A Panel Discussion - Coal Mining in the Oldman Watershed: Are there Potential Risks?

There is significant interest in establishing metallurgical coal mining operations throughout the eastern slopes of Alberta. The areas residing within the Oldman watershed are no exception. Currently, there are four companies exploring potential mining operations in the region. All of the currently proposed coal mines are open-pit “mountain top removal” mines and are located in the Crowsnest Pass area. Coal mining exploration is also happening along the Livingstone Range and in the Bighorn area west of Red Deer.

On May 15, 2020, the Government of Alberta announced it was rescinding the long-standing provincial Coal Policy, which was implemented by the Peter Lougheed Government in 1976. Since then, Crown coal rights have been sold on land where coal mining was previously not considered, in order to protect the watershed and wildlife.

On March 4, 2022, the Government of Alberta announced restrictions on coal development in the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies. The restrictions on new development will be in place until directions on coal activities are incorporated into updated regional land-use plans.

On January 15, 2025 Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean wrote to AER that he had decided to cancel three previous ministerial orders from 2021 and 2022 to reduce regulatory confusion. The letter went on to say that the AER must lift the suspension on all coal project approvals that were put on hold under the rescinded orders. Expiry dates for the approvals would also be extended to account for the time they were suspended, the letter states.

Panel members: Chris Spearman, Agri Food Processing, Mandy Olsgard, toxicologist, Gavin Fitch, Environmental Lawyer, Elliot Fox, Kainai First Nation (Blood Tribe)