CGC advances $104M quarry modernization in Little Narrows
Source: thespec.com
TL;DR
- CGC Inc. reports progress on its $104 million quarry revitalization in Little Narrows, Nova Scotia.
- Project includes a next-generation ship loader and new dock, with mining set to resume by year-end.
- Restart will supply raw gypsum for wallboard to North American plants and create over 100 jobs.
The story at a glance
CGC Inc., the Canadian arm of USG Corporation, is advancing work on a $104 million project to modernize its gypsum quarry in Little Narrows, Nova Scotia.[[1]](https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/cgc-currently-undertaking-104-million-modernization-project-in-little-narrows/article_f3930bd3-578b-5767-b4dd-5760cf0b6f20.html)[[2]](https://www.usg.com/en-CA/about-cgc/news-articles/cgc-announces-104-million-investment-to-re-launch-gypsum-quarry-in-nova-scotia) The article notes ongoing construction of key features like a new dock and ship loader, with mining operations expected back before 2026 ends.[[1]](https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/cgc-currently-undertaking-104-million-modernization-project-in-little-narrows/article_f3930bd3-578b-5767-b4dd-5760cf0b6f20.html) This update comes as the site nears full operations after years of investment since the 2023 announcement.
Key points
- Work has progressed over the last few years on revitalizing the quarry, which operated from 1954 to 2016 before closing.[[3]](https://atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca/web-exclusives/more-supplies-more-homes-cgcs-nova-scotia-investments-could-help-with-housing-crisis)
- Includes installation of a next-generation ship loader and new dock for exporting raw gypsum rock.[[1]](https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/cgc-currently-undertaking-104-million-modernization-project-in-little-narrows/article_f3930bd3-578b-5767-b4dd-5760cf0b6f20.html)
- Mining at the quarry is expected to resume before the end of 2026, with full operations and shipping targeted for fall.[[1]](https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/cgc-currently-undertaking-104-million-modernization-project-in-little-narrows/article_f3930bd3-578b-5767-b4dd-5760cf0b6f20.html)
- Once running, the site will produce up to 2 million tonnes of raw gypsum annually for shipment to plants along North America's eastern seaboard.[[2]](https://www.usg.com/en-CA/about-cgc/news-articles/cgc-announces-104-million-investment-to-re-launch-gypsum-quarry-in-nova-scotia)
- Project supports more than 100 long-term jobs, including heavy equipment operators, lab technicians, and engineers.[[4]](https://www.canadianminingjournal.com/news/gypsum-mining-to-restart-at-little-narrows-ns)
- CGC began in Nova Scotia in 1907, initially quarrying and exporting gypsum to the United States.[[1]](https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/cgc-currently-undertaking-104-million-modernization-project-in-little-narrows/article_f3930bd3-578b-5767-b4dd-5760cf0b6f20.html)
Details and context
The quarry shut down in 2016 amid a shift to synthetic gypsum from coal plants, but rising demand for natural gypsum—driven by coal phase-outs and construction needs—prompted the revival.[[3]](https://atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca/web-exclusives/more-supplies-more-homes-cgcs-nova-scotia-investments-could-help-with-housing-crisis) CGC announced the investment in May 2023 to upgrade crushers, conveyors, mining equipment, and port facilities, with much infrastructure like the dock and buildings now complete as of late 2025.[[2]](https://www.usg.com/en-CA/about-cgc/news-articles/cgc-announces-104-million-investment-to-re-launch-gypsum-quarry-in-nova-scotia)[[3]](https://atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca/web-exclusives/more-supplies-more-homes-cgcs-nova-scotia-investments-could-help-with-housing-crisis)
Hiring is underway to staff the operation, building on local economic ties in Victoria County, Cape Breton.[[3]](https://atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca/web-exclusives/more-supplies-more-homes-cgcs-nova-scotia-investments-could-help-with-housing-crisis) The gypsum will feed CGC's wallboard plants, including in Montreal, supporting housing and building supply chains.
Key quotes
None reported in the article.
Why it matters
This project secures a key North American source of natural gypsum, vital for drywall production amid growing construction demand and shifts away from synthetic alternatives.
It means about 100 stable jobs for Little Narrows and reliable raw material for manufacturers serving Canada and the U.S. east coast.
Watch for mining restart by late 2026 and any hiring or production updates, though timelines could shift with final construction.