Nova Scotia landowners can say no to uranium exploration on their properties: deputy – Halifax [Video]

Private landowners in Nova Scotia whose properties were recently identified for potential uranium exploration can say no to work proceeding, says a provincial deputy minister.

However, Karen Gatien told reporters Tuesday that the government is sending letters to individual owners in three selected areas, saying the government hopes there will be conversations about possible exploration.

“They can absolutely say no,” said Gatien, who added that property owners retain surface rights to their land and are not compelled to allow exploration.

“Nobody is going to say to them: ‘You must allow this mining company to begin operations on your land,’” she said.

Companies selected by the province would have to seek permission from landowners to explore, said Gatien. The province won’t get involved unless there’s an impasse in negotiations, she added.

“The only time we would get involved is if there was a stalemate.”

Although Section 26 of the province’s Mineral …