This service allows businesses and individuals involved in any phase of mining in Nova Scotia to check the status of current licences, permits and approvals, and to learn more about regulatory requirements.

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Licences, permits and approvals available for status tracking

Department of Natural Resources
  • Exploration Licence
  • Permit for the Purposes of Prospecting on Crown Land
  • Permit for Mineral Exploration on Crown Land (and Amendments)
  • Drilling Notification
  • Excavation Registration
  • Notice of Aerial Survey
  • Letter of Authorization for Large Excavation
  • Non-Mineral Registration
  • Mineral Lease
  • Crown Land Lease
  • Letter of Authority (LOA) - Water monitoring wells
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA) Permit
  • Other licences, permits and approvals issued through NovaROC
Department of Environment and Climate Change
  • Environmental Assessment Approvals
  • Industrial Approvals
  • Water Approvals
Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
  • Heritage Research Permit (Archaeology)

Understanding mineral resource development regulations and requirements

There are four phases of the mineral resource development life cycle, and you’ll need different approvals and permits during each phase. The specific requirements depend on the details of your project.

Explore the phases of a mineral resource development project

Exploration and mineral tenure are regulated by the Mineral Resources Act and its regulations.

Exploration Licence

You’ll need an Exploration Licence to conduct mineral exploration work within a given area. Each claim measures 16 hectares and exploration licences can include 1 to 80 claims. Exploration licences are issued for 2 years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as requirements are being met.

If you’re just doing a preliminary search for minerals without disturbing the ground, you can register as a prospector.

Assessment work

To keep the exploration licence, the licence holder needs to complete assessment work and file assessment reports. The Mineral Resources Regulations outline the requirements for assessment work and reporting.

Exploration permits and approvals

The permits and approvals you need to develop your mine site vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. It will also require regular communication with federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Leases and registration

A Mineral Lease grants the holder exclusive rights to mine specific minerals or all minerals within an area.

A Non-Mineral Registration (in NovaROC) grants rights for gypsum and non-Crown limestone.

If a project is on Crown land, you’ll also need a Crown Land Lease.

Environmental Approvals

Mining projects are regulated by the Environment Act and its regulations which require an Environment Assessment and Industrial Approval.

An Environmental Assessment is a process for evaluating the potential environmental effects of a proposed mine. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change will make a decision on whether a mining project is acceptable.

Industrial Approvals provide continuous regulatory oversight from the start of construction through operation, closure, and reclamation of a mine.

All mines require an Environmental Assessment.

Common development permits and approvals

One Window Process

The One Window process provides guidance for new and existing mineral resource development projects. The One Window Committee brings together representatives from the government departments that regulate different aspects of mining.

If you’re the proponent of a mineral development project, you’re encouraged to meet with the committee to provide an overview of your project. The committee can advise you about which approvals and permits you may need.

In this phase, you’ll need to submit information about the mine’s operations, compliance monitoring, ground control and ventilation plans, and mining plans. You’ll also be responsible for following health and safety rules and paying required royalties and taxes.

Health and safety

You’re responsible for following all relevant health and safety rules.

Annual submissions

You need to submit reports each year, including updated mining plans, quantities and values or minerals produced and sold, and any changes to the mining or reclamation plans.

Royalties and taxes

Royalties are applicable for all minerals.

When mining operations stop, the site must be restored to a condition that protects the environment and minimizes hazards to the public. Reclaimed mine sites should be restored to a state that is compatible with the surrounding land.

Reclamation activities are expected to take place progressively during mining operations. Wherever feasible, disturbed areas should be restored as mining advances, rather than postponing reclamation until closure. This approach helps reduce long-term risks and can lower overall reclamation costs.

Reclamation plans and securities

Reclamation plans start in the development phase as part of the Mineral Lease and non-mineral registration applications as well as the Industrial Approval application. Under the Mineral Resources Act, they must be updated every 3 years as outlined in the Mineral Resources Regulations.

A cost estimate and initial security amount must be filed as part of the application for a Mineral Lease or Non-Mineral Registration.

Reclamation securities are held until the mine is fully reclaimed, however, it may be adjusted as areas are reclaimed.

Post-reclamation

After reclamation work is complete, monitoring will continue until regulators deem the reclamation acceptable.

Additional information

Department of Natural Resources
Department of Environment and Climate Change Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage