Decision Allows Touqouy Gold Project to Move Ahead

Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker has granted DDV Gold Ltd. vesting orders that transfer ownership of 14 parcels of land to the company in the community of Moose River Gold Mines, Halifax Regional Municipality.

The decision allows the company to proceed with its proposed Touquoy open pit gold mine project.

"In making this decision I gave careful consideration to a number of factors, including the substantial public interest in seeing this mine develop, the private interest of the surface land owners, and my authority and responsibilities under the Mineral Resources Act," said Mr. Parker. "This was a difficult decision to make, and while it may not be to everyone's liking, I am confident that it best serves the public interest."

The minister added that the community of Moose River Gold Mines wants the project to move ahead, and if the project proceeds Nova Scotians will see the benefits through taxes, royalties and good paying jobs.

The deposit at Moose River Gold Mines contains about 635,000 ounces of gold worth $700 million. The project is expected to produce about 90,000 ounces of gold per year for five to seven years, and create about 150 jobs during operations and 300 construction jobs.

The province has given affected property owners and others with an interest in the land notice of the decision.

Vesting order provisions are rarely used under the Mineral Resources Act. DDV Gold applied for the vesting orders for land ownership when no agreement could be made for the acquisition of the land.

DDV Gold is now required to comply with the statutory procedures set out in the Expropriation Act, which describes how land owners and people with an interest in the land are compensated.