IMS 2025 JV Video: New Brunswick steps up to green transition with mining plan

Key Concepts

• Comprehensive Mineral Strategy (New Brunswick): A government initiative to stimulate investment in the mining and mineral development sector.
• First Nations Engagement: A core principle of the strategy, involving collaboration from the outset.
• Antimony Hub: New Brunswick’s ambition to become a significant producer and supplier of antimony, a critical mineral.
• Major Projects Office (Federal): The Canadian federal government body reviewing large-scale projects like Sizen.
• Investment Readiness: New Brunswick’s goal to modernize its mining act and infrastructure to attract investment.

New Brunswick’s Comprehensive Mineral Strategy & Development Opportunities

Introduction & Strategy Overview

Neil Jacobson, Assistant Deputy Minister of Lands and Mines Division at the Department of Natural Resources in New Brunswick, details the province’s comprehensive mineral strategy, announced in March as a key government priority. The strategy aims to “ignite investment opportunities” in the mining and mineral development sector. A defining characteristic of this strategy is its immediate and proactive engagement with First Nations communities. Minister John Heron initiated consultations with all First Nations chiefs immediately following the strategy’s announcement, seeking collaborative input from the outset. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was shared with First Nations leaders for feedback before finalization, demonstrating a commitment to partnership. The framework for the strategy was unveiled at the 50th annual exploration, mining, and petroleum conference in Fredericton, building upon New Brunswick’s established 50-year history in the sector and leveraging its “excellent geology.” The full strategy is slated for release at PDAC in March 2026.

Standout Projects: Sizen (Tungsten & Molybdenum)

The Sizen project, involving Tungsten and Molybdenum, has been designated a “major project” by the federal government and referred to the Major Projects Office for review. The provincial government maintains close collaboration with Norcliffe Resources, holding weekly meetings with their CEO to ensure proper process adherence. Importantly, the project is already both federally and provincially permitted, positioning it as significantly advanced compared to many others. Norcliffe is currently undertaking geotechnical work and exploring federal funding options. Andrew Ing, from Northcliffe, is scheduled to present on the project at the conference.

Standout Projects: Galloway (Gold & Antimony)

The Galloway project is a significant gold and antimony deposit, boasting 2.2 million ounces of gold and an estimated 25 million tons of antimony – described as a “ridiculous number” highlighting the scale of the resource. Robert Rashard, a geologist with Galway Metals, is presenting at the conference and discussed the project’s momentum and upcoming resource announcements. The project is gaining attention due to the increasing demand for antimony, particularly from the United States for munitions, qualifying it for critical mineral product allowances.

Antimony as a Strategic Mineral & Lake George Mine

New Brunswick is positioning itself as a hub for antimony production. Beyond Galloway, the province owns the former Lake George mine, historically one of the world’s largest antimony producers. An Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Lake George mine will be released imminently, with significant interest already received from potential proponents. Jacobson highlights a rich antimony belt stretching from Clarence Stream and Galloway to Bria Resources and Lake George, emphasizing the province’s potential for substantial antimony production. Antimony is characterized as a “very heavy metal” with strong marketability and potential for near-future production.

Modernizing the Mining Act & Investment Readiness

New Brunswick is undertaking revisions to its mining act to ensure it is “agile,” “environmentally sound,” and “investment ready.” This modernization is a key component of the comprehensive mineral strategy, aiming to facilitate future prosperity and project development.

Value Proposition & Infrastructure

Jacobson concludes with a 32-second “elevator pitch” for New Brunswick, emphasizing a “white glove approach” and strong relationships with Indigenous and First Nations communities. He positions New Brunswick as a “jurisdiction of choice” due to its robust infrastructure, including a 40,000-kilometer network of forestry roads (“woods roads”) and deep-sea ports. This infrastructure, combined with the province’s overall value proposition, allows New Brunswick to compete effectively with other jurisdictions.

Notable Quote:

“...with a white glove approach um and really sound relationships with our with our indigenous and first nations communities that we we are a uh we are a jurisdiction of choice.” – Neil Jacobson

Technical Terms & Concepts:

• RFP (Request for Proposals): A document outlining project requirements for potential bidders.
• PDAC (Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada): A major annual mining convention.
• Geotechnical Work: Engineering investigations related to soil and rock properties.
• Major Projects Office (MPO): A Canadian federal government body responsible for reviewing and coordinating the assessment of major projects.
• Antimony: A lustrous gray metalloid used in alloys and flame retardants, and increasingly important for munitions.
• Critical Minerals: Minerals deemed essential for economic and national security.

Logical Connections:

The discussion flows logically from a broad overview of the mineral strategy to specific project examples (Sizen and Galloway), then to a broader focus on antimony as a strategic mineral, and finally to the overarching goal of investment readiness and New Brunswick’s competitive advantages. The emphasis on First Nations engagement is consistently woven throughout the conversation, highlighting its central role in the strategy.

Conclusion:

New Brunswick is actively pursuing a comprehensive mineral strategy centered on attracting investment, fostering collaboration with First Nations communities, and capitalizing on its rich mineral resources, particularly antimony. The province is modernizing its regulatory framework and leveraging its infrastructure to position itself as a competitive and responsible mining jurisdiction. The Sizen and Galloway projects represent key opportunities for growth, and the province’s proactive approach suggests a strong commitment to developing its mineral potential.