Morien Resources Corp. (Morien), formerly Erdene Resource Development Corp., conducted a multi-year aggregate exploration program to investigate potential aggregate quarry sites in the Maritimes, concentrating on Nova Scotia due to its southerly location. These investigations included literature research and site-specific evaluations of existing physical, biological and socio-economic conditions.
Because aggregates are a high-bulk, low-cost commodity, the cost of transportation can easily exceed the price of the aggregate. Thus, for a marine quarry which requires considerably more capital than a land-based quarry to be profitable, the aggregate source should be located adjacent to deep water. Black Point was the most suitable site identified by Morien in its program.
In 2014, Morien entered into a joint business agreement with Vulcan Materials Company to develop Black Point Quarry and marine terminal.
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (formerly Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency) conducted an environmental assessment of the project, and in April 2016, the Minister of Environment approved the project. And two years later in 2018, the company was granted a two-year extension of the Ministerial Approval of the Black Point Quarry and Marine Terminal issued by the Province of Nova Scotia.
