Nova Copper Inc mine proposal at Coxheath

Nova Copper, a Halifax-based, Canadian owned copper mining company has informed the Cape Breton Regional Municipal Council (CBRM) of their intension to begin mining copper around the site of the old copper mine at Coxheath. This old mine was closed in the 1930’s. Exploration has been on-going for the past 10 years, according to Harry Cabrita, President and CEO of Nova Copper (CBC Mainstreet interview August 22, 2023). To facilitate their proposed “mineral extraction”, CBRM Director of Engineering and Public Works, Wayne MacDonald has suggested that Council approve the declaration of over 1,000 acres of municipal land as “surplus”, allowing Nova Copper the opportunity to buy this acreage at market value. Mr. MacDonald asserts the current “assessed value” is $140.00 Canadian per acre.

Keep Coxheath Clean Association (KCCA) is a community group that came together quickly in response to Nova Copper’s and Mr. MacDonald’s proposals. The group has asked for more time from Council to research Nova Copper’s intensions and the environmental,  social and health risks involved in the copper mining industry. (August 2023) The operation will be located at the top of Coxheath mountain. The water generated in this watershed flows directly into the wells of surrounding residents. The impact that mining by-products such as arsenic and mercury as well as production chemicals would have on the community’s drinking water and the sensitive ecosystems of Blacketts Lake and East Bay is of great concern.