Notification of the positive assessment decision was made July 17.

The mine now has all of the necessary environmental sign-offs to advance toward full production.

Belliveau said in his decision that, after an informational review, coupled with information gathered during the government and public consultation process, he was satisfied that any adverse effects or significant environmental effects can be adequately mitigated.

This provincial approval comes about a year after Donkin was registered for environmental assessment in accordance with Part IV of Nova Scotia's Environment Act.

“The company continues to work closely with a group of prospective operating, marketing, coal purchasing and financial partners as [it] actively pursues the path of acquiring Xstrata Coal's 75% interest in the project,” Morien officials said.

Morien holds the remaining 25% in Donkin.

Last week, outgoing Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent also submitted a positive environmental assessment decision for the complex.

The approval, dated July 15, indicated the planned complex would likely not cause significant adverse environmental effects and its mitigation measures and follow-up program were appropriate.

Donkin is expected to produce about 3.6 million tonnes annually, likely via longwall and continuous miner operations, for a projected 30-year lifespan.