The residents raised concerns at a Wednesday meeting about using trucks to move coal out of the mine, while other residents and local fishermen are uneasy about the environmental impact of a rail line to move the coal, or a pier to ship it, the Nova Scotia Business Journal reported.

While some residents are concerned, community liaison committee head Hugh Kennedy told the newspaper many people saw the project as a “rebirth for the community” and that to date Xstrata had been “getting it right when it comes to answering their concerns”

If the project goes ahead, not only will it mean much-needed jobs in the area, but also the first longwall mine in the country since 2001.

The Donkin project is being explored by the Xstrata Donkin Mine Development Alliance, 75% held by Xstrata Coal and 25% by Halifax-based Erdene Gold.

The project has completed the conceptual phase with the reserve and resource, coal quality, transport options, gas drainage, development and financials all under consideration by Xstrata Coal management.

Xstrata is holding open house meetings to answer any community concerns this week.

A decision on whether to develop the mine is expected mid-2008.