Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett says the Murray River Coal project is the first underground coal mine approved in British Columbia in over 25 years and has the potential to generate billions in economic benefits.

The project, located in northeast British Columbia, about 12 kilometres south of Tumbler Ridge, is the first proposed long-wall coal mine in British Columbia and would be the first operating underground long-wall mining operation in Canada.

The mine’s owner, HD Mining International Ltd., estimates the capital cost for the project will be roughly $688 million. The company predicts that during its 25-year operating life, the mine is expected to create 780 jobs.

During operation, the mine will produce up to 4.8 million tonnes of clean coal per year and the company estimates the project will contribute more than $1 billion in total tax revenues to the province. HD Mining also estimates that the Murray River Coal project will contribute about $7.9 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic benefits in B.C.

The Province issued an environmental assessment certificate to HD Mining International Ltd. for the Murray River Coal project on Oct. 1, 2015. British Columbia’s environmental assessment process involves a rigorous, thorough review that provides for significant opportunities for Aboriginal groups, government agencies and the public to influence the outcome of environmental assessments by providing input on the potential for environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects from a proposed project.

Input from Aboriginal groups during the environmental assessment of the Murray River Coal Project influenced both the design of the project and the legally binding conditions that form part of the environmental assessment certificate.

HD Mining has advised that it plans to begin construction once it receives the necessary permits and approvals. Operations are expected to begin three years after the start of construction and would end after approximately 25 years.

Quotes:

Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett –

“The Murray Coal Project shows that this government’s policies are working to attract global investment in British Columbia’s mining sector. Through our trade missions in China, India and other jurisdictions, we continue to build our economic portfolio, and create jobs and opportunities for British Columbians now and in the future. I think it’s also important to recognize that this mine, the first underground long-wall coal mine in B.C., will provide access to a huge quantity of high-quality, steelmaking coal while having a much lower impact on our environment.”

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier –

“This is very positive news for this region, particularly for residents of Tumbler Ridge. Those of us living in this area know Tumbler Ridge sits on some of the best metallurgical coal in the world and this project has the potential to once again make this community one of the busiest mining towns in the province.”