Australian Mining Firm Seeks Alberta Coal Permit
A unit of Hancock Prospecting has applied to reopen the Grassy Mountain mine in Alberta. The project was previously rejected over environmental concerns. A petition drive is underway to seek a moratorium on new coal projects in the eastern Rockies.
The Sydney Morning HeraldA unit of Hancock Prospecting is seeking government permission to reopen the Grassy Mountain mine in Alberta for metallurgical coal used in steel production. The project was rejected five years ago after a joint federal and provincial review board found that adverse effects on surface water quality and westslope cutthroat trout habitat outweighed economic benefits.
Hancock Prospecting is now suing the Canadian government for C$2 billion in damages under an international trade mechanism.
The company has reduced the proposed mine size by 40 percent and lowered the planned annual output to 2.5 million tonnes. Plans include a water-treatment facility and burial of selenium to avoid tailings dams. A company spokesperson said a 2025 Alberta poll showed 74 percent support for the project and that the firm would consult local residents.
Country music performer Corb Lund has organized a petition drive calling for a moratorium on new coal projects in the eastern Rockies. The Water Not Coal group reports more than 200,000 signatures collected. If roughly 178,000 signatures are verified, the question would go to Premier Danielle Smith’s cabinet for possible inclusion on an October 19 referendum ballot.
Norma Dougall, a canvasser who owns property near the site, said the group seeks a permanent ban because water is considered more valuable than coal. The revised application will undergo two years of public feedback and regulatory review before another public hearing.
