Municipalities and environmental organizations are calling on political parties on the need for a moratorium on the granting of new mining claims in recreational tourism zones where no less than 120 mining drillings have been recorded.
The municipalities of Lac-des-Plages and Duhamel accuse the company Lomiko Metals of going ahead with the opening of an open pit mine in the heart of a recreational tourist area of the Laurentians.
The Lomiko mining project aimed at producing 1.5 million tonnes of graphite over 15 years would cause significant risks and impacts on the territory and would threaten 22 animal species and 15 plant species.
The request for a moratorium is supported by some thirty organizations and twenty municipalities who deplore the increase of some 58.3% in mining claims covering more than 30 lakes and watercourses spread over 4,541 hectares.
A recent survey recalls that 75% of Quebecers are asking “to prohibit any mining project in tourist or resort areas”, underlining the need to develop mineral resources responsibly.
“We are calling on Mr. François Legault and all the political parties to come to a decision on the need for a moratorium so as not to aggravate the situation,” said David Pharand, mayor of Duhamel, on Monday.
“We are asking them to commit to reviewing the current rules in order to protect our tourist areas, lakes and our highly valued natural environments,” said Mr. Pharand.