Mining of Quebec is Committed to Further the Association Corporate Social Responsibility

MONTRÉAL, June 18, 2014 – The Quebec Mining Association (QMA) announced today its membership over a period of four years, the initiative Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM), a program designed to improve Gradually environmental and social practices of Canadian mining companies.

TSM was launched in 2004 by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC). The QMA is the second provincial mining association to formally adopt the initiative after that of British Columbia, which adheres to the program since 2011.

Including “The QMA aims to promote Quebec mineral industry responsible, committed and innovative. The support of our members TSM is in line with this vision we have of mining development in Quebec. Our ways are recognized around the world and we are proud of our industry. TSM will therefore allow mining companies in Quebec to continue to always aim higher while providing a process of continuous improvement through specific indicators, “said Josee Methot, President and CEO of the QMA.

“We congratulate the QMA have adopted the TSM, which reflects the commitment of the mining industry to raise the bar for corporate responsibility and present communities with a transparent assessment of their performance in terms of the most critical environmental and social practices, says Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of CMA. This increase in the scope of the TSM in Canada reinforces its credibility as an effective standard for the mining industry. ”

As part of TSM, Canadian companies must evaluate their performance every year related to 23 indicators classified in six categories, called protocols: waste management, relations with Aboriginal people and communities, conservation management of biodiversity, energy management, health and safety, planning and crisis management. Every three years to ensure accuracy, the results are subject to a qualified independent auditor. The results of operations are published annually in the TSM Progress reports, which are always accessible to the public. The results of the QMA members who are not members of the AMC will be subject to verification by a third after four years. The CMA members settled in Quebec already publish their results every year.

The fact that measures are taken directly to mining facilities is one of the greatest assets of TSM. This process gives local authorities a real insight into how the mines are operated nearby. The Advisory Group of communities of interest, which helped develop the program continues to adapt to the needs of civil society. This independent group brings together stakeholders from various fields to provide consulting services to the mining industry. He played a key role at the beginning of the program’s inception and remains an important part of its evolution, implementation and verification of results. The group includes representatives of indigenous communities, NGOs, environmental or social-oriented, international development groups, unions and other organizations.

“The adoption of TSM by the QMA demonstrates its willingness to establish itself as a leader in environmental and social performance. The value of TSM from both its higher than provincial governments and the publication of results of business requirements. It is an informed decision for the industry and all its stakeholders, “said Suzann Méthot (unrelated Josee Methot), spokesman of the international campaign for the conservation of boreal forest.

In 2014, TSM CMA celebrates 10 years in improving the performance of mining facilities across Canada and around the world. The program has proven effective in promoting continuous improvement in the mining sector, as evidenced by the constant improvement of the results of participants since the program began. For detailed results of institutions participating companies, please download the latest TSM Progress report on the site www.mining.ca / fr / to-the-mining-development sustainable.

About the Quebec Mining Association
Founded in 1936, the Quebec Mining Association (QMA) acts as a proactive spokesperson mining companies in production, exploitation and processing, mining contractors, mining companies development, as well as suppliers, institutions, nonprofit organizations and other partners in the mining sector. Proud 45,000 quality jobs and mining investment of around $ 3.25 billion the mining industry generated over the last year in Quebec, QMA’s mission is to promote, support and develop a Quebec mineral industry committed, responsible and innovative.

About the Mining Association of Canada
Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is the national organization representing Canada’s mining industry. Its members, who are responsible for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, oil sands and industrial minerals are present in the areas of mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and manufacturing of semi-finished products. Visit www.mining.ca.

NT3