Opponents protest proposed coal mining project as Alberta regulator holds hearing [Video]

A large and noisy crowd gathered outside the offices of the Alberta Energy Regulator in downtown Calgary on Tuesday as the second round of hearings into a controversial proposal to explore for coal in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains got underway.

The first round took place in Pincher Creek in early December 2024.

The AER is being asked to approve plans by Northback Holdings to explore for coal around Grassy Mountain, about seven kilometres north of Blairmore in the Crowsnest Pass, even though the project has been previously rejected by both federal and provincial environmental review panels.

Supporters say the project would provide much-needed employment and in November 2024, 72 per cent of voters in Crowsnest Pass cast a ballot in support of the project in a referendum.

Company spokesperson Rina Blacklaws says the mining would take place under some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world.

“The mining practices of yesterday are not the same …