The Dangers of Uranium Mining in Nova Scotia

Steve MacLellan uranium

Mining uranium in Nova Scotia presents significant risks due to the province’s unique geology, environmental conditions, and population distribution. If uranium mining were to begin, it could have lasting consequences for public health and the environment.

The Problem with Uranium Tailings

In 2016, Canada had a staggering 217.8 million tonnes of uranium tailings, with 201 million tonnes sitting at decommissioned sites and 17 million tonnes at active sites. Here’s how they were distributed

This toxic waste is a major issue. When you consider that the vast majority of uranium tailings are stored at decommissioned sites, it raises the question: where would Nova Scotia store its waste? The province is significantly smaller than other uranium-producing regions, making containment even more challenging. The risks would be amplified, with no safe place to store the tailings.

Environmental and Health Hazards

One of the most serious risks of uranium mining is contamination. Tailing ponds can leak, releasing radioactive materials and heavy metals like arsenic and lead into groundwater—a critical concern for rural communities that rely on well water. Additionally, mining exposes sulfide minerals, which react with air and water to form sulfuric acid. This can leach uranium and other toxins into rivers and lakes.

The Threat of Radioactive Dust

Radioactive dust from uranium mining can travel long distances, depending on wind speed, weather conditions, and terrain. Nova Scotia’s prevailing winds generally blow west to east, meaning this dust could spread across the province and into the Atlantic Ocean. Fine radioactive particles can remain suspended in the air for hundreds to thousands of miles, creating widespread exposure risks.

Lung cancer rates in Canada are already highest in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Adding uranium mining into the mix would only worsen respiratory illnesses. Similar concerns exist with the toxic coal mine in Cape Breton, where reports on dust contamination remain hidden from the public. If Alberta's government refuses to release findings on coal mining’s dangers, why should Nova Scotians trust their own government to be transparent?

Legacy of Contamination

Past uranium exploration in Nova Scotia (e.g., near Shelburne and Guysborough) left radioactive contamination in soil and water, which still poses risks today. Approximately 42% of Nova Scotians rely on private wells, and 1 in 15 of these wells may exceed Health Canada’s maximum acceptable uranium concentration of 0.02 mg/L.

To address this, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables has developed a province-wide uranium risk map that categorizes areas into low, medium, and high-risk zones. However, Nova Scotia’s fractured bedrock makes it easier for contaminants to spread through groundwater, creating an ongoing risk that regulations alone cannot fully mitigate.

Health Impacts

If uranium mining were allowed, it would release radon gas, increasing lung cancer rates among both miners and residents. Other health risks include:

  • Kidney damage and failure
  • High blood pressure and neurological disorders
  • Developmental issues in children, including birth defects

The tailings and wastewater would also contain uranium decay products like thorium, radium, and polonium. Additionally, heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium would contaminate farmland and enter the food chain, putting Nova Scotians’ health at risk for generations.

The Big Question: Who Will Protect Nova Scotians?

If the moratorium on uranium mining is lifted, Nova Scotia would need strict environmental and health regulations to prevent catastrophic contamination. But the real question is: How far is Tim Houston’s government willing to go to protect the people of Nova Scotia?

Given the track record of secrecy and inaction on similar environmental issues, trusting the government to enforce strong protections is a gamble Nova Scotians can’t afford to take.