Quebec Plans to Develop Mineral-Rich Regions of Far North

Quebec has launched a 25-year plan to develop its remote northern and Arctic regions, which are rich in mineral deposits, timber, and swiftly flowing rivers that could provide hydroelectric power. While the so-called Plan Nord includes development of 11 mining projects, as well as roads and other infrastructure, about half of the 465,000-square-mile area (1.2 million square kilometers) region would be protected from industrial development. “It is one of the world’s last virgin territories,” said Quebec Premier Jean Charest. “It’s also a fragile territory and a territory of great richness and it’s also a responsibility.” The region to be developed lies above the 49th parallel and has a population of only 120,000 people, many of them Inuit. Quebec officials say the region contains huge deposits of nickel, cobalt, and other metals, and also can be sustainably logged in places and produce large amounts of hydroelectric power. Environmentalists praised the commitment to preserve half of the region from industrial development, but said they wanted to carefully study details of the development plan.