GOLDBORO: A new gold mining project in Guysborough County is poised to bring major economic growth and job opportunities to the region, thanks to a recently approved
Crown land lease.
The Province of Nova Scotia has granted Goldboro Gold Mining Inc. a lease for 779 hectares of Crown land near Goldboro, a site with a history of gold mining. The lease, which was announced on May 21, will enable the company to move forward with its plans for an open pit gold mine, including processing facilities, waste storage, and essential infrastructure.
“This lease supports a significant development that will create more than 700 jobs and contribute $2.1 billion to Nova Scotia’s economy over the project’s lifetime,” Minister
of Natural Resources Tory Rushton said. “Gold is a strategic mineral with great potential to attract investors and be an economic driver for Nova Scotia.”
The company, owned by NexGold (formerly Signal Gold), already holds licences for mineral exploration and extraction for much of the leased area. The project has received environmental
assessment approval and is currently awaiting industrial approval before full operations can begin.
The mine is expected to have a 15-year lifespan, including development, 11 years of operation, and a remediation phase. The site will straddle both Crown and private land.
In a statement, NexGold President and CEO Kevin Bullock welcomed the lease approval.
“We are extremely pleased to be receiving our Crown land lease and licence for the Goldboro project,” he said. “This is a significant milestone and a reflection of NexGold’s positive working
relationship with the Government of Nova Scotia.”
Bullock also highlighted the importance of the land package, which covers the mineral deposit, and the infrastructure needed for mine development.
In addition to economic benefits, the project includes a community benefits agreement with both the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs and the Municipality of the District of
Guysborough. These agreements aim to ensure the project brings shared value to local communities.
The Department of Natural Resources is also granting a licence to cross Crown land, allowing the company full access to the mine site. Like all mining operations, the project will require a reclamation plan and financial security, both of which are reviewed and updated
regularly to ensure environmental and safety standards are met.
Nova Scotia’s mining sector currently supports at least 2,500 jobs with average annual wages and benefits of $100,000. With the Goldboro project now moving ahead, that number is expected to grow.
As the community watches the final stages of approval unfold, the project stands as one of the most significant economic developments in Guysborough County in recent years.