Nova Scotia opens door to uranium exploration

Nova Scotia has lifted a nearly 40-year ban on uranium exploration.

Nova Scotia is now accepting proposals for uranium exploration in three areas known for deposits.

The province government updated its critical mineral list, which included uranium along with a new list of strategic minerals, at a news conference on Wednesday.

Uranium exploration and mining had been banned in Nova Scotia since 1981 but in March the Progressive Conservative government announced they were lifting the ban.

There are known uranium sites in Louisville in Pictou County, East Dalhousie in Annapolis County, and Millet Brook in Hants County, which the province says are mainly located on private lands.

Uranium exploration is regulated by the province, but uranium mining is regulated by the federal government.

“The update shows that we are moving forward to unlock the full potential of Nova Scotia’s abundant natural resources,” said Tory Ruston, 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.”

Nova Scotia has added four new minerals to its critical mineral list that now includes 20 minerals and another four to a new strategic minerals list.

The critical minerals include:

• uranium – used for nuclear energy
• tellurium – used for solar panels
• silver – used for solar panels
• high purity silica – used for solar power and semiconductors

The strategic minerals include:

• gold – used for electronics, dentistry, and finance
• potash – used in fertilizer and industrial applications
• aggregate – used for construction
• gypsum – used for drywall, cement

The Department of Natural Resources launched its critical mineral list in 2022 and reviews the list every two years.

The province says the critical mineral list highlights previously identified minerals in Nova Scotia that could be used for energy, defence and health purposes.

The new strategic mineral list includes resources that could support economic opportunities for the province like aggregate, which is used in road construction.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page