Prospectors in Nova Scotia and around the world can now invest in the province’s economy by using a new online mineral registry called NovaROC.

NovaROC users can learn about areas that are available for development, stake exploration claims, and pay fees online.

Previously, claims could only be registered in person at Natural Resources’ offices in Halifax.

“Exploration can lead to new discoveries and good jobs,” said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker. “This is a big step forward in modernizing the way we promote Nova Scotia’s investment opportunities worldwide. NovaROC makes it easier to do business here, and it’s a more efficient way to manage resources and exploration.”

NovaROC also makes information about exploration and development more accessible and gives the province better tools to monitor, manage and report development activity.

“NovaROC is an important step forward in supporting mineral exploration and creating mining jobs in rural areas,” said Sean Kirby, executive director of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia. “Doing staking on paper maps has a grand old history but we are delighted that the government is modernizing the process. This will encourage exploration and attract investment to Nova Scotia.”

Many provinces and jurisdictions already use an online claim system. Allowing users to register online will make Nova Scotia more competitive and help attract investment from the global mineral and petroleum industry.

The province has also updated its claims fee structure. For more information, visit www.novascotia.ca/natr.

Source: Release