Three months after reopening the Brule Mine, Conuma Coal Resources Ltd. (Conuma Coal) has started hiring ahead of its planned Jan. 2, 2017, restart of the Wolverine Mine near Tumbler Ridge, Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett announced today.

“Restarting the Wolverine Mine is tremendous news for families living in and around Tumbler Ridge,” said Bennett. “This mine will create approximately 220 new good-paying jobs in the region on top of the 170 jobs created when Conuma Coal reopened Brule Mine in September. The restart of these two mines is a significant boost to the economy in the Peace Region.”

The Wolverine Mine, located approximately 15 kilometres west of Tumbler Ridge, was purchased earlier this year from Walter Canada, along with the nearby Brule and Willow Creek coal mines, by Conuma Coal.

“This is fantastic news for everyone in the Tumbler Ridge area and I am looking forward to seeing the spinoff benefits of the Wolverine Mine restart in our region,” said Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South. “The 220 new jobs created will not only help Tumbler Ridge, but will also help revitalize the mining industry in the Peace region.”

Conuma Coal already has started the hiring process to fill the 220 jobs at the Wolverine mine site and is taking steps to transition the mine from care and maintenance back to production. Conuma Coal plans to have the mine fully staffed and operating at full production levels by April 1, 2017. The company estimates it will produce 1.5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal annually from the Wolverine Mine.

“Supporting and growing our province’s mining sector is a key commitment of the BC Jobs Plan. The restart of the Wolverine Mine is another step forward and is welcome news for the Tumbler Ridge region. This project not only creates 220 high-paying jobs, it also provides new opportunities for over 250 B.C. businesses,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, and MLA for Prince George-Valemount.

Prior to authorizing the restart of the Wolverine Mine, the Province consulted with potentially affected First Nations on the transfer of permits between Walter Energy and Conuma Coal. The Province has regional coal agreements in place with the West Moberly, Saulteau and Halfway River First Nations.

“The subsequent opening of the second operation in the last three months, has been possible because of the progressive collaboration between the ministry, the previous owners, the courts, First Nations, local communities and a great group of employees – a true win-win,” said Mark A. Bartkoski, president of Conuma Coal Resources Ltd. “Our goal of being a blessing to all of our partners is a journey that is coming to reality.”

“The opening of the Wolverine Mine by Conuma Coal is the best Christmas present Tumbler Ridge could have asked for,” said Tumbler Ridge Mayor Don McPherson. “We have had a tough three years, and this will put people back to work and improve our economic outlook. Although we have diversified our economy, this town was built to service coal mining and we are glad to see it back. It's not only Christmas that is putting smiles on people's faces in Tumbler Ridge. Thank you to the ministry and Minister Bennett for all your help in getting this done so quickly.”

Staff with the Ministry of Energy and Mines are also reviewing Conuma Coal’s proposal to possibly restart production at the Willow Creek Mine in July 2017. Timing for the restart of the Willow Creek Mine is dependent upon Conuma Coal’s ability to complete the necessary work to satisfy all its permit requirements, as well as its internal planning work and decisions to proceed with the future operations expansion.

“A company like Conuma Coal coming into our region is a tremendous boost for all businesses in our community,” said Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce manager Jerrilyn Schembri. “Conuma Coal has a strong focus on supporting the people and businesses in Tumbler Ridge and surrounding communities.”

Quick Facts:

With all three mines (i.e., Brule, Wolverine and Willow Creek) in operation in summer 2017, Conuma Coal expects to have 660 employees in total and to generate the following annual economic spinoffs:

• Paying more than $60 million in wages.
• Spending $150 million on transportation in B.C. (e.g., trucking, rail, port).
• Buying $60 million in parts and services from more than 250 B.C. companies.