LOWER MILLSTREAM, NB - A major industrial announcement is coming for the Sussex area next week that could bring hundreds of additional mining jobs. The New Brunswick Government has finally found a company willing to explore for potash with an eye to developing another mine.
The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan is building a new mine with a price tag of one and half billion dollars in Penobsquis.
Earlier this year, the New Brunswick Government put out a call for expressions of interest in the undeveloped Millstream deposit.
If a mine gets developed, hundreds of jobs would be created in the area, but there are environmental concerns.
Stephanie Coburn is a beef cattle farmer and environmentalist. Coburn says, "The area in question is an area that isn't developed, and all around it are houses and farms. If they lose their water, they're all on wells. If they lose their water, they're in the same situation as the people in Penobsquis."
Residents of Penobsquis have long blamed the local potash mine for damaging dozens of wells in their area. Coburn says steps should be taken before exploration even begins. Coburn adds she could support the development of a new potash mine if the government takes steps to protect farms and homeowners near the proposed mine.
With files from CTV's Mike Cameron.
