Mines – Minister Martine Ouellet allows the extraction of copper and zinc to be processed in Quebec

Quebec City, April 25, 2013 – The Minister of Natural Resources, Martine Ouellet , is proud to announce the award of two mining leases for the mining company Xstrata’s Bracemac-McLeod project, the activities of extraction of zinc and copper will begin in mid-May in the Matagami area.

“The opening of this mine means at least $ 250 direct jobs over a period of at least four years. The opening of the Bracemac-McLeod is great news for a city of 2,000 inhabitants as Matagami, “said Martine Ouellet. The opening of the mine will, among other things, the transfer of the expertise of employees in the Perseverance mine, another property of Xstrata in the region, whose operation is nearing completion.

“This news is very important for the town of Matagami, its employees and our region.This demonstrates our government’s commitment to focus on northern development, “said Luc Ferland, Ungava MP and Parliamentary Assistant to Northern Affairs.

The use of zinc and copper Bracemac-McLeod deposit also ensures the supply of the Matagami mill, which produces a concentrate for each metal. Zinc concentrate will then be transformed to CEZinc plant in Valleyfield, and the copper will be converted at the Horne smelter in Rouyn-Noranda and CCR of Montreal, which allows the retention of more than 1800 jobs.

Xstrata’s initial investment is 160 million which will be added 70-75000000 dollars per year of operation.

“Here we have a fine example of the economic benefits that can be generated by the mining industry in Quebec when the transformation is favored. This is exactly the kind of project structuring economic need for Quebec, “said Martine Ouellet .

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