Sisson Mine Project
What’s Happening Now
On November 13, 2025, the federal government is referring the Sisson Mine Project to the Major Projects Office under its nation-building initiative. A number of other projects have been referred also. Some of these projects may end up being designated as a Project of Nation Interest, which can allow a project to move through the approval process more quickly. Projects referred to the Major Projects Office may also benefit from project management or assistance with financial investments.
It is still unclear if this will have any material impact on the existing agreements Wolastoqey communities have with the project for accommodations and conditions.
It’s important to note that the Sisson Mine Project already received federal and provincial approval. It is therefore unclear what this news means for the project and whether this will have any material impact on the existing agreements Wolastoqey communities have with the project for accommodations and conditions.
The six Chiefs will continue conversations with federal and provincial counterparts to gather more information about what this means and to ensure that Wolastoqey Rights are respected. The Wolastoqey Chiefs insist that all proper processes will be followed and the conditions upon which the mine was established will be maintained. This includes ensuring the EIA conditions put forth by the province are met along with the accommodations outlined in the agreements signed by our communities.
The provincial government has made public statements about potential jobs and economic impacts.
At this time, we are monitoring all new information, reviewing what this means for existing legal matters, and pressing governments to uphold Wolastoqey Rights at every step. As more details become available, we will share updates on this page so community members remain informed about what is happening and what it may mean for our territory.
History of the project
Discussions about developing a tungsten and molybdenum mine in the Sisson Brook area began in the late 2000s. A federal environmental assessment process began in 2011, with a provincial process following shortly after. The proposed open-pit mine sits in the heart of our Wolastoqey homeland.
The project received provincial environmental approval in 2015 and federal approval in 2017, allowing it to move forward under more than 40 environmental conditions. Despite these approvals, the mine did not proceed for several years due to global tungsten price instability and the company’s challenges securing investment.
Interest in Sisson resurfaced as tungsten and molybdenum were added to the federal government’s critical minerals list and global supply concerns increased.
In May 2025, the company announced approximately $20 million in U.S. Defense Production Act funding to support updated engineering work and a refreshed feasibility study. The federal government also recently committed additional funding tied to meeting technical milestones.
On November 13, 2025, the federal government announced that it is referring the Sisson Mine Project to the Major Projects Officeunder its nation-building initiative, potentially to be designated as a Project of National Interest, signalling new federal involvement intended to support financing, investment certainty, and international supply agreements. The company’s current publicly stated timeline anticipates a final investment decision around 2027, with construction to follow if approved.
Summary of the injunctions
In 2023, a court order (an injunction) was put in place at the Sisson Mine site because of protest activity. This order limits what people can do in and around the area. Police can arrest anyone they reasonably believe is breaking these rules.
The injunction says that no one — including Wolastoqey community members — can:
- Block people, vehicles, or equipment connected to the Sisson Mine from entering or moving through the Crown land where Sisson has mineral claims. This includes standing in front of vehicles to stop them from moving.
- Get within 30 metres of Sisson vehicles, equipment, or machinery in a way that stops them from working or being maintained.
- Put vehicles or objects on the land (or be on the land themselves) in a way that interferes with Sisson’s work. If this happens, Sisson can remove the objects, and police can remove people.
- Try to interfere with any fieldwork, drilling, or the equipment used for that work.
- Block or disrupt Sisson’s activities on the Crown land or on the roads leading to it. This includes stopping Sisson employees or contractors from entering or leaving, or threatening, intimidating, or assaulting anyone working for Sisson.
- Encourage or advise others to do any of these prohibited actions.
Links to the injunction news release
Updates from the Provincial Government
Update from the Province to Community Members – October 2025
News Stories
CBC: Sisson Mine project is long overdue, geologist says (November 14, 2025 by Sam Farley)