Saint Mary's University to Launch Mining and Renewable Energy Engineering Programs in Nova Scotia
Saint Mary's University in Halifax plans to start a bachelor of engineering in resource engineering program this fall, with streams in mining and renewable energy. The initiative aligns with recent approvals for gold mining operations in the province, including the restart at Touquoy mine.
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Development and Industry Input Proponents from Nova Scotia's natural resource development and mining industries contributed to the program's creation. The degree includes a co-op component that will provide work placements for students entering the field.
Industrial approval was granted on Friday to Atlantic Mining NS, a subsidiary of Australia-based St Barbara, to resume processing operations at the Touquoy gold mine in Moose River, Nova Scotia.
The company will extract gold from three million tonnes of stockpiled ore. Operations at the mine ran from 2019 to 2023 before ceasing. This marks the second gold mine project approved in Nova Scotia in the past year. Construction is expected to begin this year on the open-pit Goldboro mine, owned by Toronto-based Anfield Gold Mining Corp.
Atlantic Mining NS is also seeking permits for gold mining at the Fifteen Mile Stream site, located 95 kilometres northeast of Halifax.
Mining Context in Nova Scotia Most mining operations in Nova Scotia in recent years have involved non-metals such as peat, sand, and gravel. The province issued 961 exploration licences in 2025, the highest number in 10 years, up from 422 in 2024 and 714 in 2022.
In 2025, the provincial government repealed legislation banning uranium exploration and mining, though a subsequent call for proposals received no responses from companies.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- Friday (recent)
Industrial approval granted to Atlantic Mining NS to restart processing at Touquoy gold mine.
1 sourceCbc - 2025
Nova Scotia issued 961 exploration licences, highest in 10 years.
1 sourceCbc - 2025
Provincial government repealed uranium mining ban, but no proposals received.
1 sourceCbc - 2022
Dalhousie University suspended its mineral resource engineering program.
1 sourceCbc - 2019-2023
Touquoy mine operated before ceasing activities.
1 sourceCbc
Potential Impact
- 01
197 jobs created at Touquoy mine through resumed operations.
- 02
Local engineering students gain access to mining training without transferring universities.
- 03
Increased exploration activity follows rise in provincial licences to 961.
- 04
Co-op placements available for SMU students starting 2027 at mining sites.
- 05
Renewable energy stream supports growth in that sector with trained graduates.
Transparency Panel
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