The province is expanding quarries in Digby and Colchester counties.

It’ll take place in Seabrook and Kemptown.

They provide stone, gravel and other materials for building roads and highways.

Aggregate also comes from quarries, and was added to the list of strategic minerals earlier this month.

Environment minister Timothy Halman says the approvals have terms and conditions to protect the environment and human health, while allowing necessary development for the benefit of Nova Scotians.

Public Works used 2.5 million tonnes of gravel and 750,000 tonnes of asphalt per year on roads.