HALIFAX — Northern Pulp, the company behind a Nova Scotia mill that shut down four years ago amid environmental shortcomings, says it will cost $2.5 billion to build a new, cutting-edge plant on the province’s southwest shore. But the company says the proposed project, which will require private and public funding, does not currently meet its required rate of profitability — and it wants until early May to secure financing. “The company will use the extension period to continue working to identify … potential financing opportunities,” the company said. “The company will begin steps to prepare for a sales process of Northern Pulp’s assets if a new mill is not feasible.” The insolvent company, owned by Paper Excellence Group also said it will be asking a BC judge to extend its court-ordered protection from creditors on Friday. The Nova Scotia government said that as a secured creditor, it would agree to a five-week extension.

• Chronicle Herald, by Aaron Beswick: New Queens County pulp mill would need government support: Northern Pulp