Québec’s first diamond mine opens

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

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The first Québec diamond mine was officially launched on July 10 with a ground breaking ceremony attended by Québec Premier Philippe Couillard.

Loupe

Developed by Stornoway Diamond Corporation, the $1-billion Renard Diamond Project will generate 475 direct and 600 indirect jobs over the next ten years.

“This project marks the relaunch of Plan Nord. It’s a big day for northern development and the growth of our mining industry. Quebec’s first diamond mine will generate important economic and social benefits for the aboriginal communities in the Otish Mountains region and for all of Québec,” said Premier Couillard.

Commercial production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2017. The project is expected to yield 1.6 million carats per year over 11 years for a total 17.9 million carats.

The Renard mine is is located approximately 350 km north of Chibougamau in in the Otish Mountains in Cree territory.

Plan Nord

Initially introduced by Quebec's previous Liberal Premier Jean Charest in 2011, Plan Nord is a multibillion-dollar development plan for Northern Quebec, an area north of the 49th parallel with outstanding potential for development in the sectors of mining, energy, forestry, tourism and transportation.

The project will span over 25 years and will attract investments of more than 80 billion Canadian dollars by the public and private sectors.

For more information:
Press Release (in French)
Stornoway Diamond Corporation

Photo credit: Stornoway