New Phased Approach to Industrial Approval Process to Support Responsible, Faster Metal Mining Projects
Metal mining is needed to support the clean energy economy, and changes to the industrial approval process announced today, June 13, will help address those needs. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
Nova Scotia has improved its industrial approval process for metal mining to make it faster, clearer and more efficient – while continuing to protect the environment.
The changes will help projects start sooner, reduce delays and support responsible natural resource development in the province. Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the changes today, June 13.
“These changes will result in a smarter application process that is clearer for industry, maintains strong environmental protection and helps grow our economy,” said Minister Halman. “Our mining industry is critically important and can play a larger role in supplying the minerals that are in global demand to fight climate change. This new process cuts red tape, reduces delays and provides clarity – all while maintaining the high environmental protections Nova Scotians expect and deserve.”
The application process changes reduce red tape and uncertainty for the metal mining industry, create a more streamlined and clearer path for metal mining projects, and reflect an improved approach that safeguards the environment and strengthens sustainable prosperity. The changes include:
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a new phased approach to the application process that will allow companies to move from planning to action faster while still upholding strong environmental safeguards; applicants can focus on what is needed to receive an approval for a metal mine and satisfy some requirements at later stages of their project; for example:
- the Department will be clearer up front about what will be required as terms and conditions of an industrial approval
- some requirements, such as erosion and sedimentation control plans, that were previously part of the initial application can now be submitted after approval but before construction on a site begins
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a new specialized and dedicated team at the Department called the Large Industrial File Team; it includes staff with experience in mining projects and environmental compliance who will manage all mining applications to ensure timely, consistent decisions
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a new streamlined application process that is easier to follow and complete, including new easier-to-use forms and checklists that outline what companies need to submit to the Department
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clearer, plain-language guidance to better help companies prepare their submissions, which speeds up the review process and reduces uncertainty for applicants; this includes new guidance for preparing water monitoring and surface water management plans
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the Department is requiring the industry to follow the national Mine Environment Neutral Drainage guidance, which will help make sure mining projects in Nova Scotia meet national environmental guidance and follow the best available science
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updated website content with plain-language, easier-to-understand information to help companies better understand the process and the requirements.
Quotes:
“The Mining Society of Nova Scotia welcomes the Government of Nova Scotia's engagement with our industry and our members, which has contributed to this initiative that we expect will improve the efficiency of the permitting process, all the while maintaining high environmental standards to develop projects that are indeed in the public good.”
— Christian West, President, Mining Society of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- metal mining projects in Nova Scotia need two approvals from the Department of Environment and Climate Change – an environmental assessment and an industrial approval; some projects may also need a water-related approval
- an industrial approval is a permit that allows the operation, construction or reclamation of projects that fall under Division V of the Activities Designation Regulations; industrial approvals regulate the daily operations of projects or facilities and have terms and conditions that companies must comply with to safeguard the environment
- industrial approvals for mining provide continuous regulatory oversight from the start of construction through operation, closure and reclamation of a mine
- these changes build on recent updates to the environmental assessment process, which were announced on May 8
Additional Resources:
Metal mining industrial approval process: https://novascotia.ca/metal-mining
Nova Scotia’s Critical Minerals Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf
News release – Nova Scotia Advancing Critical Mineral Opportunities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/03/04/nova-scotia-advancing-critical-mineral-opportunities
News release – Environmental Assessment Changes Reinforce Commitment to Fight Climate Change, Move to Clean Economy: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/05/08/environmental-assessment-changes-reinforce-commitment-fight-climate-change-move-clean
Mine Environment Neutral Drainage: https://mend-nedem.org/default/
Activities Designation Regulations: https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/envactiv.htm