Nova Scotia achieves largest mining policy score increase among provinces

Nova Scotia has shown tremendous improvement in an annual survey of global mining executives, but the results remind stakeholders that the province must do more to attract investment in its mineral potential.

"We are grateful for the Government of Nova Scotia's support of our industry and it is clearly having a positive impact on the province's reputation as a place to invest," Sean Kirby, executive director of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, said. "The government should take the survey results as proof that it is doing the right things, but it needs to do more. This is huge progress in just one year, so let's keep going."

The Fraser Institute conducts the annual survey of global mining executives, which the mining industry considers an important report. The organization released its 2025 edition this week.

Nova Scotia increased its Investment Attractiveness Score by 27.66 points and jumped from ranking 79th of 82 jurisdictions in 2024 to 54th of 68 in 2025, according to the survey report. The province achieved the largest score increase (60.48) among Canadian provinces on the Policy Perception Index and climbed from 76th of 82 to 32nd of 68 in 2025. Mining executives expressed decreasing concern over the province's taxation regime (-46 points), labor regulations (-37 points), and regulatory duplication and inconsistencies (-35 points). Nova Scotia improved on all policy factors the survey measured.

"Nova Scotia more than doubled its investment attractiveness score but was still seen by survey respondents as the least attractive Canadian jurisdiction in which to invest," Kirby said. "This highlights both significant progress and the need for further policy and permitting improvements."

The Nova Scotia government has made significant improvements to its mining and quarrying policies over the past year, including repealing the province's ban on uranium exploration and mining. The government has also begun cutting red tape in its permitting system and stepped up investment attraction efforts. Premier Tim Houston attended PDAC in 2025, the world's largest annual mining conference, and expects to attend again in Toronto next week.

Nova Scotia has operated many mines that produced critical minerals – minerals needed for climate goals and facing supply concerns – including copper, tin, zinc, graphite, antimony, manganese and molybdenum. The province also holds potential for critical minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, indium, uranium and titanium.

"The global rush to source critical minerals creates an extraordinary economic opportunity for Nova Scotia," said Kirby. "With more government support, we can contribute to global supply while also generating jobs and government revenues to help pay for programs like health and education."

Nova Scotia's mining and quarrying industry employs about 3,000 Nova Scotians, mostly in rural areas. The sector ranks as the highest-paying resource industry in the province, offering average total compensation of $102,000 per year.

More information is posted at www.Tmans.ca and www.FraserInstitute.org