Opportunities

The Government of Nova Scotia is taking important steps to support the province’s mining and quarrying industry, to help it grow and create more jobs for Nova Scotians. The Government is cutting red tape, investing in geoscience and working with us to attract investment in the province’s mineral potential.

These efforts are getting results - more jobs, opportunity and government revenues to help pay for programs like health and education.

Here are examples of coming projects:

NexGold’s Goldboro gold mine has received government approvals and is expected to start construction soon. The mine would create 735 new jobs and contribute $2.1-billion to Nova Scotia’s gross domestic product over the life of the 15-year project.

St Barbara received approval to mill stockpiled ore at its Moose River (aka Touquoy) gold mine. This project will generate $154 million in GDP in Nova Scotia and about 200 direct and indirect jobs over 13 months, while causing no new environmental disturbance.

St Barbara is also advancing its 15-Mile project, which includes three redesigned mines. The project is expected to generate an estimated C$5 billion in economic activity across construction, operations and closure. St Barbara estimates the development would create about 1,386 construction jobs and roughly 740 long-term operating positions in rural Nova Scotia.

The Scotia Mine in Halifax County is expected to create 150 new full-time jobs when it goes into production in 2027 to produce zinc, lead, gypsum, silver and gold. EDM Resources is expecting to receive final permitting this year and provide over $50 million per year in recurring economic activity over its potential 14 year mine life.

CertainTeed’s recently approved Antrim gypsum quarry will create 60 direct jobs. It is expected to open in 2027 and operate for at least 20 years.

The Little Narrows gypsum quarry, which was idled in 2016 due to economic conditions, is in the process of reopening. The Canadian Gypsum Company is investing $104 million in the operation, and it is expected to create about 100 local jobs.

Two projects that Nova Scotia’s Morien Resources is involved in would create significant economic benefits in Guysborough County. The Lazy Head aggregate quarry would generate $2.1 billion in GDP and 75 direct jobs over its 92-year mine life. The Black Point aggregate quarry would create 50 jobs over its 75-year mine life. Both quarries would export aggregate to places like the United States.

Cape Breton’s Donkin coal mine, would generate $1.6 billion in GDP over 25 years, and create 200 jobs if reopened. Donkin’s deposit is metallurgical-grade coal, an essential ingredient in steelmaking, so the mine will remain viable even as coal’s role in producing electricity is phased out.

Nova Scotia’s mining and quarrying industry employs about 3000 Nova Scotians, mostly in rural areas, and its average total compensation is over $100,000 per year. We are the highest-paying resource industry in the province.