Initiative to Make Geological Data More Accessible to Mining Industry

Nova Scotia is making geological data more accessible to the mining industry.

The Province has signed a memorandum of understanding with Natural Resources Canada to participate in the Canadian Digital Core Library. The initiative will digitize hundreds of thousands of metres of physical drill core samples into standardized, accessible digital datasets that will be publicly available.

"Our mining industry creates good-paying jobs across rural Nova Scotia, strengthening our communities and economy," said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. "We are excited to participate in the Canadian Digital Core Library, which will make it easier for investors to see the potential that Nova Scotia holds for the mining industry."

The Canadian Digital Core Library will allow geoscientists, industry representatives and potential investors to more easily analyze subsurface geology. It will support more efficient mineral and energy exploration, reduce duplication of efforts and promote data-driven decision making.

Quotes:

"Accessible data on the resources beneath our feet is the foundation of investment decisions in major projects that can unlock Canada's critical minerals potential. By working with provinces, territories, industry and post-secondary institutions, and by leveraging modern technology as we committed to in our new AI strategy, AI for All, we are making smart moves to create opportunities for Canadians across the country."
- Tim Hodgson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Quick Facts:

• drill cores are solid, cylinder-shaped samples of rock collected to inform interpretations of geology useful for mineral and energy exploration; the province's core samples are located at the core library in Stellarton
• Nova Scotia has a long and rich history in mining; today's regulatory frameworks keep people and the environment safe through responsible, sustainable mining practices
• mineral exploration brings $35 to $50 million per year to Nova Scotia communities
• the 2026-27 budget includes $300,000 to support growth in Nova Scotia's mining industry and $1.5 million for Invest Nova Scotia to drive more gross domestic product growth in mining and five other priority sectors
• Nova Scotia launched its critical minerals strategy in 2024 and updated it last year; it lists 20 critical minerals and four strategic minerals

Additional Resources:

News release - Roundtable Launched to Guide Mining Industry Opportunities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/06/04/roundtable-launched-guide-mining-industry-opportunities

News release - Project to Gather Data to Support Mineral Exploration: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/05/04/project-gather-data-support-mineral-exploration

News release - New Mine Permitting Portal Launches: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/10/14/new-mine-permitting-portal-launches

News release - Nova Scotia Advancing Critical Mineral Opportunities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/03/04/nova-scotia-advancing-critical-mineral-opportunities

Nova Scotia's Critical Minerals Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf

Nova Scotia core library: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/information-services/core-library.asp

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.