Article

Lomiko Metals plans to build a graphite mine in La Petite-Nation, Quebec, expected to produce 100,000 tonnes annually for 15 years. Local opposition intensified after the Pentagon announced an $8.3 million investment in 2024 to secure critical minerals for defense, raising environmental concerns and fears of harming the eco-tourism economy.

A referendum in August 2025 showed 95% opposition from nearby communities. The U.S. aims to reduce reliance on China for graphite, vital for batteries and military applications. Despite local resistance and the Quebec provincial government's refusal to fund the project, federal support continues, and Lomiko has begun site sampling. Residents advocate for sustainable development alternatives amid concerns over the mine's long-term impacts.