Quebec has always enjoyed a reputation as a top-tier mining jurisdiction, but until recently, gold has run the show.
Since its critical minerals plan was released in 2020, however, it’s seen spending on critical minerals exploration increase to $470 million, up from $60 million, said Jocelyn Douhéret, director of the mining policies office at Quebec’s Natural Resources Ministry.
“It’s a more than 600% increase in four years,” he noted, citing the raft of supports the province has implemented, from financial tools and programs to direct investment in projects.
Critical minerals exploration claims have also increased by more than 110%.
Douhéret was part of a sponsored panel on Quebec at the Energy Transition Metals Summit in Washington, D.C., in late April. The event was organized by The Northern Miner and the Precious Metals Summit Conferences.
While Quebec is known predominantly as a gold producer, it also hosts many base metals and iron ore camps, said Killian Charles, president and CEO of lithium explorer Brunswick Exploration (TSXV: BRW).
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