Quality support at Xplor 2015 to highlight QMEA's 40 years of service

An Edition marked by the presence of investors and key stakeholders in Québec's mining sector

QUÉBEC, Oct. 15, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Québec's biggest mining sector event, Xplor 2015, brought together over 1,200 participants, including many investment representatives who directly contribute to the vitality and development of the industry. With over 130 exhibitors, including 30 exploration and production companies, the event, which is recognized for the quality of its networking activities and high level conference program, was a real success.

Following its annual conference, the Québec Mining Exploration Association (QMEA) gave a positive assessment of the event held in Montreal. Despite a downturn in the industry, the right audience and an atmosphere that was conducive to business development, characterized this year's edition. In addition to the commercial exhibition, the dinner conferences with Louis Vachon, President and CEO of National Bank and Robert Sauvé, President and CEO of Société du Plan Nord, were well-attended.

"40 years ago, our Association was created to stimulate mining exploration in Québec. Today still, we continue to contribute to the economic development of Québec. It is therefore imperative that we continue to organize an annual event that brings together industry stakeholders, and to ensure the dynamism of our sector," said Valérie Fillion, Executive Director of QMEA. Indeed, Xplor 2016 is scheduled for October 5 and 6 at Place Bonaventure in Montreal.

Held alongside Xplor 2015 was QMEA's annual general meeting, where new administrators were elected. For a second year, Frank Mariage (Fasken Martineau Dumoulin) will chair the board consisting of the following administrators: Serge Allard (Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton), François Bouchard (Canadian Malartic Corporation), Philippe Cloutier (Cartier Resources), Isabelle d 'Amours (Geo Data solutions GDS Inc.), Renald Gauthier (Roche Ltd., Consulting Group), Paul A. Girard (Consultant), Steven Lauzier (SL. Exploration), Elif Lévesque (Osisko Gold Royalties LTD.), Renault Lortie (Gaz Métro), Louis Morin (Consultant), Gino Roger (Midland Exploration), Mathieu Savard (Osisko Gold Royalties LTD.) and Régis Simard (Table jamésienne de concertation minière).

QMEA 2015 Recognition Awards

Each year, the QMEA highlights the dynamism and entrepreneurial qualities of members who contribute to the development of Québec's mineral sector. The Recognition Award Gala was the perfect opportunity to present several awards to those who have distinguished themselves. Thus, Eastmain Resources was awarded the Discovery of the Year award for its Eau Claire (clear water) project, Integra Gold was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year award, Commerce Resources Corp. received the e3 Plus Award, and Forages Rouillier received the Service Company of the Year Award. For their part, Louis Gignac, Louis Paquet, MM Maurice and Claude Bronsard respectively received the Hector-Authier Award, the Mining Exploration Supporter and the Nicolas Denys medals. Georges Beaudoin received the Jean Descarreaux Award on behalf of one of the Association's founders, which highlights the work of an individual whose writings have helped increase mineral exploration geoscience knowledge.

About the Québec Mining Exploration Association (QMEA)

QMEA is a professional and industrial association representing players in Québec's mineral exploration. Founded in 1975, QMEA's mission is to promote responsible and sustainable exploration of mineral resources in Québec and their essential contribution to the economy. QMEA has over 2400 individual members, as well as 325 corporate members representing Québec's mineral sector. Each year the Association organizes Xplor, a conference that brings together the Québec mineral industry. The 2016 edition will be on October 5 and 6 in Montréal.

SOURCE Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ)

Image with caption: "Logo : QMEA - AEMQ Xplor congrès de l'exploration minière du Québec (CNW Group/Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151015_C7366_PHOTO_EN_522126.jpg

Image with caption: "Xplor 2015 - Show floor (CNW Group/Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151015_C7366_PHOTO_EN_522093.jpg

Image with caption: "Board of directors QMEA 2015-2016 (CNW Group/Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (AEMQ))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151015_C7366_PHOTO_EN_522091.jpg

For further information: Marie-France Beaudry, Director of Communications and Public Relations, QMEA, 819 762-1599, Extension 225, 819 277-3863, [email protected], www.aemq.org ; Véronique Chayer, Senior Advisor, Rouillier Communication Marketing, 418 780-5391, ext 2203, 418 934-7773, [email protected], www.rouillier.ca