Nova Scotia Moves to End Uranium Mining Ban

Nova Scotia is poised to lift its four-decade ban on uranium mining after a government bill cleared for third reading in the provincial legislature this week, potentially allowing the Canadian province to join the global clean energy supply chain.

The reversal comes as modern mining techniques have evolved significantly since the original 1981 moratorium, which was later strengthened to a full ban in 2009 under the previous NDP government.

“Modern uranium mining is a safe, environmentally responsible activity that is essential to achieving climate goals,” said Sean Kirby, executive director of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia (MANS). “There is no health, safety or environmental reason to ban uranium.”

Current uranium extraction primarily uses solution mining or in-situ leaching, which causes minimal surface disturbance and produces virtually no tailings or waste rock, according to MANS.

Nova Scotia was once a significant uranium exploration area in the late 1970s, attracting major energy companies like Shell and Esso, who invested tens of millions of dollars before public health concerns halted activities.

Public opinion appears to favor the change, with a MANS poll indicating 54% of Nova Scotians support uranium mining while only 22% oppose it. The province’s mining and quarrying sector currently employs over 3,000 people with average annual compensation of C$102,000.

Premier Tim Houston presented Bill 6 as an opportunity for Nova Scotia to capitalize on its natural resources amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau has also backed the legislation.

“Nova Scotia has potential for uranium,” Kirby noted. “Lifting the province’s uranium ban will let us see whether our deposits are economically viable and whether we can contribute to global supply of this critical mineral.”

While the exact extent of Nova Scotia’s uranium resources remains to be determined, some experts have identified geological similarities with Canada’s uranium-rich Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, suggesting significant potential.

The move comes as global demand for uranium rises with renewed interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon power source. If reserves prove viable, Nova Scotia could position itself as a key supplier in the transition toward cleaner energy systems.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Avino Q2 Earnings: Steady As She Goes

MEG Energy: Cenovus Comes In With $7.9 BILLION Offer

Orla Mining Q2 Earnings: Musselwhite Changes Everything

Recommended

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Goliath Resources Hits 18.58 g/t Gold Over 5.00 Metres At Surebet

Related News

Fission Uranium To Conduct $15 Million Bought Deal Financing

Fission Uranium (TSX: FCU) this morning announced that it will be conducting a bought deal...

Monday, October 26, 2020, 09:47:00 AM

IsoEnergy: Uranium Bill In U.S. Senate Could Potentially Revive Moribund Uranium Sector

In one of the most constructive developments for the uranium mining industry in some time,...

Saturday, December 19, 2020, 08:30:00 AM

Uranium Energy Corp Announces $30.5 Million Private Placement

Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE: UEC) this morning announced that it will be conducting a private...

Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 09:20:57 AM

Uranium Royalty Corp: Canaccord Lifts Price Target To $4.25

Uranium Royalty Corp (TSXV: URC) recently closed their C$37 million financing, allowing Canaccord Genuity to...

Saturday, May 22, 2021, 02:04:00 PM

Trump To Revive Cold War-Era Act to Shield US Uranium Supply

President Donald Trump is reportedly set to invoke the Defense Production Act—a Cold War-era wartime...

Friday, May 23, 2025, 12:08:00 PM