Thursday, August 14, 2025
The site of a former Nova Scotia gold mine that operated approximately 100 years ago will be remediated after an investment of more than $33.4 million from the federal and provincial governments.
An environmental site assessment confirmed the soil at Montague Mines, which was mined for gold from 1865 to 1940, is contaminated with mercury and arsenic. The contamination is primarily found in an area of approximately 363 acres where mine tailings were disposed. The goal of the project is to return the land and wetlands to a productive habitat similar to what it was before mining activities.
“It is crucial that we uphold Canada’s world-leading environmental standards by addressing the contamination on the Montague Mines site. This project will promote long-term environmental sustainability on both the site of the former mine, and downstream,” said Braedon Clark, MP for Sackville–Bedford–Preston.
The cleanup will include excavating contaminated soils to a depth of two metres and placing the soil in impermeable containment cells that will be constructed on site. The estimated volume of material expected to be contained within the cells is 120,000 m3. A treatment system will also be required to collect and treat any leachate from the constructed containment cells. Clean backfill will replace removed soil.
“The start of remediation at the historic gold mine site in Montague Mines marks a major step forward in protecting both the environment and public health. This work reflects our dedication to responsible environmental stewardship and our commitment to addressing the legacy of past industrial activity,” said Fred Tilley, Nova Scotia Minister of Public Works.
A low-permeability cover will be placed on areas of the site with lower levels of contamination to keep precipitation from creating contaminated runoff. These areas will also be covered with clean backfill.
Since 1991, provincial legislation in Nova Scotia requires mining companies to provide funds for reclamation — such as cash or bonds — before mining begins to cover full reclamation costs. This ensures sites can be effectively reclaimed even if a company defaults, preventing an abandoned or contaminated site.
The federal government is investing $15 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $18,480,000.
Featured image: (Build Nova Scotia)
