What’s the Latest: New Brunswick strikes deal to explore recovering metals from old mine waste

What remains unclear — It is uncertain what environmental safeguards will be implemented to address potential risks from disturbing settled heavy metals during the mining process.

New Brunswick agrees to explore recovery of metals from old mine waste

New Brunswick has entered into an agreement with Regeneration Enterprises to explore the potential recovery of valuable metals from decades-old mine waste at the defunct Nigadoo mine near Bathurst. The mine, which ceased operations nearly 50 years ago, previously produced copper, lead, zinc, and silver. The provincial government believes that valuable metals may still be present in the remaining waste.

Michael McPhie, managing director of Regeneration Enterprises, stated, “The recovery of the metals, the critical minerals, whatever they might be, are then used to fund the restoration, as opposed to the public having to pay for it.” The project could potentially remove a $35 million liability from the province’s balance sheet. McPhie highlighted the plan’s dual benefits: cleaning up the site and providing a net benefit to the residents of New Brunswick.

Natural Resources Minister John Herron noted the opportunity to “unlock mineral wealth from a tailings facility” while ensuring proper environmental remediation. Herron confirmed that no provincial funding is currently allocated for exploration, although future government support remains a possibility.

Beverly Gingras, executive director of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, expressed cautious optimism about the initiative. “If the result of doing this testing and doing the mining to get the minerals out of the tailings — if the end result is that the mine will be rehabilitated, I think that’s a good thing,” she said, although she urged consideration of potential environmental risks.

Regeneration Enterprises, in collaboration with Pabineau First Nation, anticipates determining the project’s financial viability within a year. Should the project proceed and receive necessary approvals, processing operations could commence in the next two to three years.