Environment

Restor-Action Nunavik Funds – "Awarded Environmental Excellence in Exploration 2007"

The fund is a partnership between the Quebec Government, the mining industry and the Inuit community. The fund will allow, starting this year, the cleanup and rehabilitation of abandoned sites. According to previous studies, nearly 600 sites have been identified, of which 18 are considered a priority. Work has already started on several of the 18 priority sites.

e3 award in Quebece3 award in Canada

 

 

 

The mining industry is concerned about the environment

Geologists and other exploration staff have a particularly well-developed sense of responsibility and respect for the environment; as they spend much of their careers working in the field most of the time in remote territories.

Unfortunately, the general public has a negative image of the mining industry. Environmental Excellence in Exploration (e3) is intended to help combat this image and give us the tools to conduct exploration using the best practices approved for environmental management and community engagement anywhere on the globe.

e3 was conceived by a group of industry geologists who recognized the need for an accepted database of environmental mitigation procedures that could be undertaken during exploration.

To date, e3 has users in 23 countries, representing most of the world’s largest mining companies, many junior exploration companies, governments, NGOs and academia.

e3 is a unique, online resource of field-proven, environmental best practices for use during exploration activities anywhere in the world. A subscriber is given secure access to a user-friendly website that covers everything from how to initiate engagement with the local community to how to remediate drill sites. All activities are covered from acquisition, through access and surveys to drilling.

The site includes an easy-to-use search facility and the ability to download sections for printing to take into the field (where internet access may not be available).

e3 is a “living document” that will be continuously upgraded with new information and content.

With e3, the collective image of the mining industry can be improved, The global community needs these mineral deposits to maintain and enhance the quality of life. The mineral industry is committed to discover these deposits with as little environmental disturbance as possible, and E3 is a significant addition to the tools necessary to fulfill this commitment.

 

Virginia Mines - strong support

By André Gaumond, President and Chief Executive Officer
Virginia Mines Inc is a highly-regarded junior mining company, aggressively exploring properties throughout northern Quebec. Many of these properties are located in arctic or sub-arctic terrain and can be considered environmentally sensitive. Virginia has been a strong supporter of E3 since its inception.

Much of our exploration activity takes place near or above the tree line. Because of severe climate conditions, the environment in these areas takes a long time to heal if damaged. We firmly believe we have a responsibility to cause as little damage as possible and the best practices outlined in e3 help us fulfill this responsibility.

While this goal is paramount, there is a second for our support of e3. Junior companies such as Virginia live or die through investor interest. In large part, the funding for our exploration effort is raised from investors. Potential investors are more likely to react positively knowing that Virginia uses E3 and strongly supports its objectives.

We recommend e3 to all exploration companies and especially the juniors. This is the only product of its kind which is freely available. The best practices described in E3 are a valuable and unique source of information that will help fulfill our obligation as corporate citizens and will improve our public image, assisting us to maintain a healthy, vibrant mineral exploration industry.