The Reeve of Hanover says the mystery mineral that is holding up a proposed subdivision in La Broquerie could do the same thing in Hanover.

A developer in La Broquerie is having a difficult time with a subdivision proposal because of a mining claim on the property. Hanover Reeve Stan Toews says there is a large area in the southern part of his municipality that is also part of this claim.

He adds a company from Alberta has leased the mineral rights on these properties. And according to Toews, most landowners are probably not even aware of this.

"This company was supposed to notify them but legally they didn't have to," says Toews. "They only have to notify once they want to start exploratory drilling or something."

Toews says it is his understanding that this company can go to the province, purchase the rights and then hold a lease on that land for a certain number of years. Hanover is seeking clarification from the province on what rights a landowner has. In the case of La Broquerie, the developer's plans have been put on hold. But Toews says he is aware of no subdivision proposals in Hanover currently impacted by this claim.

According to Toews, there is speculation the mineral is nickel. That is because similar looking rock formations exist in northern Manitoba. And in those rock formations. nickel deposits exist.

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Mystery Mineral Interrupting Subdivision Development