Gold mining company purchases parcel of land for conservation

CBC

20-05-2025

The company behind Nova Scotia's Touquoy gold mine has purchased land on the Eastern Shore to conserve, as required by the province.
Australia-based St Barbara announced Tuesday it has bought 228 hectares of ecologically sensitive land next to the Ship Harbour Long Lake wilderness area and the Tangier Grand Lake wilderness area.
The parcel of land is home to water courses and wetlands of special significance and is suitable for wildlife habitat.
"We are excited to move forward with this important initiative that safeguards natural areas for future generations," said Andrew Strelein, the director of St Barbara subsidiary Atlantic Mining, in a news release.
Conservation required under industrial approval
The Touquoy gold mine in Moose River, N.S., opened in 2017 and wrapped up active mining in January 2023.
As part of the company's industrial approval, it is required to acquire and conserve other land to offset the area that has been impacted by its mining operations.
The company said it issued a call for suggestions for land parcels from land trusts, community groups and the public, and received 18 proposals. The selected land was previously in the hands of a private landowner. In April, the Environment Department agreed to give the land conservation status.
The company did not release the purchase price, and did not immediately respond to a request for an interview.