4.2 Primary Processing Regions in Quebec

River

Purifying an ore concentrate requires energy-intensive technologies. Primary processing operations are often carried out far from the ore extraction site in places where energy resources are plentiful.

4.2.1 Main Primary Processing Regions in Quebec

Many regions in Quebec have long been highly active processing sites.

The province’s numerous rivers are largely responsible for this situation. Their tumultuous waters drive the turbines of many hydroelectric power stations which supply primary processing plants (smelters and refineries).

The main primary processing regions in Quebec are listed below:

Primary Processing Region

Processed Materials

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

copper, sulphur, precious metals

Centre-du-Québec

aluminium, magnesium

Côte-Nord

aluminium, iron

Estrie

magnesium

Mauricie

aluminium

Montérégie

aluminium, lead, iron, titanium, steel, zinc, cadmium, sulphur

Montréal—Laval

copper, gold, silver, tellurium, selenium, copper sulphate, nickel sulphates, platinum group metals, lead, petroleum

Québec

aluminium, petroleum

Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean

aluminium, niobium

Bécancour aluminium smelter (Québec)

Bécancour aluminium smelter (Québec).
Source

Task