The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association Unveils 2011 Recognition Award

QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 24, 2011) - The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) held its annual recognition awards ceremony during the Quebec Exploration convention, which took place from November 21st to 24th. The awards emphasize the excellence, dynamism and entrepreneurship of a service organization or individual significantly contributing to the growth of the mining industry in the province of Quebec.

The recipients are:

Development of the Year Award 2011

Osisko Mining Corporation for the Canadian Malartic Project

The award is given to an individual or team that has contributed to the development of a mining project by leading it to production stage.

Hector-Authier Award 2011

Mr André Gaumond

This award honours an individual who, through their years of service, has contributed significantly to the development of mining entrepreneurship in Quebec.

IAMGOLD Award - Service Organization of the Year 2011

Rémy Bélanger, geophysics

This award recognizes the work of a service company that has contributed significantly to the development of mineral exploration in Quebec or elsewhere through development and expansion of services it provides.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2011

Arianne Resources Inc. for the Lac à Paul Project

This award honours the achievements of an entrepreneur whose company has shown significant growth over the year. Growth may be the result of a specific project or overall company activities.

Jean-Descarreaux Award 2011

Mr Réal Daignault

This award honours an individual whose research and publications have contributed to increased mineral exploration activities by expanding knowledge in the geosciences, and mineral exploration in particular.

E3 Plus Award 2011

Cartier Resources Inc.

This award recognizes a company that places high emphasis on environmental and social responsibility, as well as compliance with practices outlined in the E3 Plus Online Toolkit: Responsible Mineral Exploration.

Prospector of the Year Award 2011

Azimut Exploration Inc.

This award highlights a major discovery with significant impact on exploration activities on the property and surroundings.

About the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ)

The Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ) is a non-profit professional and industry association incorporated under Part III of the Companies Act. The AEMQ represents the key stakeholders involved in the field of mineral exploration in Québec. The AEMQ was founded in 1975 to reflect the will of mineral explorationists in Québec (prospectors, geologists, geophysicists, contractors, developers, exploration managers) to stimulate exploration and foster the development of mining entrepreneurship in Québec. The AEMQ brings together more than 1,500 individual members (prospectors, geologists, geophysicists, brokers, tax experts, lawyers, etc.) and over 200 corporate members (junior and major mining exploration companies, engineering firms specializing in geology and geophysics, drilling companies, services companies, equipment manufacturers, etc.). It is headed by a board of twenty directors, each representing a different segment of the mineral exploration industry.

The Association's President is Ghislain Poirier (Stornoway Diamond Corporation), who is supported by François Bouchard (Osisko Mining Corporation), Tony Brisson (Cogitore Resources Inc.), Martin Demers (Aurizon Mines Ltd.), Mélissa Desrochers (TMR Communications), Pierre-Philippe Dupont (Royal Nickel Corporation), Marco Gagnon (Adventure Gold), Robert Gagnon (ExploLab), Jean Girard (Alexis Minerals Corporation), Guy Gosselin (Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.), Gérard Houle (Les Pierres du Nord), Marcel H. Jolicoeur (GENIVAR), Robert Kitchen (Cree Nation of Nemaska), Marc L'Heureux (Vior), Jean-Marc Lulin (Azimut Exploration Inc.), Frank Mariage (Miller Thomson Pouliot SENCRL/LLP), Jean-François Ouellette (Services Techniques Géonordic), Gino Roger (Midland Exploration), Mathieu Savard (Virginia Mines) and André Vachon (Roche). The AEMQ's head office is located at 132 Lac Avenue, Suite 203, Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, J9X 4N5

For more information, visit the AEMQ website at http://www.aemq.org/english/index.asp