Consultations to precede changes to Quebec Mining Act

Quebec’s Ministry of Mines is kicking off a consultation tour in anticipation of changes to the province’s Mining Act.

The proposed amendments are designed to simplify the process of obtaining mineral rights, and also avoid legal conflicts.

The current staking process would be replaced by map staking so as to reduce the number of lawsuits arising from disputed claims.

The Quebec government will also replace its five separate exploration titles with a single general title covering all substances. The effect would be to eliminate conflicts that arise between companies with different rights to the same territory.

In addition, the province will introduce a measure designed to prevent the accidental forfeiture of titles upon renewal. Such forfeitures are a significant source of lawsuits, the provincial government says.

The consultations are aimed at soliciting comment from industry representatives and stakeholders. Meetings will be held in Sept Iles, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Chicoutimi, Chibougamau, Rouyn-Noranda, Amos, Val d’Or, Montreal and Quebec City.