Nova Scotia opens $1.5-million mineral development fund for applications

Nova Scotia’s mines minister is highlighting $800,000 added to a mineral development fund as part of the Liberal government’s 2019-20 budget.

The province is increasing the Mineral Resources Development Fund to a total of $1.5 million.

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Minister Derek Mombourquette opened the fund to applications on Tuesday.

Last year, the province supported 28 projects including mineral exploration programs, professional development, innovation, university research and training opportunities for young people.

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Mombourquette says the fund helps to make connections and develop new ideas that help local companies stay at the forefront of technology and environmental protection.

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Greg Collins, chief operating officer at Transition Metals, a mineral exploration company based in Sudbury, Ont., says the fund has helped his company generate encouraging results that could attract new investment and allow it to consider acquiring additional projects in Nova Scotia.