As the referendum on the La Loutre graphite mine project near Duhamel, Quebec approaches, a grassroots movement opposing mining activity is gaining traction in the Gatineau Valley.
Lomiko Metals, the company behind the La Loutre project, also holds mining claims in Low, Quebec, and in Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg, north of Ottawa, within the MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. Despite the Quebec government’s announcement in September that it would not fund the La Loutre mine, Lomiko continues its exploration efforts in other regions.
The company maintains that its operations are legal, but many residents are concerned about the potential impacts of mining developments on their communities. “We’ve started a community group that is against all mining activity in the municipality of Low,” said Carolyn Raab, a member of the group ActionLow. “Part of our initiative includes putting up signs to inform everyone that we oppose mining.”
Signs opposing mining activity have been distributed to all 17 municipalities in the MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau as a show of solidarity with other regions in Quebec facing similar concerns.
Lomiko Metals did not respond to requests for an interview from Radio-Canada.
Call for legislative change
ActionLow is advocating for greater powers for regional municipalities to regulate mining activities. “While I’m pleased that Quebec won’t invest in the La Loutre mine, we need legal changes to prevent further mining development,” Raab stated.
Quebec Premier François Legault had previously indicated that no mining projects would proceed without what the province calls “social acceptability.” This requirement is set to take effect in May 2024, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, ensuring that the concerns of local municipalities and Indigenous communities are taken into account.
Claude Bouffard, co-ordinator of the Citizens’ Committee Opposing the La Loutre Mining Project, expressed hope that upcoming legislative modifications would help citizens avoid prolonged battles against mining proposals. “It’s time-consuming, and we hope new laws will protect communities from having to fight against these projects,” he said.
Bouffard views the government’s decision not to fund the La Loutre project as a significant victory, voicing concerns about potential environmental contamination and risks to public health. “If Lomiko Metals is struggling, that’s good for us. We want to prevent the project from moving forward,” he added.
Community solidarity
Despite the challenges faced by the opposition, Bouffard emphasized that the struggles of nearby communities, which were alerted to Lomiko’s claims on their territories, are also important. “We feel for them. We were the ones who brought this to their attention about six to nine months ago,” he explained.
In the Low area, over 5,000 hectares of land have been claimed by Lomiko, according to ActionLow’s website. Meanwhile, in Gracefield, the community is currently less focused on mining concerns. Mayor Mathieu Caron noted, “We hear a little less about it here, but once a concrete mining project is proposed, it’s certain that residents will oppose it.”
