This episode of the Insights Podcast features an exclusive conversation with veteran miner Kevin Bullock, the CEO of NexGold, the mining company that is close to making a final decision to develop a gold mine near Goldboro in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. There are 1.15 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves at the Goldboro site that will be open-pit mined. Based on current reserves, the company expects to mine 100,000 ounces per year for at least 11 years, with the expectation that the mine's life will be considerably longer with further exploration. The construction of the mine will cost between $400 and $450 million, take two years to complete, and create more than 300 direct construction jobs. Once operational, more than 200 full-time employees will work at the mine. At today's gold prices ($4,800 US an ounce), the mine is expected to contribute more than $600 million (in Canadian dollars) to the province's exports over its current expected life span. The company has the financing in place to complete the construction phase and will make a final decision to proceed towards the end of the summer, and may begin construction later this year. The project will generate more than half a billion dollars in tax revenue over its life, with 60% accruing to the provincial government. Mining jobs are high-paying and create many opportunities for local suppliers.

We have a special edition of the Insights podcast this week. As many of you will know, Don has been heading up the Atlantic Economic Panel - an initiative that has brought together some of the region's top business leaders and thinkers to develop a roadmap for the future prosperity of the region. Don summarizes the panel's work to date and offers insight into the final report and recommendations. A key theme? We need more ambition at all levels across the region. The next 15-20 years could be a time of great prosperity, but there is still work to be done. There will be enablers (e.g., regulations, tax environment, workforce, population growth, etc.) and specific major economic opportunities (e.g., natural resources, energy, defence, etc.). If you want a sneak peek into the work of the Atlantic Economic Panel, grab a coffee or tea, put on your headphones and carve out 50 minutes of your day.

The Marco Group was founded in St. John’s, NL, in 1979 by the late Tom Hickman, whose family still retains majority ownership of the company. The company decided to expand into the rest of the region in the early 2000s. That is when Allan MacIntosh, the company’s President, joined the company as a co-owner and set up offices in Halifax. MacIntosh is our guest in this episode of the Insights Podcast and talks about the company’s growth over the past couple of decades. About 60% of the company’s work is now outside of Newfoundland & Labrador. Marco has over 100 employees, with the majority based at its head office in St. John’s. Since its inception, the company has built billions of dollars' worth of buildings across the region. Since moving into the regional market, its revenue has grown from $30 million to $300 million per year. The company often works with major national companies such as PCL and Ellis Don and is involved in long-term care facilities, hospital construction, multi-residential buildings, recreational facilities, and commercial buildings. MacIntosh discusses the challenges of recruiting skilled workers, the opportunity for direct entry into the workplace for those interested in the trades, and the company’s efforts to retain employees.