Press Release - August 13th, 2025

Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs and Nova Copper sign Memorandum of Understanding

Sydney – Nova Copper and its affiliated companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs regarding the exploration and development of copper and other critical minerals in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Following extensive dialogue between both parties, the MOU sets out a framework to protect and ensure the sustainable development of the lands and waters of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw territory.  It also marks an important step towards negotiating a Mutual Benefits Agreement (MBA) to facilitate meaningful Mi’kmaw participation in the projects being advanced by Nova Copper and its affiliates.

“Mining is one of the major employers of Indigenous people across Canada and we want to see that success extend to our Mi’kmaw partners on Unama’ki (Cape Breton) and across Mi’kma’ki.  This MOU builds on the positive dialogue we have been pursuing for several years,” said Harry Cabrita, Chief Executive Officer of Nova Copper.  “Our company is following all provincial laws and standards on environment, health and safety and we are engaging the best local, national and international expertise to responsibly explore and bring to market copper and other critical minerals that Canada and the world needs to secure a transition to a green economy.”

The MOU is the foundation for open, good faith dialogue between Nova Copper and Indigenous people and opens the doors for the Mi’kmaq to be involved with the project. 

Nova Copper has committed to undertaking a Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) program to support a greater understanding of the project respecting the traditional knowledge of the Mi’kmaq.

About the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs

The 13 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs established the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs in 2006 to provide direction to the Nation’s negotiators, to deliberate and pass resolutions respecting the Nation’s Rights and Title and to provide directions and instructions to Kwilmu’kw Maw-Klusuaqn (KMK).  KMK works on behalf of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in discussions with the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada on how the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia will implement their Treaty Rights