For a coal mine to be developed in Alberta, it must go through an approval process that provides some opportunities for public input. The problem is that, for someone who is concerned about coal mine development in Alberta, it is sometimes difficult to understand what these opportunities are, when they come about, and how to take advantage of them. We hope that this resource serves to address some of the challenges and demystify the process to the extent possible.
The first step in the process for a proponent (the coal company) is to obtain a coal lease agreement from Alberta Energy. This lease is essentially a rental agreement that gives the proponent exclusive property rights to recover provincially owned coal for a 15-year term. It does not, however, permit mining or exploration activities. These must be applied for separately. The proponent must first apply for a coal exploration program (and associated permits). This allows them to conduct exploratory work, usually through drilling, to determine the size and quality of the coal deposit and how they intend to mine it, among other things. They use this information along with input from a variety of other sources to then create a mine development application. It is in these application processes that the public can get involved.
Opportunities for public engagement and involvement
What are the steps?
The flowchart is not entirely comprehensive but it should, along with the accompanying explainers, give a good idea of the process involved in getting a coal mine approved in Alberta (at least on paper) and highlight the opportunities for members of the public to have their say in the potential development of the mine.
Make a donation
Move conservation forward in Alberta.
Lasting protection for nature and wildlife in Alberta doesn’t happen overnight (although we wish it did)! Your donation fuels our fight for nature. Donate to support CPAWS Northern Alberta’s conservation efforts.
Donate