Protest against open-pit gold mining planned during N.S. mining show

A public rally critical of openpit mining practices was set to take place in the Halifax area Friday as business leaders get together to promote Nova Scotia’s growing gold industry.

Demonstrators planned to gather over the lunch hour during the Nova Scotia Gold Show at a hotel at the Halifax airport.

Sean Kirby, director of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, said millions of dollars of investment are coming to the province.

But as industry speakers are discussed projects, protesters were set to hold an information session to discuss how to prevent further development of open-pit gold mines in the province.

Raymond Plourde, wilderness co-ordinator with the Ecology Action Centre, said his group disagrees with government providing funding for the private industry meeting.

He said there has been a lack of public consultation on the rising number of open-pit gold mines, which he said raise issues that include toxic residues, damage to watersheds and wilderness destruction.

The mining association said in a news release it has arranged space for anti-mining activists to hold a small demonstration outside the conference, adding it favours “respectful dialogue.”

The association said gold is essential for tech devices like phones and computers, is used to diagnose and treat illnesses, and is needed in surgical instruments like scalpels, pacemakers and heart stents.