Summit 14 mine sparks controversy as conflicts arise among environmental concerns and employment
The Summit 14’s main goal is to extract valuable minerals from underground sources that promises employment opportunities and economic benefits to the area. Environmentalists and the local people are concerned over the impacts on the environment.
According to Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, the Summit 14 mine is located four kilometres northeast of Grande Cache, Alberta. It is known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitat. The Summit 14 mine would have a coal production capacity of approximately 3,562 tonnes per day. The project would have a surface footprint of 53.5 hectares and a subsurface area of approximately 512 hectares.
CBC news reports say that the mine is still in the development stage as it is seeking necessary permits for approval. It promises 120 new jobs and taxes, but most people are scared that it might contaminate water and impact the climate. Maxim Power (the company) proposed the idea of Summit 14 mine that would be built on Grande Mountain, looming large over Grande Cache. The project is supposed to produce more coal for steel making. The project will also affect tourism in the area as it will stop tourists from enjoying the natural beauty.
Maxim Power also says that local water will be more protected as the mine will be underground.
According to CPAWS, Mine 14 was granted an exception to the coal mining moratorium in 2022. The mine has been seeking approval since 2007. Albertans are against this project as they don’t require more coal mining and development in their headwaters.
Mine 14 has their Mine license and Mine permit in place but they are still waiting for a few more approvals such as the Water license amendment, EPEA amendment, MSL renewal, LOC renewal, Roadside development permit and Municipal development permit.
A new coal mine in the region will have adverse environmental impacts such as risk contamination of the Smoky River with sediment, impact downstream habitat, infringement on Indigenous rights and so on.
Given all these facts and information, Mine 14 will continue its journey through the provincial review process.