Québec’s mining sector has had to survive the one-two punch of weak capital markets and a government hungry for more returns. In the last year, industry players have been forced to resort to resilience and creative thinking to stay afloat. Mining investments in Québec decreased to $4.8 billion in 2012 and are set to decrease further in 2013 with a forecast for the year closer to $4 billion.

Yet mining remains a chief economic contributor to the province. With iron ore and gold chief among its diverse mineral resources, the industry currently has 23 operating mines and an annual output valued at $8.2 billion in 2012. Over 200 mining exploration companies are active in the province, and 17,000 jobs in industry continue to provide tax income.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining sector has increased six fold from 2001 to 2011. With an output valued at $5.19 billion, the province represents 10.3% of Canada’s mineral production and has surpassed Alberta and Manitoba to rank as the fifth largest province for mining.