Development of the Cheviot coal mine was given the green light by an Alberta court following an appeal by environmental groups to overturn an earlier recommendation approving the project.
A year ago, a joint review panel of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency recommended approval of a construction application from Cardinal River Coals, an equal partnership between privately held Luscar and Consolidated Coal Company of Canada.
Environmental groups opposed the decision, voicing concerns about the proposed mine’s proximity to Jasper National Park and the possible destruction of wildlife habitat.
The panel’s approval was conditional on Cardinal River fulfilling certain environmental requirements, including the creation of a buffer zone between the mine and the Cardinal River Natural Area and the company’s participation in a research program aimed at the protection of grizzly bears.
The mine, which is scheduled to begin production in 2001, will produce 3.2 million tonnes of coal per year. Coal from the operation will be exported to steelmakers in the Far East.
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