QMEA Relieved Upon Adoption of Bill 70 to Modify Mining Act

ROUYN-NORANDA, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 11, 2013) - The Quebec Mining Exploration Association (QMEA) felt relief and satisfaction upon the Quebec National Assembly's adoption of Bill 70. Parliamentarian efforts to formulate concrete and realistic changes, most of them recommended by QMEA, were highly welcome.

In the view of QMEA, the amended draft is inclusive of the industry, municipalities and economic development associations, satisfying over four years of representation for the responsible development of our resources. These changes will allow the Quebec mineral industry to initiate projects that support our resource regions.

"Amendments to the Mining Act, a prime legal tool, allow us to provide the investment community with a more transparent framework," said Mr Philippe Cloutier, Geologist and Chairman of the QMEA Board of Administration.

QMEA acknowledges the perseverance of MP François Bonnardel of Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), who offered food for thought with his paper based on consensus established in recent years, and the work of parliamentarians to provide Quebec with a predictable and stable legal framework.

"We are pleased that MPs have chosen to put an end to more than four years of debate. Our Association will now be able to concentrate energy on the continuous improvement of our practices. We wish to ensure our full cooperation to the government in the formulation of policies and regulatory changes resulting from the adoption of this law," said Valérie Fillion, QMEA Executive Director.

About Quebec Mining Exploration Association (QMEA)

QMEA is a professional and industrial association representing players in Quebec's mineral exploration. Founded in 1975, the AEMQ's mission is to increase exploration and support the development of mining entrepreneurship in Quebec. QMEA has over 2000 individual members, as well as 250 corporate members representing Quebec's mineral sector. It is run by a board of directors composed of 20 representatives from different areas of mining exploration.