Geology Matters November, 2013

 5500 jobs, mostly in rural areas ◦ Down 800 in past five years  $420 million in economic activity per year ◦ Down $80 million/year  Shrinking while other provinces growing 2

 Government gives other resource industries a tax rebate for fuel used in vehicles that do not go on public roads, such as: ◦ Fishing boats ◦ Farm tractors ◦ Forestry harvesters  The government should treat all resource industries the same.  Give mining/quarrying the fuel tax rebate.

Out of step with neighbouring provinces and putting ourselves at an economic disadvantage. Nova Scotia plans to protect over 13% of the province’s land mass. Other Atlantic provinces: NB 3.1% PEI 2.8% NL 4.6%

 “Land Swap” ◦ Allow mining and quarrying companies to access protected land by purchasing land of equal size and ecological value outside of the protected areas and arranging for it to be protected instead.  total amount of protected land remains the same or grows;  ecological value of protected lands remains the same or grows; and  Nova Scotians will continue to be able to access the minerals they need to create jobs and grow the economy.  Protected Lands Cap ◦ Reasonable limit on the amount of land that is permanently removed from economic use.

 Preparing comprehensive submission  Wide range of policy issues, including: ◦ Crown/shared ownership of minerals ◦ Land access and claims management ◦ Royalties

 Reviews expected in next several years  Quarries a hot political issue due to misconceptions  Public thinks mines and quarries are the same thing

Not Your Grandfather’s Mining Industry  Safe, sustainable, responsible  Web site  Outreach to all Federal, Provincial and Municipal politicians  News conferences at reclaimed mine/quarry sites  Ongoing campaign

◦ Educational resource ◦ Addresses key misconceptions/issues  Environment  Safety  Blasting, dust, noise, water, buffers, etc. ◦ Layman’s language

“The impact of surface mining is truly irreparable…. Digging up minerals forever alters the landscape, leaving huge holes in the earth, creating massive changes in the way water moves through the mined area, causing the siltation (often accompanied by poisoning) of rivers and streams, and on and on.” Nova Scotia Public Lands Coalition

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