A Pentagon-funded Quebec mining project does not meet with unanimous approval in Duhamel
CTV
Residents of Quebec's Outaouais and Laurentides regions fear that a mining project near the municipality of Duhamel will harm the environment.
Residents of Quebec's Outaouais and Laurentians regions fear that a mining project near the municipality of Duhamel will harm the environment.
Opposition has even gained momentum following news of the U.S. Pentagon's possible involvement.
Last month, Canadian company Lomiko Metals announced that it had received a US$8.35 million (CAD$14.26 million) grant from the U.S. Department of Defense and CAD$4.9 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada to support further studies on the natural flake graphite project.
This mineral could be used in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles.
According to the Pentagon, the development of a graphite mine could strengthen the North American energy supply chain. The product could also be used "for military purposes".
The phrase is making residents like Louis Saint-Hilaire, a spokesperson for the Quebec Coalition of Lakes Incompatible with Mining, uncomfortable.
"At first, we were told it was an ecological project to make batteries for electric vehicles, but now we have serious doubts," he said.
