Quebec Mining Conflicts from East to West, North to South | MiningWatch

Quebec Mining Conflicts from East to West, North to South | MiningWatch

The Algonquin Nation’s traditional territory straddles the Quebec-Ontario border extending along Quebec’s western border up the Gatineau and Ottawa River watersheds. The Algonquins have never signed a treaty and are not party to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, so there are no established protocols for consultation or participation in the review of mineral exploration or development projects in their territory.

• MiningWatch has engaged with three Quebec Algonquin nations currently struggling with mineral exploration projects in their territories. Wolf Lake and Eagle Village have been making efforts to constructively engage Matamec Explorations in negotiations. Unfortunately this junior company’s response to their enquiries has been dismissive. Matamec is hoping to cash in on the much-hyped rare earth elements boom and have identified a deposit they are hoping to develop, but have deferred all discussion of consultation to the Government of Quebec. Wolf Lake and Eagle Village have engaged MiningWatch to assist with communications and education on the issues associated with mining and processing rare earth elements as the company continues to downplay the environmental risks of the project.

• In 1991 the Algonquins of Barrière Lake signed a progressive agreement for management and revenue sharing in their traditional territory, which overlaps considerably with La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve (though a reserve in name, all manner of industrial and recreational uses are permitted). Unfortunately the Quebec and Federal governments have not honoured this agreement and now a mining company has staked claims in the heart of the hunting and fishing area of several Barrière Lake families. Upon learning about an exploration crew operating on the claims of Cartier Resources, community members successfully insisted the workers leave their territory. In a community meeting with MiningWatch, it was clear that many community members are adamantly opposed to mining in their territory. One woman described the need to deal with an exploration company and the potential impacts of mineral development as being like “another heavy pack put on the backs of the people that we now have to carry.”

• Despite having some assurances that their rights will be respected through the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement, the Cree of Mistissini are calling on Quebec to recognize their call for a moratorium on uranium exploration and mining. While the community has resolutely rejected Strateco Resources’ proposed advanced exploration uranium project, the company continues to work in the area and promote its project to investors while understating community opposition to the project. Meanwhile, the government of Quebec has highlighted the project in recent announcements and documents about its ambitious and problematic “Plan