New Mine Permitting Portal Launches

Nova Scotia is making it easier to do business in the mining sector with the launch of NovaMINE, a new online permitting portal.

NovaMINE is an interactive, one-stop portal designed to streamline mine permitting that also provides additional transparency for the process as a whole.

“NovaMINE represents a modern way of doing business,” said Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton. “It is simplifying the permitting process without cutting any corners. It will give industry better access to information and further shows that Nova Scotia is open for responsible resource development.”

The Department is launching the portal in phases. In this first phase, users will be able check the status of their applications for licences, permits and approvals. The next phases will expand the portal to include full online permitting and payment services.

NovaMINE is part of the government’s broader work to make it easier to do business in Nova Scotia – the Province wants the natural resources sector to responsibly and sustainably grow. NovaMINE reflects the government’s commitment to long-term, sustainable economic growth.

Quotes:

“Industry welcomes steps that improve clarity and timelines. NovaMINE is a strong signal that Nova Scotia is serious about innovation and competitiveness.”
— Deidre Puddister, Vice-President of Sustainability, NexGold

Quick Facts:

• the portal was developed using internal government resources and cost $60,000
• the government recently streamlined several permitting processes to provide additional clarity to industry, without weakening the environmental protections in place
• the Making Business Easier Act passed in the fall session of the legislature commits government to further reducing red tape for mining and other sectors

Additional Resources:

NovaMine: https://mining.novascotia.ca/ News release – Province Reduces Red Tape, Supports Development During Legislative Session: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/10/03/province-reduces-red-tape-supports-development-during-legislative-session

News release – New Phased Approach to Industrial Approval Process to Support Responsible, Faster Metal Mining Projects: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/06/13/new-phased-approach-industrial-approval-process-support-responsible-faster-metal

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