BC’s ‘coal barons’ honoured at mining gala

Vancouver — British Columbia’s coal-mining executives were honoured at a special awards ceremony during a gala dinner to celebrate the province’s Mining Week (May 9-16).

Wendy McDonald, president of the British Columbia Bearing Group, presented the awards to mining executives credited with sustaining and reviving coal fields in the northeastern and southeastern corners of the province.

The awards were presented to James Popowich, president of Fording Canadian Coal Trust (FDG.UN-T) and Elk Valley Coal, and James Gardiner, former president of Fording.

Also honoured were David Thompson, deputy chairman, and Michael Lipkewich, senior vice-president of Teck Cominco (TEK-T).

Gary Livingstone, president of Western Canadian Coal (WTN-T), was recognized for his role in reviving the northeastern coal district, near Tumbler Ridge.

Western Canadian Coal’s Dillon mine started producing in late 2004, and now the company is seeking to develop the nearby Brule and Wolverine deposits. WCC’s goal is to produce 5 million tonnes of coal by 2008.

In southeastern British Columbia, Fording Canada Coal Trust is expanding operations at the Fording River and Elkview operations. The Calgary-based trust owns all of Fording Coal, which in turn holds a 60% interest in the Elk Valley Coal Partnership (Teck Cominco holds the remainder).

Elk Valley’s production capacity is projected to jump by 3 million tonnes, to 28 million tonnes, owing to strong demand from Asian markets.