Mining Critical Minerals in Nova Scotia: Clean Energy, Community Impact, and the Just Transition

Webinar Recording

 
 

In this webinar, we explored Nova Scotia’s evolving approach to mineral mining, including the province’s emerging critical minerals strategy and regulatory framework. Speakers delved into the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding mining operations. The discussion also examined the rising global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements, essential for powering electric vehicles, wind turbines, and energy storage systems. A key focus was on the controversial potential of uranium mining in Nova Scotia, weighing environmental risks, social concerns, and its possible role in future nuclear power generation.

Finally, the session considered how mineral extraction fits within the broader vision of clean energy and the Just Transition, highlighting the need for equitable job creation, community development, and long-term environmental responsibility. Presentations were followed by audience Q&A.

Guest Speakers

Jamie Kneen - National Program Co-Lead, MiningWatch Canada

Jamie leads MiningWatch's work on mining policy advocacy and mining activity in western and northern Canada, leading policy reform and providing strategic and technical support to communities affected by mineral exploration and mining projects. He also leads the organization's strategic research and communications, as well as research and advocacy in Africa (and previously, Latin America), as well as on mine waste management, mining and Indigenous rights, uranium mining, and environmental assessment policy and practice in Canada. With a degree in Biology (ecology concentration) from McGill University, Jamie has been involved with environmental and resource management issues, including mining, and related to Indigenous land rights, for many years.

Tina Northrup - Staff Lawyer, East Coast Environmental Law

Tina is a staff lawyer at East Coast Environmental Law with a strong commitment to environmental and climate justice. Her legal work focuses on Aboriginal and Indigenous law in environmental contexts, climate change law and policy, renewable energy transition, environmental assessment, human rights, and rights of nature.

Karen McKendry - Senior Wilderness Outreach Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre

Karen spent her childhood exploring the woods and waters of Ontario and Quebec. Her passion for the environment, paired with a lot of hard work, has earned her a BSc. in Ecology, and Masters of Environmental Studies. Since moving to Nova Scotia in 2005, Karen has worked as a conservation planner and biologist and volunteered with the Young Naturalists Club. At the Ecology Action Centre, Karen’s work focuses on advocating for more of the things that help biodiversity, like protected areas and nature education, and pushing back against the activities that are especially harmful to biodiversity (and people), including mining and the watering down of environmental laws. When not devoting herself to the EAC’s good work, she can be found in her garden, paddling, cooking up a storm, or laughing with her two wild little boys.

 

Webinar Q&A Summary

There was not enough time during the webinar to answer all questions submitted through the live chat. The three panelists have responded to most of the unanswered questions in the document linked below. Helpful comments from audience members are also shared anonymously.

2025-Mining-Webinar-QA-Summary.pdf

 

Webinar Resource List

Links and references shared during the webinar are summarized below.

Historical Context

Uranium Mining Pushback in Nova Scotia

Legislation & Policy

Recent Legislation Overturning the Uranium Ban

Critical Minerals Strategy

Government & Community Perspectives

Fact Sheets & Community Education

Ecology Action Centre Factsheets

Indigenous Leadership

Sipekne’katik First Nation Chief Michelle Glasgow’s Statement

Environmental Legal Support

East Coast Environmental Law

Workforce & the Just Transition

Green Jobs & Economic Opportunities in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Environmental Network (NSEN)

Stay Connected and Support NSEN

Guest Speaker Contact Information

East Coast Environmental Law

  • Website: ecelaw.ca

  • General Questions/Contact Form: ecelaw.ca/contact

Ecology Action Centre

MiningWatch Canada

Nova Scotia Environmental Network