Governments Commit $33.4 Million to Montague Mines Remediation Project in Nova Scotia
Remediation work at the Montague Mines gold mine site in Nova Scotia will begin following a joint investment of more than $33.4 million from the federal and provincial governments, according to a news release issued on July 31.
The Montague Mines site was mined for gold from 1865 to 1940. An environmental assessment referenced in the government statement confirmed that the soil at the site is contaminated with mercury and arsenic, especially in an area of approximately 363 acres where mine tailings were disposed. The project’s stated aim is to restore the land and wetlands to conditions similar to those before mining activities.
According to the governments, remediation activities will involve excavating contaminated soil to depths of up to two metres. The governments also state that the removed soil will be stored in impermeable containment cells built on the site. The governments report that approximately 120,000 cubic metres of material are expected to be handled in this way. The statement outlines that a treatment system will be installed to collect and treat leachate from the containment cells, with clean backfill used to replace excavated soil.
In areas with lower contamination, the governments state that a low-permeability cover and clean backfill will be used to prevent precipitation from generating contaminated runoff.
The federal government is providing $15 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $18,480,000. The federal statement notes that its funding is conditional upon consultation requirements with Indigenous groups and the completion of environmental assessments.
The province advises that since 1991, Nova Scotia legislation has required mining companies to provide financial security—such as cash or bonds—before mining begins to cover reclamation costs. The provincial government states that this requirement is designed to enable reclamation if a company defaults, preventing abandoned or contaminated sites.