Quebec applauds Raglan mine expansion

Quebec’s top ministers say they’re pleased with the Aug. 2 announcement that Xstrata plans to expand its Raglan nickel mine’s operations in Nunavik.

Xstrata’s expansion is a “concrete example” of a project under Plan Nord that will provide spin-offs throughout Quebec, said Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec’s deputy premier and the minister responible for the Plan Nord development scheme for northern Quebec.

“It’s one more step towards the realization of the goals set out in Plan Nord,” which include generating 20,000 jobs and $14 billion over 20 years for “the Quebec government and society,” Normandeau said in an Aug. 3, French-only Quebec government news release.

The minister responsible for wildlife and the environment also had glowing words for Xstrata’s announcement.

“Xstrata recognizes the great mineral potential of Quebec’s Far North by making this very sizable investment and by developing promising deposits. Here’s another example of confidence in Quebec, and, above all, a concrete recognition of the success of the actions which our government has taken to ensure the future of mining in Quebec,” said Serge Simard.

Through this expansion, which will see another mine added to its existing complex, Xstrata plans to mine and churn out enough nickel to maintain its present workforce of 1,000 at Raglan. About 15 per cent of these jobs are held by Nunavimmiut.

Raglan plays an important role in the economic development of Nunavik as well as creating jobs, said Pierre Corbeil, Quebec’s minister responsible for northern Quebec, in the news release.