Invitation
An Invitation from the Minister for Natural Resources and Wildlife
As the Minister for Natural Resources and Wildlife, I am very pleased to invite you to the 2009 edition of Québec Exploration, the annual mining exploration event that will be held this year under the theme “Toward Sustainable Mining Exploration!”
I am delighted that Québec Exploration has made sustainable development its theme for 2009. A few weeks ago, I released the Québec government mineral strategy, Preparing the Future of Québec’s Mineral Sector, with the determination to make mineral development an example of sustainable, environmentally sound development that creates wealth and furthers social progress. It’s the first time a government has developed a coordinated strategy to ensure the future of the mining sector and have it play an ongoing role in the prosperity of our communities and regions.
With the mineral strategy, we will develop mining initiatives to foster the discovery of new deposits and drive the industry forward to keep it competitive and attractive to young workers while clearing the way for the development of new mineral exploration and mining methods. This strategy is a key tool in the development of Northern Québec —a vast region brimming with resources that we intend to harness in compliance with the principles of sustainable development. We believe that mineral development can and must be something that benefits all Quebecers, and we are committed to ensuring that it is.
Québec Exploration 2009 will reflect the new ways in which various industry players are working together in order to ensure the mining sector’s harmonious development.
Take advantage of this seventh edition of Québec Exploration to perfect your knowledge, forge new partnerships, and learn about the most recent developments in the mineral exploration sector.
Have a great conference!
Serge Simard
Minister for Natural Resources and Wildlife
An Invitation from the AEMQ President
Association de l’exploration minière du Québec (AEMQ) is happy to be associated with Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec in presenting the seventh edition of Québec Exploration. This year’s theme, “Toward Sustainable Mining Exploration", accurately reflects the importance of mining exploration in our society. The role of mining companies is to ensure that mineral resources are renewed with a view to sustainable development. Québec is recognized for the abundance if its mineral resources, but finding and renewing them remains a major challenge for the industry, the government, and the communities concerned.
The objective of non-renewable resource management is to develop these resources in harmony with the environment, while maximizing the economic and social spinoffs to benefit local communities and future generations. At AEMQ, we believe we can reach this objective with the support of the communities affected by mineral development.
Around the world, the year 2009 got off to a rocky start with talk of bailout plans, recovery plans, stock market lows, financial scandals, and other bad news. Never before have financial headlines figured so prominently in the news. We may be inundated with bad news, but the mining sector remains optimistic with respect to recovery. Our industry is capable of weathering economic crises and the market cycles associated with them.
Despite these difficult economic times, there is still some good news: for the second year in a row, Québec was ranked highest of the world’s 71 mining regions studied by (or included in a study by) the Fraser Institute. This outstanding ranking is thanks in part to Québec’s mining policies, which are considered the best in the world, but also thanks to its mineral potential, which is the best in Canada and the second best in the world. The considerable progress the mining industry and various government ministries have made in the last 20 years has yielded a regulatory framework that is environmentally friendly, modern, strict, and well adapted to the situation in Québec. We have every reason to be very proud of Québec’s performance.
We believe that Québec’s mineral strategy and efforts to develop Northern Québec will help give Québec the tools it needs and set it apart in the way it is developing its territory while enabling it to continue to be a world leader in mineral exploration.
In conclusion, I strongly encourage you to take part in the many activities offered at Québec Exploration 2009 and would like to extend a special invitation to all AEMQ members to attend the annual general meeting, which will be held on Monday, November 23.
Ghislain PoirierPresident of Association de l’exploration minière du Québec
An Invitation from the Honorary Chair of Québec Exploration 2009
As honorary chair, I am delighted to invite you to Québec Exploration 2009. Given that Québec is internationally known for its mineral potential and its highly favorable mineral exploration and development environment, this annual meeting is especially important. It has become a must for both geoscientists who work in the field and those who plan on exploring in Québec.
Once again this year, the organizers have put together a top-notch program based on the theme “Toward Sustainable Mining Exploration". It highlights Québec’s mineral potential, the latest discoveries, the newest concepts and geoscientific data, and sustainable development. The program also offers numerous occasions to talk with colleagues and students or to reconnect with business partners.
Despite the difficult economic times and skittish investors, the fundamental factors that have helped spur the growing demand for metals and raw materials remain. It is therefore important to continue our efforts to bring to light the latest discoveries so we can promote them in the next bull market phase.
Québec Exploration 2009 is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to fill up on ideas, forge new partnerships, and put them to use to harvest the benefits in a more favorable environment.
I encourage you to come to Québec City this November and join the 2,000 others who are expected to attend. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you there!
François Robert
Chief Geologist, Barrick Gold Corporation
