Mining Critical Minerals in Nova Scotia: Clean Energy, Community Impact, and the Just Transition

Description

7:00 - 8:30 PM ADT on June 4th, 2025 (online via Zoom)

Join us for a timely and in-depth discussion on the future of mining in Nova Scotia, with a focus on critical minerals and their role in the clean energy transition. Our guest speakers will explore the economic, environmental, and social implications of expanding mineral mining in the province.

This webinar will explore Nova Scotia’s evolving approach to mineral mining, including the province’s emerging critical minerals strategy and regulatory framework. Speakers will delve into the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding mining operations. The discussion will also examine the rising global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements, essential for powering electric vehicles, wind turbines, and energy storage systems.

A key focus will be on the controversial potential of uranium mining in Nova Scotia, weighing environmental risks, social concerns, and its possible role in future nuclear power generation. Finally, the session will consider how mineral extraction fits within the broader vision of clean energy and the Just Transition, highlighting the need for equitable job creation, community development, and long-term environmental responsibility.

The final 30 minutes of the event will include optional Q&A and networking with speakers and fellow participants… a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and make connections!

This webinar is open to the public. Register today to join the conversation on Nova Scotia’s mining future!

Guest Speakers
			Jamie Kneen National Program Co-Lead, MiningWatch Canada Jamie leads MiningWatch's work on mining policy advocacy and mining activity in western and northern Canada, leading policy reform and providing strategic and technical support to communities affected by mineral exploration and mining projects. He also leads the organization's strategic research and communications, as well as research and advocacy in Africa (and previously, Latin America), as well as on mine waste management, mining and Indigenous rights, uranium mining, and environmental assessment policy and practice in Canada. With a degree in Biology (ecology concentration) from McGill University, Jamie has been involved with environmental and resource management issues, including mining, and related to Indigenous land rights, for many years.

			Tina Northrup Staff Lawyer, East Coast Environmental Law Tina is a staff lawyer at East Coast Environmental Law with a strong commitment to environmental and climate justice. Her legal work focuses on Aboriginal and Indigenous law in environmental contexts, climate change law and policy, renewable energy transition, environmental assessment, human rights, and rights of nature.

			Karen McKendry Senior Wilderness Outreach Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre Karen spent her childhood exploring the woods and waters of Ontario and Quebec. Her passion for the environment, paired with a lot of hard work, has earned her a BSc. in Ecology, and Masters of Environmental Studies. Since moving to Nova Scotia in 2005, Karen has worked as a conservation planner and biologist and volunteered with the Young Naturalists Club. At the Ecology Action Centre, Karen’s work focuses on advocating for more of the things that help biodiversity, like protected areas and nature education, and pushing back against the activities that are especially harmful to biodiversity (and people), including mining and the watering down of environmental laws. When not devoting herself to the EAC’s good work, she can be found in her garden, paddling, cooking up a storm, or laughing with her two wild little boys.