Mineral And Mining Rights In Nova Scotia

Mineral rights and tenures in Nova Scotia (the "Province") are governed by the Mineral Resources Act (Nova Scotia) (the "Act") and the Mineral Resources Regulations (Nova Scotia) enacted under the Act (the "Regulations"). This article provides a brief overview of the forms of mineral tenure in the Province.

Ownership of Minerals

Title to minerals in Nova Scotia, together with the right to explore, mine and produce minerals, is vested in the Provincial Crown, unlike other jurisdictions in which ownership may be privately held. Consequently, the exploration, exploitation and production of minerals in the Province must be undertaken pursuant to leases and licences granted by the Province, unless otherwise exempted under the legislation. "Minerals" are defined under the Act as comprising solid inorganic or fossilized organic substances. Ordinary stone, sand, gravel, peat, gypsum, and limestone are exempted from this definition, but compliance with the Act may still