Nova Scotia lets Continental Lithium explore for lithium on private land without landowner consent.
Last year, Continental Lithium sought land access with the goal of reaching an agreement to continue their work. Negotiations with landowners, however, became difficult. This affected over 1,200 hectares of woodlands, leading the company to request government assistance in April. The government granted this access at the end of January.
Continental Lithium expressed gratitude to the province, lauding its “visionary approach” and support for mineral development. The company believes Nova Scotia is rapidly implementing the Premier’s priorities. Continental Lithium declined a request for an interview. Exploration work will now proceed with surface sampling and the planning of investigative drilling.
Premier Houston aims to make mining easier in Nova Scotia, hoping to increase the province’s self-reliance. He wants to boost natural resource development as a means to economic self-reliance. He has expressed concerns about American tariffs and federal transfers.
Section 26 allows mineral rights holders to access private land when consent cannot be achieved. Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton has now invoked this section, although he has previously favored negotiated agreements.
The land in question belongs to Green Bear Woodland and is managed by Vladi Private Islands for sustainable forestry. The property has no buildings. The landowners weren’t wholly against access, but struggled to reach full agreement on an approach.
Private woodlands account for half of Nova Scotia’s land. Lithium is considered a critical mineral, essential for renewable energy technology and a key component in EV batteries.
Patricia Amero, who manages Western Woodlot Services, has voiced concerns about this case. Since most Nova Scotia land is privately owned, increased exploration could impact private landowners. Her hope is that landowners will receive some form of compensation.
Rushton has not yet ordered compensation, though he has the option to do so. Continental Lithium has not commented on the subject of compensation. Amero pointed out that exploration can require clearing. She is also concerned about the potential for future commercial mines and the possibility of expropriation.
According to Amero, fair compensation should reflect both land value and future income. Landowners often have strong, multigenerational ties to their land. Reaching an agreeable outcome might prove difficult. Currently, Rushton is avoiding discussing expropriation, as he doesn’t want to predict the outcomes of exploration.
