The Government of Canada is supporting the Centre historique de la mine King (KB3) by providing $3.6 million towards the development of the historic site in the form of a non-repayable contribution through the Canada Economic Development for Quebec regions. The funding will go towards the addition of new outdoor spaces, the enhancement of the museum and the completion of architectural lighting work.

In July 2012, the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines was tasked with completing the KB3 project, which has the goal to showcase the site of the former mine, located in downtown Thetford Mines, and turn it into a main tourist attraction. The region’s mining activity began in part at this mine, where asbestos production began in 1878. The mine has been closed since 1986.

KB3 is a key project in the region for its contribution to economic diversification. The site restoration will be completed in two phases. Phase one involves renovating three of the mine’s former buildings and fitting out interpretation stations. Phase two involves the development of outdoor spaces and building an underground gallery.

The funding was awarded under CED’s Canadian Initiative for the Economic Diversification of Communities Reliant on Chrysotile, which has the purpose of supporting projects that are related to the economic diversification of the Des Appalaches and Des Sources regions.

“We are thrilled with CED’s financial support, which will allow us to restore mining – the industry that has supported our community all these years – to its former glory,” said Yvan Faucher, Chair, Board of Directors, Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines, in a press release. “Transforming the KB3 mine into a mineralogical museum is a major accomplishment in terms of the legacy that all of us, as residents of Thetford Mines, will leave behind for future generations.”