Uranium added to Nova Scotia critical minerals list as province seeks exploration

The Nova Scotia government made a significant move on Wednesday by adding uranium to its list of priority critical minerals. This decision was accompanied by a request for exploration proposals at three sites in the province known to have deposits of the heavy metal.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton expressed optimism about the economic benefits that could be derived from uranium exploration in the future. However, a department official cautioned that any potential mining project may be years, or even decades, away from fruition.

“We are embarking on this exploration journey to understand our uranium potential,” Rushton stated during a news conference in Halifax. “By issuing a request for proposals, we are opening up areas with known uranium deposits to reputable companies with a strong track record in safety and environmental responsibility.”

The three sites earmarked for exploration are situated on private land, and the government plans to engage in discussions with the landowners regarding its intentions. These locations include an 80-hectare site in Louisville in Pictou County, a 64-hectare site in East Dalhousie in Annapolis County, and a 2,300-hectare site in Millet Brook in Hants County.

“The global demand for critical minerals is increasing, and we need to capitalize on these opportunities today,” Rushton emphasized.

The province aims to utilize uranium for nuclear energy production and in medical isotopes for treating various health conditions. However, Janice Zinck, the executive director of geoscience and mines at the Department of Natural Resources, pointed out that uranium mining projects typically require a significant amount of time to develop, ranging from 10 to 20 years.

The legislative changes passed in March lifted a longstanding moratorium on uranium exploration and mining that had been in place since 1981, with a full ban imposed in 2009. Premier Tim Houston justified these changes as a means to bolster the province’s economic resilience against challenges such as U.S. tariffs.

Opposition NDP Leader Claudia Chender raised concerns about the lack of scientific study and public engagement in the government’s decision-making process. She questioned the necessity of prioritizing uranium exploration when many Nova Scotians are grappling with issues like housing affordability and unemployment.

In addition to uranium, the government also added silica, silver, and tellurium to the critical minerals list, bringing the total number to 20. These minerals play essential roles in industries such as solar energy, electronics, and construction.

Rushton further unveiled a subset of “strategic minerals” that are also deemed a priority. These include aggregate for road construction, gold for electronics and dentistry, gypsum for building materials, and potash for fertilizer production.

The province’s strategic focus on critical minerals underscores its commitment to sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship. As Nova Scotia embarks on this new chapter of mineral exploration, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the progress and potential opportunities that lie ahead.