The Nova Scotia government rolled out changes to its metal mining application process Friday to speed up approvals for companies looking to set up a mine in the province. Metal mining projects in Nova Scotia require two provincial approvals from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, which include an environmental assessment and industrial approval. The changes aim to streamline the application process for industrial approval and cut red tape said Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman. “These changes will result in a smarter application process that is clearer for industry, maintains strong environmental protection and help grows our economy,” said Halman in a news release. “Our mining industry is critically important and can play a larger role in supplying the minerals that are in global demand to fight climate change.” Changes to the industrial application process include a phased approval process, meaning companies can develop a site while awaiting approvals that can be met later in the process. The government said erosion and sedimentation control plans, for example, can be submitted for approval after roads into mining sites are built. With the changes announced the province will set up a dedicated team within the department to handle all mining applications. The Mining Association of Nova Scotia is backing the province’s move to speed up industrial approvals but says the changes don’t go far enough to deal with permitting problems. “While we support any effort to cut red tape, the Government of Nova Scotia needs to make more significant changes to its permitting system for the mineral sector,” said Sean Kirby, Mining Association of Nova Scotia executive director. “Specifically, it needs to restructure permitting by putting one department in charge, as other provinces do.” The Nova Scotia NDP is raising red flags as environment critic Lisa LaChance says the Houston government continues to ignore communities and the impact these decisions have. “Today, we’re hearing that now industrial approval can be granted without a full account of how the land, air, and water will be impacted,” said LaChance is a press statement. “It is concerning that Nova Scotians are being asked to blindly trust that industry will respect the environment.” The NDP say Nova Scotians want more information and consultation, especially with Mi’kmaq communities, arguing these changes reduce public input rather than strengthen it. “This government seems to want Nova Scotians to have less information,” said LaChance. “Keeping people in the dark about major decisions that impact their families.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
