Nova Scotia’s government is streamlining the approval process for potential mining projects after they go through an environmental assessment.
Environment Minister Timothy Halman announced changes today to the “industrial approval” process, which sets rules for the daily operations of a mine, and the monitoring of environmental requirements.
Halman told a news conference in Halifax that his government’s new “phased” approach allows applicants to submit some details about their plans after their projects have been approved.
For example, a company will be able to submit erosion- and sedimentation-control plans after its project’s approval but before construction on the mine begins.
As well, Halman says his department will create a new specialized team to handle all mining files to ensure timely processing of requests.
The minister says the changes will help projects begin more quickly, while maintaining environmental standards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.