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We represent our community. Our cause: Analyze, inform and respond to proposed copper mine in the Beechmont, Coxheath Hills and surrounding areas now known as the "Sydney Copper Project"
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Latest News
October 23, 2024 - ACAP Cape Breton has just released a draft report highlighting the recent BioBlitz event held in the proposed mining area. Two dozen BioBlitz participants from ACAP Cape Breton, Keep Coxheath Clean, Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife, the Cape Breton Naturalists Society and additional community volunteers were involved. Over 800 observations were recorded included provincial and federal species at risk.
August 28, 2024 - What is the true cost of mining? Unfortunately, environmental disasters are all too common in the mining industry. And the taxpayers often have to foot the cleanup bill. ...Read Full Article
January 5, 2024 - The release of the independent expert-written Emerman Report (click to read/download) analyzing the mining proposal in Coxheath speaks for itself: Mining in this sensitive location and the sale of municipal land for mining should not be undertaken. Awaiting the arrangement and participation of a stakeholder meeting as promised by CBRM. ...Read Full Article
Petition
We welcome you to view and sign the petition to support our cause in Coxheath, Beechmont and surrounding areas:
To date we have already received 1343 signatures. Let's keep spreading the word!
This isn't a case of "Not In My Back Yard" - it shouldn't happen in anyone's back yard. There are far more suitable places.
See the anonymous general areas of first 900 petition signers by postal code (click map to explore):
Interactive Map
The interactive map below is based on the outline as shown in the Nova Copper Inc exploration and mining proposal in Coxheath as well as from meeting minutes from CBRM council. Note the proximity of some sensitive areas such as clusters of private wells (many more not shown) and ecosystems such as the Bras D'Or Lakes Biosphere, Blackett's Lake and dozens of streams and rivers contained within the area encompassed by the extensive network of public hiking trails of the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association. These are just a small number of examples, let alone what lies downhill.
On touchscreens, pinch to zoom in the map area or use mouse scroll wheel on a desktop.
Municipal Presentation
The following presentation was made November 14, 2023 to CBRM Council to support the request that CBRM land not be sold for mining purposes:
More News
June 11, 2024 - With recent news of how open-pit (strip) mining is currently being handled in Nova Scotia: when mining companies have exhausted the resource and dispute environmental requests from the Province, the mine proceeds to the care and maintenance phase which is intended for remediation. Yet, history has shown that this most often results in abandonment. It will be curious to see if the efforts to properly remediate this site, now proposed to be a pilot site for experimental energy storage in the name of environmental sustainability. The 2400 documented (though known to be nearly 8000) abandoned mines in Nova Scotia typically left by bankrupt or neglectful companies suggest otherwise.
The following Tourquoy gold mine in Moose River NS could be of similar scale to the proposed Sydney/Coxheath copper mine given the land area:
January 2, 2024 - News Release (PDF): Independent expert report on the proposed mining has been completed and fully validates our initial concerns. The full report can be viewed here (PDF). The report confirms that an open-pit copper/metals mine is not appropriate for this area and recommends that the CBRM land not be sold for that purpose.
November 14, 2023 - Keep Coxheath Clean Assn. presents to CBRM Mayor and Council. Please see our Presentation (PDF) and Video Recording of the Council Meeting (click sec 5.1)
October 3, 2023 - Letter to the Editor CBP, President of KCCA - Open Pit Mining in the CBRM: The Reasonableness Standard
September 12, 2023 - Mi'kmaw elders oppose proposed Cape Breton copper mine, see Media section for more
September 11, 2023 - Homeowners may not be aware that although the Province owns the mineral rights for your land, the homeowner needs to approve entry for exploration. Mineral Rights, Landownders, and Mineral Exploration NS (PDF)
August 23, 3023 - CBRM land sale (4 km2 of the 30 km2 proposal area) motion deferred due to public pressure. KCCA thankful for the opportunity to present, date pending. Related News Media
August 22, 2023 - CBRM plans to vote on agenda item 6.4 to sell 1000+ acres of CBRM land to private mine developer. 6pm this evening. We are still waiting for response from CBRM to have public voice and presentation heard.
August 21, 2023 - KCCA press release. Request for CBRM to suspend land sale motion and allow KCCA and the public to be heard.
August 19, 2023 - Article published by Saltwire highlighting the concerns raised by Keep Coxheath Clean Assn. and the related ecology concerns at Blackett's Lake.
July 27, 2023 - Article published by Saltwire indicating action just weeks ago by the mining exploration company Nova Copper Inc requesting to explore private land owned by the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Recreation Association for mining exploration. This access was denied, however this does not mean that further attempts to access other public and private lands will cease.
July 25, 2023 - Coxheath residents release preliminary findings on new website and continue ongoing Research, professional consultations and action plans to inform the public. We are seeking a process to allow public feedback to government regarding the proposed mine. To date, we are not aware of any public or constituent consultation for transparency. Letters and emails have been sent, waiting for responses.
July 10, 2023 - Residents discover the presentation and confirm the intention for CBRM-owned land to be purchased for dramatic expansion of the mine site. Research begins.
May 9, 2023 - "Nova Copper Corp Pres May 2023" presentation released publicly on website by Nova Copper Inc to resume earlier attempts to explore, re-open and greatly expand the century-old copper mine site shuttered since the 1930s.
POTENTIAL IMPACT
Metals mining has yet to be carried out without environmental contamination. This is a key reason why mining should be carried out away from sensitive areas where there is high risk that contamination will affect life around it. Mining regulations do not prevent accidents.
Please consider the following impacts, particularly of concern when in proximity to sensitive areas and communities:
- Introduction of toxins into air, water table and surface water
- Fracturing of bedrock due to blasting, impacting water table
- Deforestation and habitat disruption
- Minimal long term economic gains locally
- Impacts on infrastructure and property value
- Generational effects and remediation costs
