Alberta announces plan to develop 'modernized' coal policy

The future of coal mining in Alberta will be governed by a new, modern approach, the province announced on Friday.

Brian Jean and Rebecca Schulz released details of the Coal Industry Modernization Initiative, or CIMI, at Calgary's McDougall Centre on Friday morning.

The framework sets out rules to "guide responsible coal mining practices" while also increasing royalties to Albertans.

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According to a document released to the media, the CIMI's main goal will be to protect Alberta's water.

"If coal mining is allowed, it will only be allowed to the highest standards," the document reads.

The CIMI bans mountaintop removal as a technique, prevents all open-pit coal mining in the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies and will not consider any coal mining proposals that have not explored the best water practices first.

"The Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas is leading the government's collaborative cross-ministry work on land-use planning," the document said.

"While land-use planning will provide direction regarding coal mining activities, Alberta's rigorous regulatory processes will continue to be employed to assess the potential impacts of a proposed coal project and, if deemed to be in the public interest, ensure that appropriate rules, limits, and oversight are in place to protect the environment."

Coal mining has been a controversial issue for many Albertans in recent years, especially for those who live in the Crowsnest Pass region.

Last month, residents in the area voted in a plebiscite to decide whether an application from Northback, an Australian mining company, to re-initiate coal mining operations in the eastern slopes of the Rockies should move forward.

The vote, which was not legally binding, was overwhelmingly in favour of Northback's proposal.

Opponents to the idea say coal mining will put critical water supplies at risk.

Grassy Mountain, peak to left, and the Grassy Mountain Coal Project are seen north of Blairmore, Alta., Thursday, June 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Next steps on Alberta's coal policy

With the CIMI in hand, the province says it will be working with the Alberta Energy Regulator to consult with coal industry stakeholders and collect their feedback.

The Alberta government aims to have a new coal policy ready before the end of 2025.