Two Alberta First Nations want courts to allow appeal of decision on coal mine

CALGARY – There was a lot of uproar over open-pit coal mining projects in the Rockies, causing several to be shut down or not granted approval.

But now some First Nations are coming out in support of the practice.

In June, we saw a joint federal-provincial environmental review panel turn down Benga mining’s proposed Grassy Mountain Project, deeming open-pit coal mining, and the project specifically, would create too much pollution in southern Alberta’s water supply.

---

RELATED:

• Company wants to appeal decision that rejected proposed Alberta open-pit coal mine

• Alberta seeking public input regarding water quality protection

• Panel says Grassy Mountain coal mine in Rockies not in public interest

---

The panel said that pollution outweighed any economic benefit the project may have generated.

The Piikani First Nation filed a request with the court, followed by the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

They believe the panel did not properly assess the impacts and believe the economic and cultural impacts of the projects would be extremely beneficial.

---

RELATED:

• Auditor scolds Alberta over mine cleanup fund, how province handles polluted sites

• ‘Unacceptable environmental effects:’ New federal policy restricts thermal coal

• Study warns Alberta has failed to consider damage to foothills from coal mining

---

Benga mining also filed an appeal.

Some other first nations, including the Blood Tribe, have been vocal against open-pit coal mining.