Regeneration Enterprises has signed an exploration deal with the Government of New Brunswick, Canada, targeting mineral recovery at the Nigadoo mine site, which has been dormant since 1977.
The deal reflects growing industry interest in unlocking value from the province’s legacy mining assets while expanding greenfields exploration opportunities.
Speaking at the 51st Annual Exploration, Mining, and Petroleum Conference in New Brunswick, provincial Natural Resources Minister John Herron said deals like this will help reignite the province’s mining industry.
“Our vision is to build a modern mineral sector that drives sustained economic growth, supports high quality jobs, [and] strengthens regional economies — whether it’s through exploration, development, or supply chain activity,” Herron said.
The provincial government is advancing a Comprehensive Minerals Strategy Framework to position New Brunswick as investment-ready. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is reinforcing the country’s focus on critical minerals development amid rising global demand.
The deal between the New Brunswick Government and Regeneration Enterprises will see metals recovered from rock and chemical waste at the mine site. Proceeds will then fund environmental clean-up of the site.
Another agreement has since been signed between the New Brunswick Government and Avenir Minerals, a subsidiary of Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM). This deal gives the company exclusive rights to the former Lake George mining site, just southwest of Fredericton.
Lake George was once one of North America’s largest antimony producers, operating intermittently between 1876 and 1996.
Atlantic Canada’s mining renaissance
As previously reported, Atlantic Canada is experiencing a mining renaissance, backed by New Brunswick’s comprehensive strategy. Investment and exploration are ramping up, alongside efforts to develop sustainable frameworks for the mineral sector.
Albright Metals (ASX:ABR) is all-in on New Brunswick, with its core focus on the Golden Pike Gold and Antimony Project. The company plans to drill for gold, antimony, copper, and molybdenum in 2027. It recently expanded the project to around 5,277 hectares by staking contiguous mineral claims held under option from Globex Mining Enterprises (TSX:GMX), as reported.
In addition to Golden Pike, Albright is continuing to expand its New Brunswick portfolio. It recently added the Winding Hill Project by staking mineral claim 12279, around 60km north of Fredericton.
Nine Mile Metals (CSE:NINE) also notes the benefits of the province’s updated mining act for streamlining approvals, with the new minerals strategy intended as a one-stop shop for permitting.
The company is operating at the heart of the Bathurst Mining Camp district, the third-largest volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) camp worldwide.
Nine Mile is advancing four projects: The Wedge, Nine Mile Brook, California Lake, and Canoe Landing Lake. Its key focus is on ‘high-grade’ copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold.
As New Brunswick advances its mining sector, the Nigadoo and Lake George agreements highlight a broader shift toward unlocking value from historical mine sites and attracting new exploration investment.
With growing demand for critical minerals and stronger government support for project development, the province is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for companies seeking exposure to gold, antimony, copper, and other strategically important commodities.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Main image: Nine Mile Metals
