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FREDERICTON \u2014 The New Brunswick government is looking for a company to reopen a mine that used to be one of North America\u2019s largest producers of the critical mineral antimony.<\/p>\n
The former Lake George mine, about 30 kilometres southwest of Fredericton, operated intermittently from 1876 to 1996, according to a government website.<\/p>\n
The shiny grey metal is mainly used as a flame retardant, but it is also used in solar panels, lead-acid batteries and more recently in infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and night vision goggles.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith global supply heavily concentrated in China, there is growing demand for secure and reliable sources (for critical minerals),\u201d the government said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project represents an opportunity to support domestic supply chains while advancing economic development in the province.\u201d<\/p>\n
As well, the government says bidders must demonstrate their technical expertise, financial capacity and commitment to working with Indigenous communities. Regulatory and environmental reviews are also required.<\/p>\n
Citing a historical technical report, the government said the mine is believed to contain about 800,000 tonnes of antimony-bearing ore. At current prices, the potential value is more than $900 million.<\/p>\n
Natural Resources Minister John Herron announced a competitive process for expressions of interest, but said no mineral rights will be awarded until a formal exploration agreement is reached.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn today\u2019s economic and geopolitical climate, the need for secure, responsibly produced critical minerals has never been greater,\u201d Herron said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Brunswick is well positioned to meet that demand by attracting investment, supporting responsible development, and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities to create long-term economic benefits for New Brunswickers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The government says the mine could also contain two other critical minerals: tungsten and molybdenum.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the province is also moving forward with supporting a plan to develop a tungsten mine near Sisson Brook in northern New Brunswick.<\/p>\n
In November, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the project was among the second batch of potentially \u201cnation-building\u201d infrastructure projects to be reviewed on expedited timelines.<\/p>\n
Also on the list are critical minerals mines in Ontario and Quebec.<\/p>\n
The proposed Sisson open-pit mine is a partnership between Vancouver-based Northcliff Resources and its majority owner, New Zealand\u2019s Todd Corp.<\/p>\n
Tungsten is an exceptionally strong metal used to harden cutting tools and provide strength to parts used in the defence and aerospace industries.<\/p>\n
The Sisson project received federal approval in 2017 and has since been granted two extensions for construction deadlines.<\/p>\n
\u00a92026 The Canadian Press<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n