$6.2M for Matagami Transshipment Yard Upgrade

Press Release

MATAGAMI, QC, May 12, 2025 – The Government of Quebec, through the Société du Plan Nord, is granting $6.2 million in repayable assistance for the Matagami transshipment yard infrastructure upgrade project. This will make it possible to carry out significant civil engineering works as well as enable the acquisition and installation of new railway equipment necessary to serve mining companies in the Nord-du-Québec region.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, made the announcement today, alongside Denis Lamothe, Member of the National Assembly for Ungava. The total project cost is $9.2 million. Two mining project partners in the region, Rio Tinto and Nemaska Lithium, will contribute $3 million to the site’s multi-user infrastructure.

The investment from the Government of Quebec and the mining companies will primarily enhance the capacity, reliability and efficiency of transporting ore to markets. As a result, the City of Matagami will be involved in the logistics chain of critical and strategic mineral projects in development.

Quotes:

“Upgrading the infrastructure of the Matagami transshipment yard is a strategic lever for economic development in northern Quebec. By providing rail service to emerging mining projects, particularly in the lithium sector, we are making a real contribution to the development of the critical minerals industry. Quebec is often cited as an example around the world. This announcement reflects our strong commitment to enhancing wealth creation through the development of this attractive and dynamic sector, particularly in the current context.”

Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord

“This project to modernize the Matagami transshipment yard will contribute to the economic development of our region. It will also support various mining projects in development.”

Denis Lamothe, Member of the National Assembly for Ungava

“The Matagami transshipment yard is a strategic link in the logistics chain for the mining projects in development. By supporting this upgrade, we are supporting the City’s desire to make it a real driver of economic growth for the region, to the benefit of our communities.”

Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec region

Highlights:

• The upgrades will take place from late May to late October 2025. Excavation and site preparation works will begin in the coming weeks. The rehabilitation of existing tracks and construction of new rail lines will then follow.
• The City of Matagami’s project aligns with Key direction 1 of the Government of Quebec’s Northern Action Plan 2023–2028: “Increase connectivity to the territory”.
• It also meets Objective 2.3 of the Quebec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals 2020–2025: “Improve multi-user infrastructure and access corridors to CSM resources” by optimizing access to resources.
• The mission of the Société du Plan Nord is to contribute to the integrated and coherent development of northern Quebec, in accordance with the guidelines defined by the government. This is done in consultation with representatives of the regions and Indigenous nations concerned, as well as the private sector.

Contacts: Émilie Savard, Media relations officer, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Minister responsible for the Société du Plan Nord, Tel: 367-990-8473; Miriam Audrey Lessard-Légaré, Policy adviser, Office of the Member of Parliament for Ungava, Tel: 581-579-6784; Ève Vaisberg, Media relations officer, Office of the Minister of Labour and the Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec region, Tel: 263-362-3605; Information: Eric Duchesneau, Communications advisor, Société du Plan Nord, Tel: 418-643-1874, ext. 66406

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