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  • Nova Scotia Updates Critical Minerals Strategy

    Nova Scotia Updates Critical Minerals Strategy

    Nova Scotia has expanded its focus on critical and strategic minerals to create jobs, attract investment and help advance the move to clean energy.

    The Department has added four more minerals to its critical minerals list and created a new list of four strategic minerals.

    “This update shows that we are moving forward to unlock the full potential of Nova Scotia’s abundant natural resources,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “We’ve lifted blanket bans and we’re targeting minerals that are in great demand for the clean energy transition in Canada and around the world. We’re also focusing on minerals that will help us grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for Nova Scotians.”

    Critical minerals are used in areas such as clean energy, defence and healthcare. These additions to the critical minerals list bring the total to 20:

    • high purity silica used for solar panels and semiconductors
    • silver used for solar panels and thermoelectric devices
    • tellurium used for solar panels and thermoelectric devices
    • uranium used for nuclear energy and health applications.

    The strategic minerals are:

    • aggregate used for construction of roads, buildings, concrete and landscaping
    • gold used for electronics, dentistry and finance (as currency or investment)
    • gypsum used for drywall, plaster, cement and agriculture (as a soil conditioner)
    • potash used in fertilizer and industrial applications.

    This update further aligns Nova Scotia with the Canadian critical minerals list and will help unlock the province’s full natural resource potential.

    Quotes:

    “Nova Scotians know we need to create jobs, become more self-reliant and build a stronger province. The mining and quarrying industry is part of the solution. We have significant potential to contribute to global supply of the critical minerals that are essential to achieving climate goals. Many other minerals are also of strategic importance to the province’s economy and efforts to keep Nova Scotia and Canada strong and free.”
    — Sean Kirby, Executive Director, Mining Association of Nova Scotia

    Quick Facts:

    • Nova Scotia launched its critical minerals list in December 2022 and its critical minerals strategy in March 2024
    • the Department reviews the critical minerals list every two years; the new critical and strategic minerals will be added to the strategy
    • the Department has issued a request for proposals for experienced companies to help with exploration and research in areas with known uranium deposits
    • on average, jobs in Nova Scotia’s mining industry pay more than $100,000 annually in wages and benefits; the industry employs at least 2,500 people in the province

    Additional Resources:

    Nova Scotia’s Critical Minerals Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf

    News release – Nova Scotia Advancing Critical Mineral Opportunities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/03/04/nova-scotia-advancing-critical-mineral-opportunities

    Investing to Make Canada a Global Critical Minerals Superpower (Natural Resources Canada): https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2025/03/investing-to-make-canada-a-global-critical-minerals-superpower.html

    Uranium request for proposals: https://novascotia.ca/uranium-exploration-request-for-proposals/

  • Business Truth & Reconciliation Business Truth & Reconciliation

    The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce takes proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework.

     

    Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.

    Learn more click here