Conference Program

Session 1
New geological knowledge and mineral potential of the Abitibi geological region
Co-chairs: François Leclerc (MRNF) and Martin Demers (Aurizon Mines)

After nearly a full century of mining, the Abitibi geological belt remains a fertile region for mineral exploration, particularly in regard to precious and common metals. The region’s mineral potential appears to be equally high for many other metals and substances, including nickel, lithium and vanadium. This session will focus on recently acquired geological knowledge of the region and its metallogenic evolution, as well as on promising discoveries and mining projects.

9:00 a.m.

Massive volcanogenic sulphide deposits potential in Abitibi – 2011 update

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 4,41 Mb)

Daniel Lamothe (MRNF)

9:20 a.m.

Bracemac-McLeod: From exploration to production via research

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 3,54 Mb)

Gilles Roy, Michel Dessureault (Xstrata zinc), Robin Adair (Donner Metals), Julie-Anaïs Debreil (INRS-ETE), Dominique Genna, Damien Gaboury (UQAC), Pierre-Simon Ross (INRS-ETE) and Pierre Pilote (MRNF)

9:40 a.m.

Geologic revision of the Matagami region

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 12,63 Mb)

Pierre Pilote (MRNF), Julie-Anaïs Debreil (INRS-ETE), Kenneth Williamson, Olivier Rabeau and Pierre Lacoste (MRNF)

10:10 a.m.

Chapais-Chibougamau: Beyond the traditional mining camp

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 10,63 Mb)

François Leclerc, Patrick Houle, Patrice Roy (MRNF), Lyal B. Harris (INRS-ETE), Jean H. Bédard (GSC-Q), Vicki McNicoll, Otto van Breemen (GSC-O), Jean David (GÉOTOP) and Normand Goulet (UQAM)

10:30 a.m.

Numerical modelling of the Archaean seismic activity along the Cadillac-Larder Lake Fault Zone: Inferences for orogenic gold mineralization

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 10,01 Mb)

Silvain Rafini, Stéphane Faure(CONSOREM) and Réal Daigneault (CONSOREM-UQAC)

10:50 a.m.

Geological model for the Windfall Lake gold project

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 4,20 Mb)

Jean-Philippe Desrochers, Darrell Turcotte (Eagle Hill) and Neil W. Richardson (VMS Ventures)

11:10 a.m.

Grade control at the Detour Lake gold deposit, Ontario

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 4,66 Mb)

Pat Donovan (Detour Gold)

Session 2
Entrepreneurship and public financing: What entrepreneurs and investors think
Co-chairs: Louis Doyle (Venture exchange TSX) and Suzanne Durand (UQAT)

Québec’s mineral potential attracts players from around the world, especially due to its highly competitive mining industry environment. Québec possesses all needed expertise and institutions that are ready to support Québec mining entrepreneurship. Yet despite these advantages, Québec accounts for only 6 of the 149 mining companies listed on the TXS Venture Exchange. Why should this be the case? In this session, mining entrepreneurs that have been successful on the TSX Venture Exchange will share their stories, talk about managing a public corporation and help participants benefit from their wise counsel. A Round Table will also let investors reveal the qualities they seek in mining entrepreneurs and their business plans.

1:30 p.m.

Introduction

Abstract
Paper(PDF Format, 1,64 Mb)

Louis Doyle (Venture exchange TSX)

1:50 p.m.

Panel of entrepreneurs

Abstract

Simon Britt (Géoméga), Philippe Cloutier (Cartier Resources) and Glenn Mullan (Golden Valley Mines)

2:55 p.m.

Panel of Investors

Abstract

Michel Champagne (SIDEX), Jacques Cossette (CIBC Wood Gundy) and Denis Landry (SODEMEX)

Session 3
Geoscience, exploration and discovery of mineral resources: An inseparable trio
Co-chairs: Charles Maurice (MRNF) and Réal Daigneault (UQAC)

This session will explore the importance of government, academic and research group geoscience studies to the discovery of new mineral deposits in an environment of increasing costs. The contribution made by new conceptual, exploration and pre-competition models developed by university research groups will be illustrated by up-to-date, concrete examples of the mining industry performance.

*9:00 a.m.

Public geoscience for private exploration

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 2,22 Mb)

Murray Duke (Ottawa, Ontario)

9:40 a.m.

Geoscience knowledge in Québec: Its value, its impact and its future

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 6,04 Mb)

Sylvain Lacroix, Charles Maurice, Daniel Lamothe and Charles Roy (MRNF)

10:00 a.m.

Mineral exploration problems and real solutions: CONSOREM's contributions to applied research  

Abstract

Stéphane Faure, Réal Daigneault, Benoit Lafrance, Silvain Rafini and Sylvain Trépanier (CONSOREM)

10:20 a.m.

Identification of structures in the deep crust to lithospheric mantle transverse to Proterozoic orogens in Québec and surrounding areas and their role in localizing mineral deposits

Abstract

Lyal Harris, Grégory Dufréchou and Camille Armengaud (INRS-ETE)

10:40 a.m.

Composition of fluid inclusions volatiles: Significance and use in gold exploration in metamorphic environments

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 7,96 Mb)

Damien Gaboury (UQAC)

11:00 a.m.

