Houston, We Have a Mineral: Tim Shines at PDAC 2025
Nova Scotia’s Bold Bid to Power the Global Green Economy

Nova Scotia is positioning itself as a global player in the critical minerals market, with Premier Tim Houston leading the charge to attract international investment and unlock the province’s vast resource potential. Speaking at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto on March 4, 2025, Houston made a compelling case for why Nova Scotia is the next big opportunity for mining companies worldwide.
“Nova Scotia has the critical minerals that the world needs for clean energy, food production, defense, healthcare, and more,” Houston declared, as reported by Halifax CityNews on March 5, 2025. “We can be a reliable, ethical, sustainable source of these materials and reap the economic rewards for Nova Scotians.” His message was clear: the province is open for business, ready to shed outdated restrictions and welcome global partners to tap into its mineral wealth.
The stakes are high. Critical minerals like lithium, copper, and graphite are essential to the global transition to net-zero emissions, powering everything from electric vehicle batteries to wind turbines. Nova Scotia has identified 16 such minerals within its borders, positioning it as a key supplier in increasingly strained global supply chains, according to the Government of Nova Scotia’s news release on March 4, 2025. With demand surging, the province is seizing the moment to drive economic growth and create high-paying jobs.
To back up its ambitions, Nova Scotia is putting money where its mouth is. The Department of Natural Resources is leveraging $1 million from Natural Resources Canada for two pivotal projects, as outlined in the same Halifax CityNews article. Half of the funding will explore extraction methods, while the other half will develop a comprehensive model of the province’s critical mineral potential—tools designed to entice investors with hard data. “The effective management of our natural resources starts with good data and ends with jobs for Nova Scotians,” said Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural Resources, emphasizing the province’s commitment to responsible development.
This push comes at a critical juncture. Facing potential U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration—a concern Houston has vocally opposed—the province is doubling down on self-reliance. “We’re committed to breaking down barriers within Nova Scotia and across the country to strengthen our position,” Rushton added, signaling a proactive stance against external economic pressures. The government’s willingness to lift longstanding bans, such as those on fracking and uranium exploration, further underscores its bold approach, as noted in related coverage by Halifax CityNews.
Industry leaders are taking notice. Sean Kirby, Executive Director of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, praised Houston’s appearance at PDAC—the country’s largest mining event, attracting over 30,000 delegates annually—as a game-changer. “Premier Houston’s attendance tells the world that the Government of Nova Scotia supports our industry, and the province is a good place to invest,” Kirby said. He highlighted the ripple effects: more investment means more jobs—where wages average over $100,000 annually—and increased revenue for public services like health and education.
The timing couldn’t be better. Global demand for critical minerals is skyrocketing as nations race toward climate goals, with Nova Scotia’s resources poised to play a starring role. The province’s strategy, launched in 2024, builds on its rich mining history while prioritizing sustainability and partnerships with the Mi’kmaq, according to the Government of Nova Scotia’s release. And with Rushton joining Canada’s energy and mines ministers virtually at PDAC to streamline regulations, Nova Scotia is aligning itself with a national push to expedite resource development.
Social media buzz amplifies the momentum. Canada Action (@CanadaAction), posted on March 5, 2025: “Premier @TimHoustonNS attended a major international mining conference in Canada to tell developers and investors that Nova Scotia is open for business and eager to advance critical minerals opportunities.” The sentiment reflects growing confidence in the province’s direction.
Nova Scotia isn’t just talking the talk—it’s walking the walk. By marrying cutting-edge research with a business-friendly environment, the province is laying the groundwork to become a global hub for critical minerals. For investors eyeing the next big opportunity, the message from Halifax is loud and clear: the future is here, and it’s rich with potential.
