Nova Scotia Launches Critical Minerals Strategy
Critical minerals are key parts of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and batteries. (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
A new critical minerals strategy for Nova Scotia will help advance the province’s transition to net-zero emissions and grow the economy.
“Critical minerals are important for renewable energy, food production and healthcare,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “By tapping into our vast resources of critical minerals through this strategy, we can play a central role in the global transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 while creating a more resilient and prosperous economy for generations of Nova Scotians.”
The strategy will support research and the development of a robust critical minerals industry that will create new job opportunities, attract investment, build value chains and drive sustainable economic growth.
The strategy includes a list of 16 critical minerals that are found in Nova Scotia. They can help with climate change goals, are in global demand and present strategic opportunities for the Province.
The Department engaged with stakeholders and the Mi’kmaq to develop the strategy. It is based on critical minerals geoscience and underscores Nova Scotia’s commitment to environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. It focuses on innovation, research and development, opportunities for Nova Scotians and Mi’kmaw partnerships, and enhancing public awareness.
The strategy will be introduced to industry at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference in Toronto on Tuesday, March 5.
Quick Facts:
- critical minerals are key parts of wind turbines, electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels
- as countries work to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, graphite and copper are expected to increase significantly
- the Department will develop action plans annually as part of the strategy, review the critical minerals list every two years and revisit the strategy every five years
- through the Mineral Resource Development Fund, the Department provides about $1.5 million annually to help the mining sector with exploration, research and more
Additional Resources:
Critical minerals strategy: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf Mineral Resources Development Fund: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/mrdp.asp
Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth:: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf
Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/environmental%20goals%20and%20climate%20change%20reduction.pdf
Natural Resources and Renewables on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NS_DNRR