripes, and the graduation rate in these fields is increasing. But it also gives an important role to graduates in social sciences, who interact with local and indigenous communities; their role: to advise mining companies to reconcile performance objectives with the needs and expectations of the populations.

For Bruno Bussière, the real challenge is to exploit deposits so that everyone can benefit from them. “The world needs metals and it takes mines to extract them. We need to use them in the right way by giving back to communities and protecting the environment while making a financial return for the year. It cannot be done without innovation. Globally, recycling will not be enough, even if everyone recycles perfectly. “

The mission of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is to manage and support the development of energy and mineral resources as well as the territory of Quebec, with a view to sustainable development.

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