Historic Mine Remediation
Location
Provincial Crown lands with former mine sites
FAQ
Q: What is your plan to remediate Montague Mines?
A: Remediation of the tailings area of the historic Montague Gold Mines will occur in stages, starting with the large main tailings area. We will move some small areas of tailings into the main tailings area, which is currently open to the air, and place a large cover over the area with many layers of protective capping to prevent water percolating through.
This managed containment area will ensure the tailings, which contain arsenic, are contained and managed properly in a way that’s environmentally friendly to human and ecological health. The regraded and capped tailings will be contained within a perimeter berm of imported granular fill. This berm will also serve as an access road for construction and long-term maintenance.
Covering the dry tailings will reduce dust and direct contact to the tailings. It will also reduce sediment being carried downstream from rain and run off, which will gradually reduce arsenic flowing out of the tailings into Mitchells Brook and Barry’s Run. Capping this area will also reduce migration of the tailings downstream. Following this, we will monitor downstream areas to confirm water quality conditions.
Q: What are tailings?
A: Tailings are a waste product from mining that look like sand but contain arsenic and mercury. Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral and is naturally elevated in this area due to the underlying geology. Historic mining activities have resulted in arsenic levels above what is typically found in the environment. While mercury is also present from natural and other man-made sources, it was used in the processing of gold at the historic mines. In historic mining areas like Montague Mines, tailings were released into low-lying areas, such as wetlands and streams, near the mines.
Q: Why is it taking three years to do this replacement?
A: The specific dates of the removal have not yet been determined and will be supplied by the contractor when the tender is awarded. We will share key elements of the schedule at that time.
Q: Will you be trucking this contaminated material away?
A: We are not taking contaminants away but rather managing them in a way that’s safe for both human and ecological health.
Q: Why aren’t you remediating the whole site?
A: This is a very large and complex site which means we need to carry out the remediation in stages. The first stage is to remediate the dry part of the main tailings area because it is the most contaminated, least stable, and most accessible part.
Once this stage is complete, we will conduct more detailed engineering to determine whether additional efforts are needed.
Q: Have you consulted with area residents about your method of remediation?
A: While community engagement is not required by legislation, Build Nova Scotia, on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources, conducted a community open house in June, 2025, to make sure area residents are aware of the work we will be doing, and that they feel safe.
Q: When will the work begin?
A: We anticipate we will go to tender in July, 2025, and begin construction later in the calendar year.
Q: How long will it take to clean up the site?
A: The first phase of remediation is anticipated to be complete in 2028, and then we will undertake long term monitoring to ensure the site is safe.
Q: Will you monitor the site after remediation to ensure it is safe?
A: Yes. The site will be managed and monitored, with restricted access. Public use of the area will not be allowed.
Q: What will it look like when the remediation is complete?
A: The containment area that we are building will be about 7 acres and will not be visible; it will blend in with the natural topography in the area.
Q: How much will it cost to clean up the site?
A: The current cost to complete the first stage of remediation is $30.2 million.
Q: Is the site dangerous if I go for a walk or ride my bike there?
A: The tailings areas contain arsenic and mercury so people should not walk, bike or ATV in the area.
There are signs in the main tailings area warning of high levels of arsenic. People who use any of the tailings areas for recreational activities have the potential to be exposed to arsenic, mercury or other metals within the tailings.
The Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change website has more information on the historic Gold Mines, tailings, and how to reduce risks (https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/contaminatedsites/goldmines.asp)
Q: Is it safe to live near the site?
A: Based on the data we have for the Crown land, exposure levels for nearby residents should be low if people follow the information released by the Province.
Q: What kind of study was conducted for the tailings at the Historic Montague Gold Mines?
A: We have conducted extensive testing, evaluation, and assessment of the site, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments, geochemistry and engineering studies and Human Health and Ecological Risk assessments.
Q: How do you determine your method of remediation?
A: The approach for remediation was determined based on results from geochemistry, risk assessment and engineering studies.
