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In a world accelerating toward clean energy, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing, the global demand for critical minerals has never been higher. At Invest Nova Scotia, we believe Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned to be a key player in these supply chains. And the momentum is building.
Why Nova Scotia now
Nova Scotia is rich in the minerals that power the world’s clean-energy technologies, including graphite, lithium, rare earth elements, copper, and manganese. These critical resources are key inputs for batteries, turbines, semiconductors, and the next generation of advanced manufacturing.
Our strategic location provides direct access to global markets, with deep-water ports, efficient logistics networks, and proximity to both the U.S. and Europe.
We also offer a highly skilled workforce and a robust research ecosystem, with strong expertise in geology, mining engineering, and environmental sustainability.
And with a business and regulatory environment that is rapidly evolving to encourage investment, exploration, and value-chain development, Nova Scotia is well-positioned to support responsible, long-term growth in the critical minerals sector.
Key developments in 2025
Nova Scotia has expanded its list of critical minerals to 20, adding high-purity silica, silver, tellurium, and uranium, and has introduced a new strategic minerals list that includes gold, gypsum, potash, and aggregate. These updates reflect the province’s commitment to responsible resource development and its ambition to strengthen Nova Scotia’s role in the global supply of materials essential to clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Advancing this commitment even further, the province launched NovaMINE in October, a modern mine-permitting portal that streamlines licensing, improves tracking, and increases transparency for exploration and mining companies. NovaMINE makes it faster and more efficient to move from concept to operation.
The province has also modernized key regulatory processes to make project development faster and clearer. This includes streamlining the Environmental Assessment process, launching an updated and user-friendly website with refreshed industry guides, and improving the industrial approvals process for metal mining. In addition, a new dedicated Large Industrial Files Team staffed by specialists in mining and environmental compliance now provides consistent guidance and timely decisions for major projects.
Complementing these advancements, the Making Business Easier Act reinforces Nova Scotia’s leadership in regulatory efficiency and red tape reduction. By simplifying processes for natural resource development and eliminating several low risk permits, the act strengthens the province’s competitiveness and encourages investment in key growth sectors, such as mining.
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.
A prime example is NexGold Mining Corp.’s Goldboro Gold Project in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough. The project received provincial industrial approval in August and final federal approval on November 4, clearing the way for construction and operations. This flagship development is expected to create more than 700 new jobs, generate over $1.1 billion in direct and indirect household income for Nova Scotians, and contribute approximately $2.1 billion to the province’s GDP over its 15-year lifespan.
Let’s talk at Resourcing Tomorrow
At Invest Nova Scotia, we work directly with international companies to identify ideal sites, connect you with programs and incentives, and link you with partners in government, academia, industry, and local communities. With our policy and infrastructure environment accelerating, there’s never been a better time to explore opportunities here.
If you’ll be attending the upcoming Resourcing Tomorrow Conference in London, I invite you to connect with me to discuss how your business can expand or invest in Nova Scotia’s critical minerals and mining sector. I’ll be on-site to share insights on investment and growth opportunities, and how we can support you at every stage.
Let’s explore how Nova Scotia can become your next strategic destination.
