Proven Progress in the Elk Valley

The permanent residents of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass delivered a clear and decisive message in the Grassy Mountain plebiscite: this community supports metallurgical coal mining. As stewards of this mandate, Council has a responsibility to ensure the Northback Grassy Mountain project reflects our community’s priorities of economic growth, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability.

To that end, Council recently attended Elk Valley Resources’ (EVR) annual Water Quality Open House. The event highlighted EVR’s decade-long effort to manage selenium levels in the Elk Valley, a challenge intrinsic to coal mining. What we learned is inspiring: significant progress has been made, and the tools and strategies used in the Elk Valley offer valuable insights for the successful development of Grassy Mountain.

Proven Progress in the Elk Valley

EVR has made significant progress implementing the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, developed in 2014, with selenium levels stabilizing and reducing downstream of water treatment. Selenium, a naturally occurring element in rock, can leach into waterways during mining operations. Left unmanaged, it can pose risks to aquatic life at higher levels. However, EVR’s investment of over $1.4 billion into advanced treatment technologies has turned this challenge into a success story.

Currently, four state-of-the-art water treatment facilities operate in the Elk Valley, capable of treating over 75 million litres of water daily. By 2027, EVR plans to expand this capacity to 150 million litres per day with five additional facilities under construction. EVR indicated that these investments have yielded measurable improvements:

 • Selenium levels downstream of the Elk Valley mines have stabilized and are decreasing—levels are  below the regulatory limit of 19 micrograms per litre which is set to be environmentally protective  at the first permitted compliance location downstream of all EVR operations in the Elk Valley

 • Fish tissue monitoring consistently shows selenium concentrations well below harmful thresholds, with no significant health impacts on fish or their ecosystems.

These results underscore the effectiveness of EVR’s approach, demonstrating that modern mining can achieve both economic and environmental goals.

Adopting These Strategies for Grassy Mountain

The Elk Valley’s success provides a clear blueprint for how Northback could develop the Grassy Mountain project responsibly. By incorporating proven water treatment technologies, engaging stakeholders early, and committing to transparent monitoring, Grassy Mountain could achieve similarly impressive results.

Unlike EVR, which has had to address legacy mining issues, Grassy Mountain represents a clean slate. A chance to proactively design a new mine that integrates selenium management from the outset. By taking this forward looking approach, Northback could avoid the pitfalls of the past while setting a new standard for responsible mining. 

Northback has already committed to adhering to stringent environmental standards. Drawing from the Elk Valley’s $1.4 billion investment model, Grassy Mountain can confidently address concerns like selenium contamination while securing long-term economic benefits to our community.

For the residents of Crowsnest Pass, this project is more than just mining, it’s about revitalizing our local economy while safeguarding the natural environment that defines our community. With millions of dollars in projected economic benefits and the potential for hundreds of high-paying jobs, Grassy Mountain represents an opportunity to strengthen the region while embracing the highest standards of sustainability.

A Future Built on Balance

The lessons from the Elk Valley show that it is possible to balance economic development with environmental protection. Responsible mining isn’t about choosing between jobs and the environment, it’s about finding solutions that support both. The successes in the Elk Valley remind us that progress is achievable when science, innovation, and collaboration come together.

For Crowsnest Pass, the Grassy Mountain project is a chance to demonstrate this balance. By applying the proven strategies from the Elk Valley, Northback could ensure Grassy Mountain becomes a legacy project, one that respects our community’s values, fulfills the plebiscite mandate, and secures a sustainable future for generations to come.

Let’s seize this opportunity to lead with purpose, ensuring that Crowsnest Pass continues to thrive as a community rooted in tradition yet open to innovation. Together, we can make Grassy Mountain a shining example of modern, responsible mining that benefits both our economy and our environment.