The Alberta NDP will hold a virtual town hall, focused on proposed coal mining activities in the Crowsnest Pass. (Photo: Josefhanus | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Provincial Politics

Virtual town hall to focus on coal mining in southwestern Alberta

Oct 24, 2023 | 4:21 PM

The Alberta NDP said it wants to hear from Albertans on potential new mining activities.

The party is set to hold an online town hall meeting where members will present participants with information about newly proposed mines in the Eastern Slopes and where residents can give their feedback.

NDP Environment and Climate Resilience Critic Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse said Albertans have made it clear that they do not support mining on the province’s mountains for coal.

“Our Rocky Mountains are incredible and they must be protected. This is about the future – we want our kids and their kids after that to be able to enjoy our mountains and incredible parks just as we can,” said Stonehouse.

Australian firm Northback Holdings, formerly known as Benga Mining, resurrected an old proposal for a steelmaking coal mine on the Grassy Mountain in the Crowsnest Pass in September 2023.

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The application had previously been denied by both provincial and federal regulators, and an order from the Government of Alberta forbids coal mining activities in the area due to its sensitive ecosystem.

Since it became public knowledge that the proposal was once again before a joint provincial-federal committee, the NDP claims that it has received thousands of letters from concerned Albertans.

NDP Energy & Climate Critic Kathleen Ganley called the proposal “unacceptable.”

“The public is clearly against these projects, yet once again, the UCP appear to want to open the back door to their friends,” said Ganley. “There is no business case here; the low royalties cannot outweigh the impacts on our environment, quality of life, and tourism in the area. We can continue to be a world leader while making progress to protect our natural spaces”

The virtual town hall takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Anyone who is planning to participate can register on the Alberta NDP’s website.

READ MORE: Head of AB commission on Crowsnest Pass coal mining concerned over new applications