Metal mining: industrial approval process
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.
Changes to the industrial approval process will help projects start sooner, reduce delays and support responsible natural resource development in the province.
These improvements complement recent updates to the environmental assessment process and reflect government’s commitment to sustainability, and innovation in how we manage mining projects.
Environment assessment process
When a company wants to start a mine, the environmental assessment is typically one of the first environmental approvals they need. This process requires companies to identify the benefits of their project, its potential environmental impacts and how the impacts will be managed.
Learn more: environmental assessment: getting started
Phased industrial approval process
Mining operations must receive an industrial approval from the Department of Environment and Climate Change. This process evaluates and limits the impact that the project can have on the environment. A new phased approach to the application process allows 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 other requirements at later stages of their project.
Learn more: industrial approval process (PDF)
Resources
The Department of Environment and Climate Change has developed new resources for metal mining operations (like checklists and guides) to make the approval process faster, clearer and more efficient – while continuing to protect the environment and public health. These changes will help companies get started sooner, reduce delays and support responsible resource development in the province.
- Environmental Assessment Supplemental Checklist: Metal Mining (PDF)
- Application for Approval Division 5: Metal Mining (PDF)
- What you can Expect to see in your Approval: Metal Mining (PDF)
- Guide for Developing Water Monitoring Plans at Metal Mines in Nova Scotia (PDF)
- Guide to Developing a Surface Water Management Plan at Metal Mines (PDF)
Talk to a business relationship manager
Reach out to a business relationship manager in the early stages of your project to help guide you through the environmental regulatory process. This saves time and money and helps your project to advance faster.