The Government Of Quebec Is Investing $4.1 Million To Clean Up 18 Abandoned Mining Sites In Nunavik

Press release
Gouvernement du Québec
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
CODE 01
PLUS WEEKLIES SERVICES CODES 38 AND 44

Katimajiit Conference
Environment and sustainable development of the communities

Kuujjuaq, August 24, 2007 – Minister responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs, Francophones within Canada, the Reform of Democratic Institutions and Access to Informations pleased to have approved the government’s commitment to proceed with the restoration of abandoned mining sites. To this end, a sum of $4.1 million will be invested in the restoration of 18 mining exploration sites in Nunavik.The restoration of these sites is the result of a partnership between the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, the Kativik Regional Government, Makivik Corporation and the Nunavik Restor-Action Fund, made up of mining exploration companies. The management of the works will be under the responsibility of the Kativik Regional Government. These works will be completed by March 31, 2012 at the latest.

“The restoration of the mining sites of Nunavik shows that the environmental and social dimensions are henceforth inseparable from mining development activities in Québec,” pointed out minister Pelletier. “This initiative is particularly important for Northern Québec since mining activities are experiencing strong growth in this region,” he added.

It is worthwhile recalling that the Government of Québec has embarked upon a vast plan spanning a 10-year period and aiming to restore abandoned contaminated sites, which are mining sites for the most part. The government approach now includes long-term prevention to reduce the risks that the State will end up having to restore new mining sites.

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Sources:
Luc Fortin
Press Secretary
Office of the minister
(418) 646-5950