Quebec Communities Reject La Loutre Graphite Mine Through Voting

In a significant decision that could shape the future of mining in the Petite-Nation region, residents of Western Quebec have overwhelmingly rejected the La Loutre open-pit graphite mine in a recent referendum.

The referendum, organised with the support of the Alliance des municipalités Petite-Nation Nord, saw a 95% rejection by the locals. Out of the total votes, 2,754 citizens voted against the La Loutre project, while only 115 were in favour.

The Coalition du NON, a local group of business and land-use organisations, spearheaded the referendum. For many locals, the referendum was about protecting the lakes, forests, and tourism-driven economy of the Petite-Nation region.

Located near Lac Bélanger, La Loutre is a potential source of graphite for electric vehicle batteries. The company Lomiko Metals (TSXV:LMR, OTCQB:LMRMF), the owner of the La Loutre mine, received permits from the Quebec government to begin a 250 metric ton bulk sample at La Loutre on July 1.

However, Lomiko Metals acknowledged the referendum outcome but stressed that "the many outstanding questions will become clearer as it carries out additional studies."

The company's plans for the mine have faced opposition from local leaders, including Duhamel Mayor David Pharand, who has been long opposed to the mine. He said the scale of the rejection will shape future actions.

Local leaders, such as Louis St-Hilaire, president of the Petite-Nation Lake Protection Group and co-spokesperson for the coalition, have demanded that both provincial and federal governments halt the project and declare the territory incompatible with mining activity.

Provincial officials, including Papineau MRC prefect Paul-André David, have expressed concerns about the environmental impact and will guide the region's stance in discussions with Quebec City.

Mathieu Lacombe, a member of Quebec's National Assembly, has pledged to ensure the will of the citizens is respected in regards to the La Loutre project. As Lomiko Metals moves forward in the permitting phase to start geotechnical site investigations, it remains to be seen how these developments will unfold.