Critics blast coal project approval

By Lethbridge Herald on May 17, 2025.

Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) approved Northback’s applications for a coal exploration program, a deep drill permit and a temporary diversion licence for the Grassy Mountain Site on Thursday, despite many protests against the proposed mine.

In June of 2021, Northback, then known as Benga Mining Ltd, was denied an application by the Canadian Environmental Minister due to its potential for adverse environmental impacts. The company, based out of Australia, later reapplied under the name Northback, with in-person hearings which took place in December 2024 and January of this year, with the final statements taking place in March.

Many southern Albertans, both individuals and groups, have expressed their concerns of the effects the coal mine could produce, especially to those downstream from the mine. 

While the permits are only for the exploration of the mine, opponent believe there is still cause to be concerned.

Chris Spearman, spokesperson for the group Water for Food, said in a news release while thet are disappointed, they’re not surprised.

“These applications should never have been permitted following the decision of the joint Federal Provincial panel in June 2021 and the subsequent unsuccessful court challenges of that decision,” said Spearman.

Rob Miyashiro, Lethbridge West MLA, tabled a petition against the Grassy Mountain development that included more than 6,000 signatures, nearly three times the amount who voted in favour of the project in a referendum in the Crowsnest Pass.

Miyashiro describes the approval as “bizarre” since the government has information that brings up the potential negative effects of projects such as the one proposed by Northback.

“They have their own reports they’ve commissioned that talk about the negative effects of coal mining in certain slopes but they won’t release those reports, they wouldn’t even talk about them,” said Miyashiro.

He added while it is concerning that the door is now open for potential open pit coal mining on the eastern slopes, there is still time for Albertans to fight against it.

“This is just, right now, (an) exploratory permit,” he pointed out. “But we need to keep fighting, we need to keep bringing this issue up to the people of southwestern Alberta, the people in north central Alberta that are going to be affected by…any mining in the eastern slopes.”

Miyashiro encouraged Albertans to contact their local MLA, especially those in the UCP, to let them know they don’t support the mine.

The issue of coal mining extends beyond drinkable water, said Miyashiro, as it also includes wildlife and agriculture.

With thousands of acres of farmland at risk for selenium poisoning Miyashiro says Alberta could lose Canada’s Premier Food Corridor, an economic consortium of professionals working to grow the agri-food industry-which helps produce $8 billion in gross domestic product annually.

“We’re not going to have the food processing people that we have…and I think people need to really understand that fully, if our watershed gets contaminated, we’re all done.”

Naheed Nenshi, leader of the opposition NDP, accused the UCP of putting the agriculture sector at risk, whether it be due to tariffs, or because of potential selenium poisoning. 

“Somebody has gotta have your back,” he said. “(The UCP) don’t have your back, but believe it or not, Alberta’s New Democrats have the backs of the farmers and ranchers of the province.”