Mining and exploration companies are elated that the Quebec government has set aside about $698 million for road infrastructure projects in the province’s north.
Part of Quebec’s recent recession- fighting budget, one proposed project would see Highway 167 extended from Temascamie through the proposed Albanel-Temiscamie- Otish Park northwards to the Otish Mountains, costing $130 million.
Another $568 million is to go towards repairs to Highway 389 between Baie-Comeau on Quebec’s North Shore and to the iron ranges of Fermont, on the border with Labrador.
The government will also spend $106 million to improve northern airports.
Western Troy (WRY-V, WTCRF-O) notes that the proposed extension of Highway 167 would pass within 70 km of its MacLeod Lake molybdenum- copper project.
Stornoway Diamond (SWY-T, SWYDF-O) said the road would help connect its Renard diamond project, a joint venture with Quebec government agency SOQUEM, to Chibougamau.
Highway 167 currently connects Chibougamau and Mistissini to Temascamie, where the road ends. The proposed 268-km extension would go as far as the Renard project, and could eventually be extended farther north. A prefeasibility study on the project is currently under way, with a social and environmental assessment to follow.
Other projects that could benefit from the road extension include Strateco Resources’ (RSC-T, SRSIF-O) Matoush uranium project and Eastmain Resources’ (ER-T, EANRF-O) gold prospects related to the old Eastmain copper-gold mine.
A winter road currently exists between Temiscamie and the Eastmain mine.
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