Quebec Mine and Quarry Insurance 2026 — AMF Submission

IN BRIEF

Mine and quarry insurance

The mining industry (gold, iron, copper, aggregates) accumulates risks: heavy equipment, explosives, environmental liability, mining accidents, transport of materials. Specialized coverages required through Lloyd’s Markets.

Compliance: Strict CNESST (ATEX equipment, mine plans, continuing education), MELCC for discharges, and bonded closure/restoration plan. Any non-compliance exposes you to refusal of coverage.

Unique extraction risks

Collapses, landslides, underground mine top-downs, instability of walls in quarries: high-severity losses that a standard commercial policy does not cover.

Handling explosives

The storage and use of dynamite, ANFO or emulsions require a specific RC with an endorsement for explosives and blasting — almost always excluded from general policies.

Environmental responsibility

Acid mine drainage, groundwater contamination, dust: a pollution liability ( CGL Pollution) is essential to comply with the Environment Quality Act.

Valuable Heavy Equipment

Excavators, crushers, haul trucks, drills, conveyors: each piece is often worth more than $500,000. Machinery and mobile equipment breakdown insurance is essential.

CNESST High Rate

The mining sector has some of the highest CNESST rates in Quebec. Supplementary occupational accident insurance and employer liability insurance protect your company from lawsuits.

Business interruption

A production stoppage (crusher breakdown, shop fire, suspension permitted) can cost tens of thousands per day. Business interruption insurance maintains your income.

General Liability

Injury to third parties, property damage caused by your operations — recommended minimum $5 million, often $10 million for operators.

Commercial Properties

Buildings (concentrator, workshop, garage), processing plant, fuel tanks, electrical installations — replacement cost.

Mobile Equipment Fleet

Off-road trucks, loaders, bulldozers, light vehicles, trailers: all-risk coverage with an agreed value.

Environmental pollution liability

Spills, acid drainage, soil and water contamination. Mandatory in most restoration plans required by the MELCCFP.

Explosive and Blasting Endorsement

Specific protection for the storage, transport and use of explosives in accordance with the Explosives Act.

Machinery breakdown

Crushers, shredders, engines, compressors, hydraulic systems: repair and resulting operating losses.

Broker Advice — Restoration Program

If your mining lease requires a financial guarantee for reclamation (MELCCFP), ask your broker for a surety bond rather than a letter of credit from the bank: you release your line of credit for operations.

Catastrophic risks not to be underestimated

A wall collapse, a treatment plant fire, a tailings dam failure or a major spill can easily exceed $10 million in direct and indirect damages. The Mount Polley case (B.C., 2014) cost more than $500 million. Never skimp on pollution liability limits or extended business interruption insurance.

Stone quarries

Granite, limestone, dolomite, marble. Open-pit mining with blasting and crushing.

Sand and gravel pits

Operation of unfurnished deposits, sieving, washing, transport.

Precious metal mines

Gold, silver — exploration, development, production (Abitibi and Nord-du-Québec).

Base metal mines

Iron, copper, zinc, nickel — open or underground.

Diamond and lithium mining

Northern Projects, Batteries, Critical Metals (James Bay).

Junior Mineral Exploration

Drilling, trenches, temporary camps, mobile teams.