Nova Scotia Approves Processing of Stockpiled Ore at Touquoy Gold Mine Site
The Government of Nova Scotia has granted Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia industrial approval to process approximately three million tonnes of stockpiled ore at the Touquoy gold mine site in Moose River. The project is expected to create about 197 jobs and generate $151 million in economic activity over 10 to 14 months, with no new mining permitted.
On April 10, the Government of Nova Scotia granted an industrial approval to Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia for new work at the Touquoy gold mine site in Moose River, Halifax County. Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland issued a statement regarding the approval. 
The approval allows the company to process approximately three million tonnes of unprocessed, gold-bearing ore that was stockpiled when operations at the mine ceased in 2023. Under the terms of the approval, no new mining or extraction is permitted, and all activity must occur within the current disturbed footprint. All processed waste will be placed into the existing open pit.
The processing work is expected to take between 10 and 14 months. During this period, reclamation efforts that began in 2024 will be temporarily paused in the mill area but will continue in other areas of the site. To ensure full reclamation, the province holds a $79.9-million bond from Atlantic Mining.
The project is expected to create about 197 jobs and generate an estimated $151 million in economic activity, contributing to Nova Scotia's GDP. The approval includes strict terms and conditions governing environmental protection, water quality monitoring, and tailings management. 
This marks the second major gold mine approval in the province in the past year, following the Goldboro gold mine in Guysborough County. Together, the Touquoy and Goldboro projects represent more than $2 billion in total economic activity and close to 1,000 jobs.