The small town of Duhamel in Quebec’s Laurentians region is facing a heated debate over a proposed graphite mine by Lomiko Metals Inc. that has garnered attention due to its involvement with the U.S. Department of Defence. The project, which aims to produce battery-grade graphite for electric vehicles, has sparked concerns among residents about the potential environmental impact and the use of the mineral for military purposes.
The announcement of a $11.4 million grant from the Pentagon towards the project has raised eyebrows among locals, with Louis Saint-Hilaire from the environmental group Coalition Québécoise des Lacs Incompatibles Avec L’Activité Minière expressing doubts about the true intentions of the mine. The fear of pollution in the region’s lakes has now been compounded by worries about the graphite ending up in American military equipment.
While some residents like Claude Bouffard are not necessarily against graphite mining, they argue that the community has not given consent for the project. The company has reassured that feasibility studies will be conducted over the next five years and subject to review by Quebec’s environment consultations office, BAPE, before construction begins in 2027.
With concerns growing over the implications of the Pentagon funding and the potential use of the graphite for military purposes, the town is divided on the project’s social acceptability. Minister of Natural Resources Maïté Blanchette Vézina emphasized the importance of community approval for mining proposals to move forward.
As debates continue and the project moves forward, the residents of Duhamel remain wary of the impacts of the proposed graphite mine on their community and the environment. The involvement of the U.S. Department of Defence adds a new layer of complexity to the already contentious issue, raising questions about the future of the project and its implications for the region.
