LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Coal mines achieve ISO

The article “Coming to a mine near you: ISO9000” (T.N.M., Sept. 27/93) details the steelmakers’ drive to have quality control systems put in place by their raw material suppliers, yet not once does it mention coal. Metallurgical coal is a vital raw material for the steel industry.

Fording Coal’s Fording River Operations at Elkford, B.C., and at least one other metallurgical coal mine have achieved ISO9003 certification and are striving toward ISO9001.

The ISO9003 has provided registration for our final clean coal inspection and analysis; we are not moving toward registering the entire coal production process.

The emphasis on training, prescribed procedures and product accountability provide benefits to our operation.

H.E. Kennedy

Superintendent, Processing

Fording River Operations

Fording Coal

Elkford, B.C.