N.S. seeks global investment to unlock critical mineral resources

Nova Scotia’s premier is inviting major international developers and investors to do business with the province to advance critical mineral opportunities.

Premier Tim Houston attended a major international mining conference yesterday where he spoke about the province’s critical minerals.

“Nova Scotia has the critical minerals that the world needs for clean energy, food production, defence, healthcare, and more. We can be a reliable, ethical, sustainable source of these materials and reap the economic rewards for Nova Scotians,” said Premier Houston. “We are lifting bans, breaking down barriers, and inviting good companies to come talk to us about investing in Nova Scotia. We’re also taking steps in the province to better understand the full potential of our critical mineral resources.”

According to the province, the Department of Natural Resources is using $1 million from Natural Resources Canada for two projects to learn more about how the province’s critical minerals can be developed.

“The effective management of our natural resources starts with good data and ends with jobs for Nova Scotians. We are dedicated to understanding every opportunity to responsibly develop and use the critical minerals we have beneath our feet,” Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia Minister of Natural Resources, said. “We’re also committed to breaking down barriers within Nova Scotia and across the country to strengthen our position as we face the threat of tariffs. We’re at a pivotal moment in time where we can attract more good-paying jobs, become more self-reliant, and create a brighter future for everyone.”

Half the funding will be used to study how these minerals can be extracted, while the other half will be used to create a model of critical mineral potential in Nova Scotia.

“Nova Scotia has tremendous potential for the critical minerals that are essential to achieving climate goals, such as lithium, copper, and many more. Premier Houston’s attendance at Canada’s biggest mining industry event will help us attract investment in our critical minerals sector, create more jobs for Nova Scotians, and generate more government revenue to help pay for programs like health and education. It tells the world that the Government of Nova Scotia supports our industry, and the province is a good place to invest,” said Sean Kirby, Executive Director, Mining Association of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia has identified 16 minerals within the province that they say are critical because of their importance to global supply chains.