Economic development
Sustainable development is practiced on a large scale at Minéraux Mart; it affects the economic, social and environmental areas. The economic aspect pertains to the commercial activities of Mineraux Mart, the success of which is essential to the other two aspects.
Social development
The social aspect is partly covered by the realization of community projects such as the Résidence du Carré Royal and the Contrecœur Regional Sports Center. In 2004, Michel Beaudoin set up Le Groupe Zabo, which is a group of business people from the region who decided to get involved in the project to revitalize the Contrecoeur Regional Sports Center which was about to close its doors. The mission of the center is to provide a high-quality centre that could be used and appreciated by the entire population, in a context of regrouping of metallurgical corporations and the regional economic community.
In 2005, Christiane St-Germain and Michel Beaudoin acquired a historic building located in downtown Sorel-Tracy to give it a community mission. Thus, was created the Résidence du Carré Royal, the management of which was entrusted to a Non-Profit Organization that aims to improve the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis by offering them a stimulating, warm and serene living environment and to allow them to benefit from the best services available. The couple then set up the Foundation de la Résidence du Carré Royal in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Association Rive-Sud (ASPRS), which offers respite for a week or two to families living with these patients. In addition, the Residence welcomes elderly people for short or long sojourns.
The social dimension is also integrated into commercial activities, be it acquisitions, agreement negotiations, networking activities, etc. For example, it can be seen throughout the history of Mineraux Mart Inc that businesses acquired by the company were frequently long closed or simply decomissioned.
Environmental development
Bringing companies back to life is entirely in line with the company’s philosophy and the pursuit of integrated sustainable development. Respect for the environment has been one of the company’s main concerns since its creation. For example, in 2006 Environment Canada published a fact sheet describing the completion of a Mineraux Mart Inc pollution prevention project that resulted in improving the energy efficiency of its drying activities. The optimization of the drying process has made it possible to both increase production capacity and reduce energy consumption. In 2007, Minéraux Mart was one of five companies in the region to join the Enviroclub sponsored by the SADC of Pierre-De Saurel.