Send an Email - Coal Mining in the Eastern Slopes - Alberta Wilderness Association

Send an Email – Coal Mining in the Eastern Slopes

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I am writing to express my concern regarding the ongoing coal mining projects in the Eastern Slopes, including Summit Coal Ltd.’s Mine 14 and Northback Holdings Corporation’s Grassy Mountain applications.

Albertans have reiterated time and time again that coal mining is an inappropriate land-use for the sensitive and essential environments within the Eastern Slopes, including many of the headwaters that provision the province and its inhabitants with clean drinking water. The removal of the 1976 Coal Policy in 2020 was met with widespread public outcry and led to a government survey where an overwhelming 90% of participants agreed coal development should be restricted from the Eastern Slopes, with the majority citing environmental impacts as the most important issue informing their opinion.

The Eastern Slopes are the backbone of Alberta’s wilderness. They encompass the vital headwaters of the North Saskatchewan, South Saskatchewan, Red Deer and Oldman rivers, provide essential habitat for wildlife and species at risk, and support the recreational pursuits and livelihoods of many. Applications and plans for coal mining exploration and development threaten the ecological integrity of Alberta’s Eastern Slopes.

I respectfully request that the Government of Alberta:

• Deny Northback Holdings Corporation’s Grassy Mountain and Summit Coal Ltd.’s Mine 14 applications, and any subsequent coal mining projects in the Eastern Slopes. 
• Abide the recommendations outlined by the Coal Policy Committee, ensuring Albertans are meaningfully consulted about resource development.
• Honour Ministerial Order 002/2022, which established a moratorium on new coal exploration and developments in the Eastern Slopes. 
• Make the moratorium on coal exploration and development in the Eastern Slopes permanent.  
• Complete the subregional management plans under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act. 
• Prioritize the integrity and long-term health of Alberta’s environment, which provides essential and irreplaceable ecosystem services and economic benefits.

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