What is the current state of the mining sector in Nova Scotia?

Over the last 20 years, Nova Scotia had moved away from natural resource development, and mining in particular. In recent times, world events – of course including tariffs and the Trump administration’s language on Canada – and Nova Scotia’s economic situation caused my government to re-examine our opportunities. Our Province may be small in size, but it is geologically rich. It holds lithium, zinc, indium, copper, uranium and more. This presents a major opportunity, and the focus now is on developing these resources.

How could increased mining activity enhance the province’s economy?

Nova Scotia’s GDP per capita is the lowest of any state or province in the US and Canada. That needs to change, and we are implementing a number of approaches. Mining will be a very important tool in changing that statistic. Mining offers high paying jobs, often in the six figure range. The industry’s revival can benefit families, our government budget, and our economy in general.

What is guiding Nova Scotia’s critical and strategic mineral strategies?

Our critical minerals list is extensive, and we continue to add to it with a focus on energy, defense and healthcare applications. We also have a strategic minerals list of materials that can benefit the Province in other ways, like potash for the agricultural sector. Our critical minerals strategy sends the signal to investors that we are committed to their development. Everybody wants a reliable, ethical and sustainable supply of these minerals – we can be that provider.

What led to your government lifting restrictions on the development of various natural resources?

Nova Scotia had a number of natural resource moratoriums and bans in place due to prior political pressure. Uranium mining was one of the activities in question. Onshore natural gas exploration was another, as were things like fish buying licenses. I believe we should be willing to consider such opportunities. We have conducted a comprehensive review of these measures, and decided to lift virtually all of them.

How did the ban on uranium mining affect the sector, and what can we expect now that it is lifted?

Due to the previous moratorium, it was challenging to determine exactly how much uranium Nova Scotia holds. Companies would avoid testing samples for uranium in order to not contravene the ban. We are now looking back at historical core samples for uranium that might have been missed – and finding a lot of it.

Uranium is in-demand, even within Canada. Thanks to our core samples, we hope to skip some early-stage exploration and attract major companies. We are putting out requests for uranium development. It is time for us to discuss this opportunity for Nova Scotia, and we will bring our community along with us with education on uranium mining.

How does Nova Scotia’s Mineral Resources Development Fund (MRDF) support the sector?

The MRDF provides grants to support prospectors, researchers, innovators and communities. The fund currently consists of CA$1.5 million per year, which we are open to raising based on industry needs. It is a signal from the government that we understand the need for support, which we are open to providing. Especially in rural areas, we are committed to these measures which grow our economy.

How has recent tension with the US generated new unity across Canada?

Canadians have focused on what we can do to support one another. I have been very invested in removing interprovincial trade barriers. We should utilize the good trading partners we have within Canada and trade freely within our own country. Meanwhile, it is clear that some parts of Canada have been developing their natural resources, while others have not. Nova Scotia has been among the latter. It is time for us to step up, and I am trying to lead Nova Scotia in that direction.

What would be your closing message to the industry?

The first thing I hear from industry is the need for commitment from government for development. They go where they are wanted. My government was recently re-elected, with a fresh mandate from November 2024, and we want that development. We have the resources, and are well-located for trade routes. It is time for Nova Scotia to want this, and to work with good partners to make it happen.