Mineral Extraction Activities

No minerals, mineral rights, or other subsurface rights may be obtained, extracted, or exercised on Category I lands without the consent of the concerned Landholding Corporation (LHC) and without paying the compensation agreed upon for the use of those rights. Compensation to the LHC is based on the volume of material extracted. Any unauthorized or illegal extraction activity will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Access to natural granular material varies greatly across Nunavik. Some communities, such as Salluit and Ivujivik, have no natural sources available and must rely entirely on crushed material for construction needs. Others, including Kangiqsujuaq, Quaqtaq, Kangirsuk, and Umiujaq, have very limited potential pits near their communities. Promoters are encouraged to use available resources wisely, taking into account the scarcity of granular material and the high production costs in their construction planning and techniques.

LHCs do not own the subsurface and mineral rights on Category I lands. These rights remain the property of the Government of Québec. All administrative procedures, forms, and approvals must be completed directly with the concerned ministries. The LHC does not provide assistance or guidance regarding ministry requirements. All quarry or borrow pit activities require:

  • An authorization from the LHC for the proposed location;
  • An authorization from the Northern Village (if the quarry or pit is located within municipal boundaries);
  • A Certificate of authorization following an environmental assessment or an Attestation of exemption from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP);
  • A ministerial authorization or a Declaration of compliance from the MELCCFP;
  • A non-exclusive leave (BNE) for borrow pits or an exclusive lease (BEX) for quarries from the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des forêts (MRNF);
  • An explosive permit from the Sûreté du Québec, if applicable.

Please note that the LHC’s role is limited to authorizing the site location. When the extraction site is located within the boundaries of a Northern Village, the municipal council must ensure that the project complies with its municipal by-laws and with the provisions of its master plan, in accordance with section 176 of the Kativik Regional Government Act. Some communities have a land use committee through which the Northern Village and the Landholding Corporation collaborate on the review of such projects. This process ensures that mineral extraction activities respect both the land tenure rights of the LHC and the municipal land use regulations established by the Northern Village.

How to Obtain LHC Approval to Open or Expand a Borrow Pit or Quarry

  1. Application

    The promoter must complete the Quarry and Borrow Pit Application Form and submit it to the concerned LHC along with all required documentation. Please note that incomplete applications or missing information may delay the review process.

    Please note that submitting an application does not constitute permission to use or occupy Category I Land, nor does it authorize the extraction of subsurface minerals. Any unauthorized use or occupation of Category I Land may result in legal action, including an injunction requiring the immediate cessation of all activities. The LHC may also hold the responsible party liable for restoring the Land and repairing any damages caused.

  2. Review and Approval

    The LHC reviews the Quarry and Borrow Pit Application Form and, if accepted, allocates a parcel of land for a quarry or a borrow pit. The LHC reserves the right to accept or refuse any application at its sole discretion.

Others

Certain other activities on Category I Land require the knowledge or approval of the Landholding Corporation. While there isn’t a specific form for every situation, we recommend sending the LHC a written notice with details about the activity and its expected start and end dates. This includes activities such as geotechnical surveys, environmental remediation or decontamination work, archaeological excavations, and mining exploration. Keeping the LHC informed ensures that all work on the land respects community priorities, protects the environment, and supports responsible development.