A prospector may have discovered a significant deposit of strategic minerals one hour from Montreal, raising concerns among residents and elected officials in Lanaudière who oppose the establishment of a mine.
“We are not discussing a deposit yet, but rather promising signs,” emphasizes Alain Tremblay, the president of Ni-Co Énergie, who found traces of copper, nickel, and cobalt in a 7 km by 200 m vein near Saint-Côme in Lanaudière in 2022.
These three metals are particularly valued by the state, as they are utilized in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, among other applications.
Photo from LinkedIn, Éric Lemieux
Water “tastes like sulfur”
For 18 months, Ni-Co Energy has conducted drilling at depths ranging from 93 to 300 m at approximately thirty locations between Saint-Zénon, Saint-Côme, and Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci to document this discovery.
Photo from LinkedIn, Éric Lemieux
However, the company’s initiatives have not gone unnoticed. Wetlands have been drained, and makeshift paths have been created for machine traffic.
“Since they drilled around Lac des Baies and Lac Gérard to collect samples, residents have reported a sulfur-like taste in the water,” states Benoit Laporte, vice president of the Lavigne Controlled Exploitation Zone (ZEC). He points out that the observation site is located at the head of two lakes that feed the Ouareau and L’Assomption rivers. Lac Provost-Cartier, which houses a rare population of Arctic char, is also believed to be at risk.
Photo Benoit Laporte
Residents also express concerns about potential decreases in property values, increased truck traffic, and deforestation.
“Ni-Co Énergie acted without informing us of their intentions and the progress of their work,” laments François Morin.
Photo François Morin
An informational evening was quickly organized on July 9 in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, attracting around a hundred attendees. “There weren’t enough chairs, people were shouting, and several left angrily,” recounts Mr. Morin, a retired firefighter.
Sell before…
The mayor of Saint-Côme, Martin Bordeleau, is firmly against the project: “We do not want this project. We are committed to responsible ecotourism. We certainly do not want to allow a mine to come and pollute our lakes.”
“People are already considering putting their homes up for sale due to this mining project,” laments the mayor of Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Isabelle Vincent.
For the president of ZEC Lavigne, Jean-Louis Dubé, “the battery sector must not expand at the expense of our territory.”
Photo Benoit Laporte
Three “strategic” metals
Copper, nickel, and cobalt found in the Saint-Côme subsoil are considered strategic minerals for the manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries.
Additionally, 20 kg of copper is required to produce a thermal vehicle, while double, 40 kg, is needed for a hybrid vehicle and triple, 80 kg, is needed for an electric vehicle.
Cobalt is essential for the cathode of lithium-ion batteries and other battery types.
Nickel is utilized in the production of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Concerns Rise Over Strategic Mineral Discovery Near Montreal
A prospector may have discovered a major deposit of strategic minerals an hour from Montreal, causing concerns among residents and elected officials in Lanaudière who do not want a mine.
Encouraging Signs of Mineral Deposits
Alain Tremblay, president of Ni-Co Énergie, believes that they have found “encouraging signs” of copper, nickel, and cobalt in a 7 km by 200 m vein near Saint-Côme, Lanaudière, during exploration works conducted in 2022. While experts still caution that these are not confirmed deposits, the implications of such resources could be significant.
Photo from LinkedIn, Éric Lemieux
The Importance of Copper, Nickel, and Cobalt
These three metals are particularly valuable due to their uses in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Increasing demand for EVs has led many regions, including Montreal, to explore local mineral sources to support sustainable transportation.
Extensive Drilling Activities
For the past 18 months, Ni-Co Énergie has been conducting drilling operations at depths ranging from 93 to 300 meters across nearly thirty locations, including Saint-Zénon, Saint-Côme, and Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci. While the exploration aims to confirm the existence of these minerals, there have been significant environmental concerns raised by local residents.
Photo from LinkedIn, Éric Lemieux
Environmental Concerns Arise
As Ni-Co Énergie’s drilling activities continue, numerous environmental concerns have surfaced. Residents have reported that the water in the region has begun to taste like sulfur. Benoit Laporte, vice-president of the Lavigne Controlled Exploitation Zone (ZEC), mentions that drilling near Lac des Baies and Lac Gérard for sample extraction has put essential waterways at risk.
This area feeds into the Ouareau and L’Assomption rivers, with Lac Provost-Cartier boasting a fragile Arctic char population at risk. Concerned locals are vocal about potential deterioration of their water supply and the greater ecological implications of mining in the region.
Photo from LinkedIn, Éric Lemieux
Local Community Impact
Residents express deep-rooted fears, not just about environmental degradation but also concerns regarding property values, continual truck traffic, and the potential deforestation that may accompany such mining projects. François Morin, a local citizen, highlighted that Ni-Co Énergie undertook its drilling activities without adequate consultation or notification to the community.
Photo François Morin
Community Reactions and Opposition
An information session organized hastily on July 9 in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci witnessed an overwhelming turnout of approximately one hundred residents, causing chaos due to inadequate seating and prompting several attendees to leave in frustration. Mayor Martin Bordeleau of Saint-Côme is firmly against the project, emphasizing that the community is committed to responsible ecotourism rather than mining practices that could jeopardize local lakes.
Isabelle Vincent, mayor of Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, expressed concern that residents are already contemplating selling their properties due to the uncertainty surrounding the mining project. Jean-Louis Dubé, president of ZEC Lavigne, further reiterated that the expansion of the battery sector should not occur at the expense of their territory.
The Strategic Importance of Copper, Nickel, and Cobalt
As regions push towards a greener future, understanding the strategic nature of minerals like copper, nickel, and cobalt is critical. These metals play a vital role in the transition to electric vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Copper Required |
|---|---|
| Thermal Vehicle | 20 kg |
| Hybrid Vehicle | 40 kg |
| Electric Vehicle | 80 kg |
Cobalt is essential for battery cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, while nickel contributes to the production of lithium-ion batteries designed for hybrid and electric vehicles. As demand grows in this sector, local deposits become increasingly critical.
Environmental Safeguards and Future Considerations
With mining activities potentially threatening local ecosystems, it’s imperative to balance development with sustainable practices. Community voices must be heard in the planning stages to ensure that local environments and livelihoods are not compromised. The future of Lanaudière and its natural resources lies in cooperation and careful management of these strategic deposits.