Touquoy Gold Mine Expansion - In-Pit Tailings and Waste Rock Storage

Official title: Touquoy Gold Project Site Modifications Addendum

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Natural Resources

Atlantic Mining wants to expand its gold mine near Moose River, Nova Scotia. The company proposes dumping mine tailings into the exhausted open pit, expanding the waste rock storage area, and adding 18 hectares to the site. The Minister has twice asked for more information on water quality, fish habitat, and wetland impacts before making a decision.

Why This Matters

Live near Moose River or Middle Musquodoboit? This mine is about 63 km from Halifax. Dumping tailings into an open pit could affect groundwater and nearby streams. Fish habitat and wetlands in the area could be impacted. If you rely on well water or care about local waterways, this decision matters.

What Could Change

If approved, the mine could store tailings directly in the exhausted pit instead of traditional tailings ponds. The waste rock storage area would expand. The Minister has requested more studies on water contamination risks, fish habitat protection, and how historical tailings will be managed. The project remains on hold until these concerns are addressed.

Key Issues

Is it safe to dispose of mine tailings in the exhausted open pit?
How will groundwater and surface water be protected from contamination?
What impacts will the expansion have on fish habitat and wetlands?
How will historical mine tailings be managed during and after operations?

How to Participate

The public comment period for the Second Addendum closed on February 9, 2023. Review the Minister's Decision Second Addendum and Government and Public Comments to see what was submitted.
For questions about this environmental assessment, contact the department.

What Happened

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined on February 28, 2023 that the Second Addendum information was insufficient to make a decision. The proponent must provide additional information on in-pit waste rock and mine tailings disposal, ground and surface water, fish and fish habitat, wetlands, historical mine tailings, and mine reclamation before the assessment can proceed.