Avenir Minerals will have exclusive exploration rights at the former Lake George mine site due to an agreement with the New Brunswick government. The site, which is located roughly 30 kilometres southwest of Fredericton, has been dormant since its mining lease was cancelled in 2020. It was formerly the province’s primary antimony producer, according to a news release. Antimony, which is classified as a critical mineral, is used in flame retardants, batteries and other advanced technologies. According to a historical technical report, the Lake George site has an estimated 800,000 tonnes of antimony-bearing ore, along with potential tungsten, gold and molybdenum. “Exploration at the former Lake George mine site will help us better understand its potential for antimony and other critical minerals and identify opportunities to attract investment, support economic growth and create lasting benefits for New Brunswickers,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron in the release. The province issued a call for expressions of interest in the site last spring and chose Avenir Minerals in July. Avenir Minerals, which is a subsidiary of Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., will have the exclusive rights to explore the Lake George mining lease and determine if future mining at the site could be viable. The company plans to start its work next year. The agreement does not authorize the mine to reopen. Future mining operations would require additional approvals. On Monday, the New Brunswick government announced it had signed an exploration deal with U.S.-based Regeneration Enterprises at the Nigadoo mine site. With files from The Canadian Press For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
