News release

Minister Dismisses Pioneer Coal Appeals

Environment and Labour (Oct. 2000 - March 2008)

Two appeals of an industrial approval for surface coal mining in Point Aconi, Cape Breton, have been dismissed.

Minister of Environment and Labour Mark Parent announced his decision today, Nov. 17.

"After careful review of the appeals, I have concluded that approval to Pioneer Coal was based on a complete application which included information and documentation in accordance with the provincial Approval Procedure Regulations," said Mr. Parent.

Pioneer Coal was granted industrial approval to operate on Sept. 12, 2006. The approval contains more than 50 conditions that focus on protecting drinking-water sources, wildlife, aesthetics, wetlands, and residential properties in the area.

The appellants have 30 days to appeal the minister's decision to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia.

A copy of the minister's decision will be found on the Department of Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ea/princemine.asp .