Hearings expected to conclude this week
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) resumed public hearings on Tuesday regarding the proposed Grassy Mountain coal mining project, according to a CTV News report.
Northback Holdings, the company behind the development, is seeking approval for three applications: a coal exploration programme, a deep drill permit, and a temporary licence to divert water.
“We’re confident that the global demand for seaborne metallurgical coal will remain robust for decades,” said Stacey Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Northback Holdings, in the report.
She noted the company’s significant financial investment in the site, which she estimated at $1 billion.
She also stressed the company’s commitment to minimising environmental impact in doing the project.
Brown assured stakeholders that planned activities would use existing infrastructure. The company intends to drill 14 holes on 11 existing drill pads on Crown land, alongside 19 additional holes on 12 drill pads located on private land owned by Northback.
All equipment entering the site will be inspected and cleaned before entering, Brown said in the CTV News report, addressing concerns raised by the Municipal District (MD) of Ranchlands #66 about the spread of invasive weeds.
Opposition against Grassy Mountain coal mining project
The project has sparked strong opposition from environmental advocates, local residents, and some Indigenous groups. On Tuesday, approximately 200 protesters gathered outside the AER’s downtown Calgary offices to voice their concerns.
“People are not for this drilling. The people are not for these mines,” said protester Byrdie Loyer in the report.
“It is our leaders and our chief that are behind this, and they’re bought out.”
“It’s not a benefit to Albertans. It’s an Australian mining company that will be taking the profits out of our country,” Andreasen said. She also warned about potential water and air quality impacts, adding, “We as Albertans haven’t had a chance to be consulted on this.”
Legal and regulatory scrutiny
The hearing also included cross-examination from lawyers representing the MD and the Livingstone Landowners Group. Michael Niven, legal counsel for the MD, questioned the necessity of further exploratory drilling, given the extensive drilling history at Grassy Mountain.
There have been 517 exploratory holes drilled on Grassy Mountain since the 1970s, including 83 drilled between 2013 and 2016 by Riversdale, a related company, Niven noted, according to the report. He criticised the project’s rationale, likening it to outdated wartime strategies.
“I’m able to remember that Vietnam War protest back in the late 1960s and the Nixon strategy of bombing for peace. That’s what this sounds like to me,” said Niven.
Northback maintained that it has made efforts to address stakeholder concerns. “Northback believes it has been receptive and responsive to and has appropriately considered the concerns and interests of all stakeholders to the applications,” Brown said.
Residents support Grassy Mountain coal project
A November referendum in Crowsnest Pass revealed that 71 per cent of residents supported the project, but the vote was non-binding, reported CTV News. However, the site is located within the jurisdiction of the MD, where opinions may differ.
Supporters also argue that the Grassy Mountain coal mining project could create jobs and highlight improved mining regulations.
The Alberta government has refrained from commenting on the hearing.
“We respect the Alberta Energy Regulator’s independent jurisdiction on making any decisions on applications for projects,” stated a spokesperson for Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean’s office.
The hearings, which began in December in Pincher Creek, are expected to conclude later this week. Evidence from the Piikani Nation and Stoney Nakoda Nation is scheduled for Wednesday. The AER panel will have 90 days to issue its decision, noted CTV News.
