Gold mining company purchases parcel of land for conservation
The company behind Nova Scotia’s Touquoy gold mine, St Barbara, has recently made a significant purchase of land on the Eastern Shore in order to fulfill conservation requirements set by the province. This move reflects the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ensuring the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.
The 228 hectares of land purchased by St Barbara is located next to the Ship Harbour Long Lake wilderness area and the Tangier Grand Lake wilderness area. This parcel of land is home to water courses and wetlands that hold special significance and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. The acquisition of this land will help safeguard these natural areas for future generations to enjoy.
Andrew Strelein, the director of St Barbara subsidiary Atlantic Mining, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating that they are dedicated to preserving these natural areas. This purchase is a part of the company’s industrial approval requirements, which mandate the acquisition and conservation of land to offset the impact of their mining operations.
The Touquoy gold mine, located in Moose River, N.S., began operations in 2017 and concluded active mining in January 2023. In accordance with their industrial approval, St Barbara issued a call for suggestions for potential land parcels from various stakeholders, including land trusts, community groups, and the public. After receiving 18 proposals, the company selected the land adjacent to the wilderness areas mentioned above, which was previously privately owned. In April, the Environment Department approved the conservation status of the land.
While the purchase price of the land was not disclosed, St Barbara remains committed to fulfilling their conservation obligations and protecting the environment. The company’s proactive approach to land conservation demonstrates their dedication to sustainability and responsible mining practices.
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