Nova Scotia

 Nova Scotia is emerging as a key player in Canada’s critical mineral sector, with new strategies aimed at supporting clean energy and economic growth. The province is expanding exploration and development of minerals like lithium, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements, which are essential for technologies such as batteries, wind turbines, and semiconductors.

Critical Minerals in Nova Scotia

• Lithium & Rare Earth Elements: Vital for electric vehicle batteries and high-tech electronics.

• Copper & Manganese: Used in renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbines and solar panels.

• Historic Producers: Nova Scotia has a long mining history, having produced copper, zinc, tin, and tungsten in the past

In May 2025, Nova Scotia updated its Critical Minerals Strategy, adding four new minerals to its list and creating a separate category of “strategic minerals”.

The province is working with Ottawa through funding agreements to accelerate exploration and development

The strategy emphasizes job creation, investment attraction, and support for Canada’s clean energy transition 

Economic and Global Context

• Global demand for critical minerals is surging due to the shift toward clean energy and electric vehicles.

• Nova Scotia’s location offers direct access to international markets, making it attractive for companies seeking reliable supply chains.

• The province aims to contribute to Canada’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050, positioning mining as part of a sustainable future.

• Outlook

  Nova Scotia’s critical mineral mining sector is still in its early stages, but with strong government backing and rich geological potential, it is poised to grow significantly. The province’s efforts could help secure Canada’s role in the global supply chain for clean energy technologies, while also creating new opportunities for local communities.