Could mining be a growth sector in Atlantic Canada?

We have been talking a lot about workforce development in recent months but a strong and thriving Atlantic Canada economy needs high value export industries. Could mining be one of those sectors? Don Mills and I will be starting conversations with mining sector representatives this week and over the next few to find out.

Of course the region has a long history with mining. Nova Scotia, in particular, once relied heavily on mining - Cape Breton, northern NS - I believe you can still tour an old mine. New Brunswick was a major potash, zinc and lead producer - not much left in both cases. There is still some mining and exploration going on but the question is will we capitalize on this opportunity?

There are many reasons to like the mining sector. Most of the minerals we have in the region are needed to support net zero 2050 goals around the world. The sector offers high wage jobs and royalty streams for government. Plus, mines tend to provide stable employment for decades (the second Sussex potash mine closure was an exception to the rule). Once a company deploys hundreds of millions or even billions in capital, it is hard to walk away.

New Brunswickers will remember the huge pushback against uranium mining over a decade ago. Uranium mining will be key to growing the nuclear energy sector but getting public support - particularly in adjacent communities will be key.