In 2012, the MRNF congress will renew its image, move to the Québec City convention centre and change its name to Québec Mines – Crossroads of geoscience and mineral resources. The conference will broaden its scope to attract stakeholders from all fields in the mining sector and address all aspects of mineral resource development. Whether you come from the scientific, financial, industrial, government or business world, or the mining exploration and development community, you will find something to whet your appetite. Québec Mines 2012, based on the theme Of Mines and Men, will be a world-class experience providing multiple opportunities to learn, discuss, network, meet and do business.

Québec Mines – Crossroads of geoscience and mineral resources will include:

• Paper presentation sessions and training workshops focusing on mineral exploration, and also on other aspects of mine development, from extraction to site rehabilitation;
• More space for trade exhibitors, such as mining corporations, exploration companies and service providers, with opportunities for promotional presentations;
• Government booths offering all the information needed by businesses, including information on geoscientific and geographic data, regulations, and business support and site rehabilitation programs;
• A showcase on the Plan Nord and the numerous business opportunities it creates;
• Activities for the general public, designed to raise awareness about geoscience in general and mining in particular;
• Release of results from work carried out by Géologie Québec, along with new exploration targets;
• The official launch of the second edition of the historical document “Des mines et des hommes” by historian Marc Vallières, which relates the history of mining in Québec over the last 400 years;
• Social activities offering networking opportunities in an enjoyable atmosphere;
• Assistance from friendly, red-coated guides who will greet participants and make their time at the congress an unforgettable experience!

Québec Mines : a new name—for an ongoing event

Québec Mines 2012 will be the 33^rd annual congress organized by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF). Since 1980, the MRNF has organized an annual congress for Québec’s mining community, where it presents the results of its field surveys. The event was originally known as the Séminaire d’information sur la recherche géologique, but in 2003 it became known as Québec Exploration after a partnership was established with the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ). As the leading convention for mineral exploration in Québec, it received an ever-growing number of visitors, reaching a record of 2900 in 2011. The new event, Québec Mines, continues this long-standing tradition and will retain the same hospitable atmosphere.