Restart of mine at Cooks Brook a milestone for province’s critical mineral sector, minister says
Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources, said the restarting of the mine at Cooks Brook is a milestone for the critical mineral sector. Photo by File PhotoArticle contentNova Scotia’s natural resources minister called the approval to restart the mine in Cooks Brook a significant milestone for the province’s critical minerals sector.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentLast week, Scotia Mine Ltd.’s zinc mine in Cooks Brook in Halifax County received approval for changes to its industrial approval, allowing the mine to restart operations.Article contentArticle content“This is an opportunity,” said Tory Rushton on Thursday after a cabinet meeting.Article contentArticle content“This is the first critical mineral mine that’s opening since we’ve made our critical mineral strategy in Nova Scotia. We are very excited to be celebrating this milestone with the mining sector.Article content“There’s value in the critical minerals, and there’s a big boost to local economy jobs.”Article contentThe mine will produce zinc, a critical mineral used in renewable energy technologies, batteries, electric vehicles, infrastructure and protecting steel from corrosion. It will also produce lead to be used in batteries, and gypsum, which is important to housing and agriculture.Article content“We have a lot of critical minerals here in the province that the world is looking for right now with renewable energy, battery storage and things,” said Rushton.Article content“We have an ability to expand on our exploration that’s taking place. Quite frankly, a lot of the time is going into rural economies in Nova Scotia, and we have an ability to help out with the renewable energy sector in Canada.”Article contentThe restart of the mining operation could create about 150 direct jobs, which would support economic activity for more than 14 years, according to proponents.Article contentArticle contentBy utilizing existing infrastructure, the project can reduce development timelines and costs while supporting a modern operation that meets today’s environmental standards, the government maintains.Article contentArticle contentMining roundtableArticle contentRushton said the introduction of the Nova Scotia Mining Roundtable is a game changer to support the industry.Article contentThe group, which met recently, includes sector leaders who discussed ways to support investment, improve competitiveness and grow Nova Scotia’s mining industry.Article contentMissing from this meeting was the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. Last week, the Progressive Conservative government voted against a motion that would see a member of that organization added to the witness list for a future meeting of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee, CBC reported.