A proposed nuclear reactor that would power mining operations in Quebec's remote regions carries more risks than benefits, according to an environmental group.

Western Troy is a mining company that plans to open up a copper mine in Lake McLeod, about 200 kilometres north of Chibougamau.

The company has begun a feasibility study to investigate using a mini-nuclear reactor that could provide inexpensive power to the mine.

Western Troy will need to provide at least 10 megawatts of electricity to power the operation, said Rex Loesby, company president.

The nuclear reactor under study is a promising option, even though it poses certain problems, he told CBC News.

"You would have to be concerned about safety on the site, about waste disposal, about nuclear proliferation," but the feasibility study will hopefully work out those issues, Loesby said.

The idea of a mini-reactor is ludicrous to Christian Simard, executive director of Nature Quebec, an environmental organization.

"At first I thought it was a joke," he admitted. "If they want to be high-tech, they could use windmills."

Simard said he's concerned about nuclear waste and safety at the mining site.

Quebec generates cleaner energy through its hydro facilities, and those options should be exhausted first, Simard suggested.

Western Troy will wait for the results of its study before making any decisions, the company said.