Minto, N.B. celebrates 350 years of mining

As early as 1639, New Brunswick miners were quarrying the coal seam near Grand Lake. The seam was near the surface, flat lying and averaged 45 cm thickness. The coal was loaded onto boats which carried it across Grand Lake to the Saint John River and down to the sea, bound for Boston.

The early operations were small and it was not until 1760 that a settler named Joseph Garrison discovered the extent and economic importance of the seams that outcrop along the north shore of Grand Lake. As New Brunswick became more settled, roads were built and the coal was taken by horse and wagon to Fredericton.

The early mining was done in shafts to about 90 feet depth with drifts at various levels. The men removed the dirt by hand and sent it to the surface in small railway carts pushed by the “wheeler.” When the coal seam was reached, holes were drilled, charges set and the fuses lit. It was a dangerous life.

In 1904 the railway reached the area and the coal mines became busier than ever — 21 companies were working the veins. The same year the scattered communities were amalgamated into the town of Minto.

At the turn of the century new technology was introduced that allowed the coal to be strip mined and the underground shafts were gradually phased out. Underground mining ended completely in 1970.

About five million tonnes of coal is mined annually near Minto and it is used to fuel electric generating stations at Grand Lake and Dalhousie.

The village of Minto and NB Coal Ltd. will mark the anniversary with a parade and special events. A booklet outlining the history of coal mining in the region is also available.

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