Support provided to RCMs related to the mining sector

The Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) works closely with regional county municipalities (RCMs) on mining projects. Support is provided to understand the legal framework for the mining sector and the criteria of the government land-use planning guidelines related to mining activities for delimiting their mining-incompatible territories.

There are four types of support.

1. Support related to the framework

The MRNF offers a presentation on the legal framework of the mining regime and its amendments. This presentation deals with rights and obligations, both for mining rights holders as well as owners and municipalities. The mineral development process can also be explained. This support includes assistance on the compliance of municipal regulations with respect to the management of mining activities. It also allows elected officials and administrative staff to prepare for public consultations related to mining-incompatible territories (MIT) or any other mining-related matter.

This support can also be provided in the municipal environment when applications for authorization for impact-causing exploration work (ATI) or other targeted opportunities are received.

2. Start-up support for the delimitation of a MIT

The MRNF presents the MIT delimitation process. The steps required to request a temporary suspension of the granting of new mining titles are discussed. This includes both the technical aspect of depositing geographic data files and identification questions.

3. Support during the MIT delimitation process

Throughout the process of delimiting a MIT, the MRNF is available to answer technical questions from RCMs. Work meetings may be organized. Proposals may also be reviewed prior to submission for validation of compliance with government guidelines.

4. Support following a request for a notice of compliance with the government land-use planning guidelines

The MRNF assists RCMs in their search for solutions to address issues raised in government notices of compliance.

The MRNF offers a number of workshops to any RCM that wishes to:

• have a presentation of the GLPG-Mines criteria;
• receive typical examples of some aspects of the MIT;
• attend more specific workshops on the specifics of a criterion.

The MRNF also participates, upon request, in regional planning committees to answer questions from RCM representatives regarding MITs. It also offers various mining-related presentations to various interested groups as soon as they request them.

In addition, the MRNF participates in some municipal events to promote its support service offer to various RCM representatives.

To receive support, you must contact the MRNF regional management or the Direction de l'encadrement minier et de la coordination (demc@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca) for additional information.