Around 90 demonstrators gather in Fort Macleod earlier this week to protest the potential opening of the Grassy Mountain coal mine. Photo by Frank McTighe.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Jan 15, 2025
Government introduces stricter environmental measures as protests continue
The Alberta government has announced updates to its coal policy, introducing new measures aimed at modernizing coal development practices while addressing environmental concerns. The Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI) establishes stricter guidelines for coal mining and includes provisions to protect natural ecosystems and water resources. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding the Grassy Mountain coal project in the Crowsnest Pass area remain contentious.
The updated policy builds on the 2021 Coal Policy Committee’s recommendations and the 1976 Coal Development Policy. It prohibits mountaintop removal mining, a practice not previously used in Alberta, and prevents the approval of new open-pit coal mines in the Eastern Slopes. Future coal projects will be required to use advanced mining technologies designed to minimize land disruption and prevent contaminants, such as selenium, from affecting waterways.
Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean stated that the government is working toward a balanced approach to coal development.
“We are not handing over the keys for unlimited coal development in Alberta’s natural spaces,” Jean said, “Instead, we’re working with industry to ensure that environmental safeguards are prioritized.”
Consultations with industry stakeholders are scheduled to begin in early 2025, with a finalized policy framework anticipated by year’s end.
Public concerns about coal mining have been evident in recent protests. On January 6, a “No to Coal” rally was held in Fort Macleod, where participants carried signs stating, “Mountains Not Mines” and “Protect the Eastern Slopes.” The protest reflected opposition to coal development in Alberta’s foothills.
In Brocket, members of the Piikani Nation also protested against explorational drilling proposed by Northback Holdings at the Grassy Mountain site, which is located less than 100 kilometres upstream from their community. Some community members voiced frustration with leadership following Chief Troy Knowlton’s announcement of the council’s support for the testing proposal. Concerns were raised about the potential environmental impact of the project.
Chief Knowlton addressed these concerns in a statement, explaining that the council’s support is limited to testing and does not indicate approval of the mine itself.
“We neither support nor oppose the mine at this stage. We need to see and consider the results of testing before an informed decision can be made,” Knowlton stated.
He also acknowledged differing opinions within the community and committed to holding a vote once the testing data is available.
As Alberta implements its updated coal policy, discussions surrounding projects like Grassy Mountain highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between resource development and environmental protection. The government’s next steps include refining its policy framework to address these competing interests.