From knowledge to discovery

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 7,38 Mb)

Michel Gauthier (professor emeritus, UQAM)

Session 4
Iron: From exploration to mining
Co-chairs: Serge Perreault (SOQUEM Inc.) and Denis Blackburn (MRNF)

The price of iron ore has increased sizeably over the last decade. Demand for this raw material is high today and will remain so for years to come. Québec’s first new iron ore mine in 30 years opened in 2009, after a long parade of closures. The year 2010 and the beginning of 2011 were highlighted by Chinese and Indian steel maker equity investments in many junior mining companies that are active in Québec and in Labrador. This session will discuss Québec and Labrador iron ore exploration and development projects, and the important role played by China in this renewed effervescence.

1:30 p.m.

The Iron Ore Market in 2011

Serge Perreault (SOQUEM Inc.)

1:40 p.m.

Portrait of the iron ore industry in Québec

Abstract

Denis Blackburn and Martin Bernatchez (MRNF)

*2:00 p.m.

The iron ranges of Western Labrador: New developments and future potential

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 11,9 Mb)

Andrew Kerr, John Clarke and Philip Saunders (Department of Natural Resources, Newfoundland)

*2:20 p.m.

China, a rich country but a poor people: The sustaining power for the global steel industry

Abstract

Sandy Chim (Century Iron Mines)

*3:00 p.m.

Building the next major iron ore mine in the Labrador Trough

Abstract

Jeff Hussey (Champion Minerals)

*3:20 p.m.

A new iron ore mine at Schefferville - Rebirth of a historic mining camp

Abstract

John Kearney (Labrador Iron Mines)

*3:40 p.m.

On the path to production

Abstract

Dean Journeaux (New Millenium Iron Corp.)

Session 5
Critical, strategic and high technology minerals and metals
Co-chairs: Normand Grégoire (GENIVAR) and Denis Raymond (MRNF)

The industrialized countries are more and more aware that minerals and metals are key growth elements for them and for the health of their high-tech industries. Supply restrictions, export quotas, price explosion, supply/demand mismatch or expected shortages have increased interest in these substances that are now a part of our daily lives. Prospectors and mine operators are seeking sources of the minerals and metals of the future. This session will attempt to answer the vital questions of What, Where, Why, and for Whom? In sizing up the current situation, the session will discuss some of the key parts of this equation.

9:00 a.m.

Critical, strategic and high technology minerals and metals.
Offer – Demand – Strategic considerations: Alarm signals

Paper (PDF Format, 3,13 Mb)
Table (PDF Format, 25 Kb)

Normand Grégoire (GENIVAR)

9:10 a.m.

Critical minor metals ans minerals: Risks and opportunities

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 21,52 Mb)

Christian Hocquard (BRGM)

*9:50 a.m.

Graphite exploration and development in Québec

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 610 Kb)

Gary Economo (Focus Metals)

10:10 a.m.

Québec as the world’s alternative secured source of lithium supply? Sure. Could it be the MAIN one? Certainly!

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 6,53 Mb)

Guy Bourassa (Nemaska Exploration)

*10:30 a.m.

Geology and economic significance of selected rare earth element deposit types

Abstract

George J. Simandl (British Columbia Geological Survey)

11:00 a.m.

Strategic minerals and metals used in the manufacture of lithium storage cells (accumulators) for electric vehicles

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 268 Kb)

Daniel Perlstein (Anextase)

11:20 a.m.

Ore beneficiation - New challenges and constraints

Abstract

Normand Grégoire (GÉNIVAR)

11:30 a.m.

Social acceptability and public consultations – New challenges for the industry

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 2,52 Mb)

Donald Blanchet (Canada Lithium) and Émilie Bélanger (GENIVAR)

Session 6
Earth sciences: at a crossroads in knowledge
Co-chairs: Georges Beaudoin (U. Laval) and Jean-Yves Labbé (MRNF)

Earth Sciences are at the crossroads of geological, chemical, physical and biological knowledge. A multi-disciplinary approach is essential to our understanding of the history and evolution of Earth. This lecture session will clearly and comprehensibly present examples of major scientific projects that are examining the planet by bringing together knowledge from a variety of disciplines. Fresh interpretation of this information is leading to a better understanding of the environment.

1:30 p.m.

The National Institute for Earth Sciences ad Astronomy of the CNRS (France): A research institute dedicated to an integrated Earth System approach

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 1,77 Mb)

Bruno Goffé and Jean-François Stéphan (CNRS-INSU)

*2:10 p.m.

The Ocean Networks Canada Observatory – Making the ocean transparent

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 3,78 Mb)

Mairi Best, Kim Juniper, Scott McLean, Kate Moran, Martin Taylor and Verena Tunnicliffe (Ocean Networks Canada)

*2:30 p.m.

A new view of the Continent beneath our feet: Scientific, economic and social benefits of an earth sciences mega-project

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 9,68 Mb)

Ron M. Clowes (UBC-Lithoprobe)

3:10 p.m.

Regulating uranium mines and mills in Canada - Applying science and research in regulagory decision making

Abstract
Paper (PDF Format, 1,81 Mb)

Jean LeClair and Michael Rinker (CNSC)