Province approves more work at Touquoy gold mine after 2023 pause
Posted Apr 10, 2026 01:57:18 PM.
Last Updated Apr 10, 2026 01:57:58 PM.
Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia received approval from the provincial government to process stockpiled ore at a gold mine in Halifax County.
According to a press release from the government, at the Touquoy gold mine in Moose River, there is an estimated 3 million tonnes of unprocessed ore containing gold that was left at the site when it stopped operations in 2023. This approval is not for new mining exploration, the release reads, with the activity to take place in the current footprint.
Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland said that the project will put “significant” resource back into production and create 197 jobs, estimated to generate $151 million in economic activity.
“This is the second major gold mine approval in the past year, following the Goldboro gold mine in Guysborough County,” she said. “Together, these two projects represent more than a billion dollars in economic activity and close to a thousand jobs for Nova Scotians.”
The process should take about 10 to 14 months. The processed waste will be placed into the existing open pit. Reclamation of the site began in 2024 after operations stopped the year prior.
“Nova Scotia’s mineral resources are creating real economic opportunities for our communities, and I look forward to continuing to support responsible resource development across the province,” Masland said.
The minister highlighted that each of the approvals comes with “strict” conditions for environmental protection, water quality and tailings management.
Environmental advocates staunchly oppose gold mining in Nova Scotia, saying it threatens communities.
Ecology Action Centre says, gold mines harm “the surrounding environment – an area rich with wetlands and biodiversity – open-pit gold mining actively contributes to the climate crisis.”
