ROUYN-NORANDA, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 28, 2014) - In the aftermath of the annual convention, the Québec Mining Exploration Association (QMEA) has compiled a constructive report of its First Edition held in Montréal. Under the chairmanship of Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal, nearly 1500 participants gathered at Place Bonaventure for this event which is well-known for its high-level conference program as well as the networking activities and business development.

Now known as Xplor, the 2014 mining exploration convention assembled more than 175 exhibitors which included 37 exploration companies. Valérie Fillion, QMEA executive director commented "It is a priority for the QMEA to hold an annual event for the industry whose purpose is to stimulate its activities."

QMEA's New President

The Annual General Meeting of QMEA was held and a new president of the Board of Directors was elected. Frank Mariage, a Fasken Martineau Associate, has been involved in the Board since 2007 and will take over the presidency left by Philippe Cloutier to ensure the reach and the development of the Association. "It is an honour for me to accept this vote of confidence from the Board. We still have many challenges ahead of us and QMEA will continue to work so that Quebec resume its place at the forefront of mining friendly jurisdiction".

Awards Evening QMEA 2013

Every year the QMEA highlights the dynamism and entrepreneurship of companies or individuals who are working for the development of the Québec Mining Exploration Industry. The Gala Evening is an opportunity for the Association to remit awards to companies and individuals who have distinguished themselves throughout the current year. Arianne Phosphate was awarded the e3 plus Award, Corriveau J.L. & Associés received the Award for Company of the year, Stornoway Diamonds, Entrepreneur of the year and Balmoral Resources the award for Prospector of the Year for the Grasset Project. Éric Lemieux and André Proulx received the Economic Support in Mining Exploration Award and the Hector Authier Award.

About Québec Mining Exploration Association (QMEA)

The Québec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA) is a non-profit professional and industry association incorporated under Part III of the Companies Act. The QMEA was founded in 1975 and represents the key participants involved in the field of mining exploration in Québec. The Association represent more than 2,400 individual members and over than 325 corporate members. Xplor 2015, the Association annual event will be held in Montréal on October 7 and 8.