New Brunswick is making a major play to become a top destination for mining investment. Premier Susan Holt unveiled a new Comprehensive Minerals Strategy today in Toronto, aiming to position the province as a global leader in responsible and sustainable mineral development.

The announcement took place at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention, signaling to the industry that New Brunswick is open for business.

Unlocking Economic Potential

The new strategy focuses on the province’s rich geology and the skyrocketing global demand for critical minerals. Premier Holt emphasized that New Brunswick possesses the resources the world needs for the energy transition.

“We have a responsibility to develop those resources the right way – with strong environmental standards, meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, and good-paying jobs for New Brunswickers,” Holt said. She noted the strategy aims to provide companies with the certainty required to move projects forward while ensuring local communities benefit.

Modernizing the Rules

To support this ambition, the government plans to introduce a modernized Mining Act during the upcoming legislative session. Natural Resources Minister John Herron stated the goal is to create the most agile, predictable, and timely regulatory regime in Canada.

“Our goal is ambitious, but it is clear: to become the top jurisdiction in Canada for competitive, sustainable exploration and development,” said Herron. He highlighted that the province is more investment-ready than ever, thanks to skilled workers, infrastructure, and decades of geoscientific data.

What’s in the Ground?

Interest in the province is already growing. The government points to several key projects and deposits driving this resurgence:

• Sisson Project: A proposed tungsten and molybdenum mine north of Fredericton.
• Murray Brook: Deposits of zinc, lead, copper, and silver near Bathurst.
• Woodstock Area: Significant manganese deposits.

Recent discoveries of gold and lithium, along with record claims staked in the past year, suggest a strong future for the sector.

Federal Support

The federal government is backing the initiative. Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson attended the launch, calling it the “right moment” for New Brunswick to focus on critical minerals.

“By advancing mining in New Brunswick, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, we can unlock economic prosperity and new jobs, enhance our national security, and move towards net-zero by 2050,” said Hodgson.

You can read the full government release here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the new minerals strategy?

The strategy aims to make New Brunswick a leader in sustainable mining by attracting investment, streamlining regulations, and capitalizing on the global demand for critical minerals.

What minerals are found in New Brunswick?

The province has deposits of tungsten, molybdenum, zinc, lead, copper, silver, and manganese. Recent exploration has also identified occurrences of gold and lithium.

Will environmental standards be maintained?

Yes. Premier Holt stated that resource development will proceed with strong environmental standards and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.

When will the new regulations take effect?

The government plans to introduce a modernized Mining Act during the coming session of the legislature to update the regulatory framework.