Research

Research has been underway since May 2023 in consultation with universities, government, elders in Unama’ki and experts in the field for independent review specifically for our area.

August 19, 2025 - A preliminary timeline of Coxheath Copper Mining business activity is now available to view.  It sheds light on business activities and motivation surrounding the proposed project.

Coxheath Copper Mining Timeline Aug19-25 (HTML)

October 23, 2024 - ACAP Cape Breton releases a 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.

ACAP Report - Beechmont BioBlitz (PDF)

January 2, 2024  - Our primary independent research has been completed by Dr. Steven H. Emerman, Ph.D.  It is available for review:

Cape_Breton_Emerman_Report (PDF)

November 14, 2023 - Keep Coxheath Clean Assn. presents to CBRM Mayor and Council.

Presentation to Council (PDF)

November 13, 2023 - Research continues.  For now, please see these links highlighting some of the key risks applicable to our case.

The Myth of Sulfide Mining Without Contamination (Website)

Is sulfide mining REALLY a gift? (Video)

September 11, 2023 - Many homeowners may not be aware that although the Province owns and licenses the mineral rights for your land, the homeowner needs to approve entry for exploration.

Mineral Rights, Landownders, and Mineral Exploration NS (PDF)

August 21, 2023 - Initial points of consideration:

The proposed land to be sold by CBRM (to be voted on Tuesday August 22) is over 1000 acres.  Consult the map below outlining the yellow area (CBRM) and the orange area (identified in Nova Copper proposal):

Interactive Map Outlines

Keep Coxheath Clean Assn. understands that:

• The CBRM does not make decisions about mining or related environmental issues, however we are asking the CBRM to listen to the group representing 1100+ constituents who requested the opportunity to have their voices heard about how this public land should be used and sold.  The request to be heard on this matter was received but no further response from the CBRM.  The motion to sell the "Beechmont Surplus PID Land" needs to be suspended until such time as a dialog can be arranged.

• Should this land sale proceed, we recognize that the Provincial government has ultimate control the mineral resources act over approval to mine and we will carry our concerns to be heard at that level as well.  We do not have confidence that the regulatory framework as it stands will protect the watersheds (inside, outside and below the proposed mine area) from serious contamination since the act only appear to cover limits on suspended solids, not dissolved elements and compounds such as sulfides, arsenic or other toxic chemicals commonly released during mining operations.

• We recognize that the Federal government has regulations for mining-related toxins under the fisheries act, however our understanding is that the release levels of these toxins are allowed up to limit and the limit is self-monitored by the mine.  Accidental leakage and seepage particularly in our harsh and varying climate are key concerns.

• Given the state of regulations we are extremely concerned that yet another environmental tragedy as a result of mining will occur and when the damage is done, it will be too late and the result may even be irreparable.

• Based on the events in other provinces and countries, we are currently not sufficiently convinced that adequate measures are in place to effectively protect the citizens and the environment in a relatively new copper mining landscape in Nova Scotia.  A serious pause needs to be taken to determine at what total "cost" to our community and province is when delivering our resources to private corporations.