Opportunity Unearthed: Mining in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia combines a proven mining history with modern policy, efficient approvals, skilled talent, and world-class logistics, creating the right conditions for sustainable, investment-ready mining projects.

Could Nova Scotia be a fit for your business? Connect with Heather Hennigar at PDAC in Toronto, Canada, March 1-4, 2026.

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Why Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is poised to play a vital role in Canada’s critical minerals supply chain, from mining and refining to manufacturing and recycling. Guided by the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and the Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth, the province is advancing Canada’s low-carbon transition toward net-zero by 2050. With rich resources, skilled talent, and strong environmental values, Nova Scotia is ready to lead and create new opportunities in this emerging sector.

Sector Overview

What gives Nova Scotia the edge?

Global demand for critical minerals is soaring and Nova Scotia is ready to meet that demand, offering a sustainable, secure supply of essential resources.

A Critical Minerals Strategy: supporting exploration and development across the Province.
Strategic Global Access: deepwater ports, strong logistics infrastructure, and proximity to the U.S. and Europe
Skilled and Ready Workforce: with expertise in geology, mining, and environmental sustainability.
Supportive Business Environment: investors benefit from a collaborative regulatory system, federal and provincial incentives.
Sustainable by Design: strong environmental standards and meaningful Indigenous and community partnerships.

This combination makes Nova Scotia more than just a resource-rich region, it makes it a launchpad for the future of clean energy.

Our investment team will connect you with sites, incentives, and partners tailored to your expansion goals

Critical and Strategic Minerals

Nova Scotia has identified 20 priority critical minerals based on four key criteria:
• Strong exploration potential
• Importance to achieving carbon-reduction goals
• Global supply and demand imbalance
• Strategic economic opportunity for the province

The Critical Minerals Strategy outlines how Nova Scotia will leverage its mineral resources to drive the transition to a net-zero economy while fostering innovation, research, and local opportunity. It emphasizes collaboration with Mi’kmaw communities, workforce development, and increased public awareness to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth.

Sector Support and NovaMINE

Nova Scotia recognizes that government support plays a vital role in sustainable natural resource development and industry growth. The Province is unlocking the full potential of its mineral assets through forward-looking policies, streamlined regulations, and strategic investment supports.

This includes launching NovaMINE, a one-stop portal to streamline mine permitting. NovaMINE allows businesses and individuals involved in any phase of exploration in Nova Scotia to check the status of current licences, permits and approvals, and to learn about regulatory requirements.

Why Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia is entering a new era of opportunity, unlocking the full potential of its rich natural resources. We’re focusing on critical minerals that power the global clean energy transition and drive sustainable growth across Canada and beyond.

Together, these initiatives signal a defining moment for Nova Scotia’s mining sector, where a supportive business climate, forward-looking policies, and world-class mineral potential are creating unprecedented opportunities for investors and communities alike.

Incentives, Programs and Services

Nova Scotia Capital Investment Tax Credit

Government of Nova Scotia

The Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC) is a refundable corporate tax credit that can be claimed for capital costs directly related to acquiring qualified property for use in Nova Scotia...

But wait, there’s more...

Answer a few quick questions about your business and we’ll direct you to contacts at Invest Nova Scotia, incentives, programs, and services you may be eligible for.

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Connect with an Expert

Click on our experts to learn more about their experience, get contact information, or request an email or phone call.

Questions? Looking for more information? Get in touch today—we’d love to talk more about the many reasons you have to choose to do business in Nova Scotia, Canada.