Seven million for restoration of abandoned mine sites

The gouvernement du Québec will be investing $7 million in 2006-2007 to restore abandoned mine sites.

In the Estrie Region, $1.5 million has been granted to initiate restoration work on the Eustis site. A second instalment of $1.5 million will make it possible to complete site restoration next year. Assistance of $5 million has been allocated for restoration of the Manitou site. Also this year, $500,000 will be used to prepare plans for restoration work on the Aldermac site, in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region.

During the fall, a working group will issue proposals for a funding strategy for the restoration of abandoned mine sites and for legislative amendments to reduce the risk of the Government becoming responsible for the sites again.

It should be noted that measures have been taken to ensure that future generations will not have to bear the economic and environmental costs related to restoring abandoned mine sites. In fact, mining companies have to prepare restoration plans for active tailings impoundments and restore them. They are also obliged to provide a financial guarantee for the work.