Mining company Northback applies for coal exploration in the Rockies
Northback, formerly known as Benga Mining, appears to be attempting to resurrect the Grassy Mountain project, a proposed coal mine rejected by the provincial and federal governments.
The company has applied through the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for exploration, drilling and water diversion licensing, which would be used just north of the Crowsnest Pass.
Opponents of the project were outraged to see its potential return.
"That was really concerning for a couple of reasons. First of all, because we don't think coal is an appropriate use of that area.
Albertans have been very clear they don't want to see new coal mining on the eastern slopes of the Rockies," said Katie Morrison, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society's southern Alberta chapter.
A ministerial order is currently in place preventing any new coal development in the region.
The pause on new development came from a coal committee's recommendations to protect fish and water quality.
Some members of that committee are concerned the AER even accepted the application.
"The water that the coal mines need to mine coal, but also the implications of what goes into the water and then what comes downstream are really, really scary. That's pretty much why the original proposal for that mine got shut down," committee member Bill Trafford said.
The application is considered an advanced coal project according to the AER, which is allowed under the ministerial order.
Trafford doesn't see how a project that's already been rejected meets that benchmark.
"Haven't we done this before? Didn't we do this? Didn't we deal with this? I don't know, it's like, 'Why is this starting up again?'" he said.
Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean was not available for comment, but a statement from his office provided an update on that project.
"Alberta's government is keeping strong restrictions in place on coal mining. The application for these exploration drilling activities is being reviewed by the AER. An application does not necessarily mean it will be approved," the statement read.
CTV News reached out to Northback but did not receive a comment.
The application could take weeks to be approved or denied by the AER.
If Northback decided to develop the site, another application would be required.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING UnitedHealthcare CEO shot in Manhattan, gunman flees on e-bike, officials say
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.
2 Quebec men top BOLO program's latest Top 25 list of Canada's most wanted
Two men believed to be central figures in Quebec’s violent and ongoing drug conflict topped the Bolo Program's latest Top 25 list of Canada's Most Wanted fugitives.
Air Canada to bar carry-on bags for lowest-fare customers
Air Canada says it will bar carry-on bags and impose a seat selection fee for its lowest-fare customers.
Sweden and Finland want citizens to be prepared for war. Should Canada do the same?
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches its third year, nearby Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland are preparing their citizens to survive during a military conflict. Should Canada be doing the same?
$80-million jackpot: 2 winning tickets sold in Canada
There are two winners of the $80 million Lotto Max jackpot, Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) has announced. The prize will be split between two tickets sold in Quebec and Alberta, respectively.
Dollarama buys land for Calgary warehouse, targets 2,200 Canadian stores by 2034
A new Dollarama distribution centre and a lot more of the chain's stores are headed for Canada over the next decade.
Poilievre offers two hours of House time Monday for Freeland to present fall economic statement
In absence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister confirming a date to present a fall economic statement, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is offering to give up two hours of scheduled opposition time next Monday to 'tell us how much she's lost control of the nation's finances.'
Facial recognition to board a plane: How does it work, and what are the privacy concerns?
Air Canada has launched facial recognition technology at the gate for people flying out of Vancouver International Airport - with the promise of a faster boarding process with fewer hassles.
VPD issue public warning after random sucker punch at bus stop
Vancouver police have released security video as they seek witnesses to an unprovoked assault in the downtown core.