N.S. officials, mining sector reps meet at roundtable for first time

Emissions are released from a smokestack at the Teck Mining Company's zinc and lead smelting and refining complex in Trail, B.C., on Nov. 26, 2012. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

The Nova Scotia Mining Roundtable met for the first time on Wednesday night.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton says the roundtable group brings mining sector leaders and provincial officials together to discuss challenges, investment and competition in the industry.

The group was launched in June and reports to the minister.

“As we face global uncertainty due to trade tariffs from the United States, now it is more important than ever to responsibly develop our resources here in Nova Scotia,” says Rushton in a statement on Thursday.

Premier Tim Houston’s government has focused on resource extraction throughout his term, calling for investors in mining and offshore drilling projects and lifting environmental regulations.

Rushton points to a recent approval to reopen Scotia Mine Ltd.’s zinc mine in the Musquodoboit Valley.

The government’s decision allows the mine to restart its open pit mining operations, which the company plans to do in 2027.

Once open, the mine will produce zinc, which is used in batteries, electric vehicles and infrastructure. The mine will also produce lead to be used in batteries, as well as gypsum.

The existing zinc mine site is roughly 600 hectares and opened in 1978, operating on and off since.

It already has processing facilities, waste dumps, a tailings pond, roads, power and water.

“By using existing infrastructure, the project can reduce development timelines and costs while supporting a modern operation that meets today’s environmental standards,” says Rushton.

The minister expects the mining operation will create 150 jobs.

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