With Quebec's mining tradition stretching back well over 100 years, Vancouver-based Aurizon Mines' work in Quebec reveals the importance of not only exploring and developing mineral-rich territory, but also the inherent value in working within a supportive environment.
Among its advantages, Aurizon Mines has built remarkably skilled technical teams, drawing largely from local talent pools. The strength of its Val d'Or-based technical groups has proved a major competitive advantage not only in the development of Aurizon's properties, but also in the company's ability to attract high-calibre joint venture partners with promising exploration assets.
Strong community support for mining and its major contribution to the Quebec economy provide significant encouragement for young people to pursue mining careers. For example, a survey last year by Saine Marketing on behalf of Minalliance, the Quebec mining and mineral industry umbrella organization, found that 72 per cent of Quebecers favoured the development of the mining industry. Support in the Abitibi region where Aurizon has its main operations was 91 per cent. Job creation was the primary reason cited spontaneously for favouring the development of the industry.
Minalliance executive director Claudine Renauld said at the time that the survey results showed that Quebecers recognized the importance of the economic benefits of mining activity.
"The mining industry provides more than 52,000 direct and indirect jobs in Quebec. It makes a major contribution to regional socio-economic development, as well as bringing in an average of more than $280 million in net tax revenues for the Quebec government in recent years," said Ms. Renauld, adding, "The mineral industry is recognized by the public as an important economic player, not only in the mining regions, but throughout the province."
To support the development of the specialized skills needed in the mining sector, the Government of Quebec established a National Mining Institute that aims to ensure training activities meet needs over the short, medium and long term and that the actions of training providers at all educational levels are co-ordinated.