Timeline of Coal in Alberta
Summary
In 2020 the Government of Alberta rescinded the 1976 Coal Policy, opening up vast areas to coal exploration and development. Pressure from the majority of Albertans who are opposed to coal exploration and development made the government reverse course in 2021. A Coal Policy Committee was formed which heard from Albertans and made recommendations. A moratorium was placed on coal exploration and development in 2022. In 2025, the Government of Alberta removed this moratorium and is consulting only with industry (not Albertans) on new rules for coal projects in Alberta. Albertans are up in arms and are hoping to reverse this decision once again. Get involved by requesting a lawn sign or sending a letter.
Detailed Timeline
Coal Policy created
1976
Premier Lougheed’s government instated a Coal Policy after extensive public consultation. It laid out “categories” of land in Alberta, on which varying degrees of coal development would be allowed.
1976 Coal Policy rescinded
Summer 2020
Via a quiet press release on the Friday before the May long weekend, the government announces the revocation of the 1976 Coal Policy, effective June 1. No public consultation is held. Vast areas of previously protected Eastern Slopes land become open to coal leases, triggering widespread concern among landowners, scientists, and Indigenous communities.
Albertans speak out after Coal Policy rescinded
2020
Thousands upon thousands of letters, phone calls, and emails are sent to Energy Minister Sonya Savage and Premier Jason Kenney from Albertans opposed to coal exploration and development due to concerns around water quality, species at risk, damage to sensitive ecosystems, and impacts on tourism and the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, and all other Albertans who rely on clean water. Polls find that nearly 75% of Albertans are opposed to coal exploration and development.
Mineral lease auction suspended
January 18, 2021
Amid growing public outrage, Alberta cancels 11 new coal leases and halts further lease sales in the Rockies. However, the area covered by cancelled coal leases covers less than 1% of all the areas in Alberta’s Rockies that have already been leased.
Coal Policy reinstated
February 8, 2021
The Alberta government reinstates the 1976 Coal Policy due to public pressure. While the symbolic protection returns, existing leases issued since 2020 are not cancelled, leaving tens of thousands of hectares still open to exploration.
Alberta First Nations oppose coal expansion in Rocky Mountains
February 24, 2021
Siksika and Kainai have written letters to coal companies saying they will oppose any new mine proposals in the Rocky Mountains.
Thousands sign petition to have feds intervene in Alberta’s coal mining industry
March 22, 2021
MP Heather McPherson presents Niitsitapi Water Protectors petition to House of Commons, initiating a Regional Assessment.
Coal exploration approvals already exceed legal road thresholds, data suggests
March 24, 2021
“Even during this exploration phase, the limits that have been put in place with great public consultation and great public input are just totally ignored as (regulators) approve these exploration permits,” said Katie Morrison with CPAWS Southern Alberta.
Groups urge Canada to designate project for assessment
April 4, 2021
Designation requests for Tent Mountain federal review submitted by Ecojustice on behalf of Niitsitapi Water Protectors, CPAWS-SAB, and Livingstone Landowners Group.
Alberta committee consulting public about proposed coal mining in Rockies can’t ask about land, water use
April 16, 2021
A document, posted to a government website, says the five-member committee will only be able to consider issues under the control of the Department of Energy.
Coal exploration halted on Category 2 lands
April 23, 2021
“Energy Minister Sonya Savage has directed coal companies to halt exploration. The affected companies have indicated they will cooperate with the pause.”
Ottawa to conduct environmental reviews of new coal projects that could release selenium
June 16, 2021
The decision captures any proposals that emerge from the eight steelmaking coal exploration projects in Alberta’s Rocky Mountain foothills, said Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
Grassy Mountain coal project ‘not in the public interest,’ Alberta review panel says
June 17, 2021
A review panel for the Alberta Energy Regulator has denied the provincial application for the Grassy Mountain coal project, ruling the project is “not in the public interest.”
CBC News
Coal committee hears Albertans want overall policy on Rocky Mountain development
September 3, 2021
“There was such a dam of public sentiment built up behind this issue, it’s like opening a sluice gate,” Ron Wallace, chairman of the province’s coal policy committee, said in an interview.
Alberta conservation group concerned about transfer of coal lease applications in Category 2 land
October 7, 2021
“There’s really no compelling reason why the ministry should have accepted this transfer of the lease application from one company to another during this public engagement process, or before a new policy is created,” said Katie Morrison with CPAWS Southern Alberta.
Coal policy committee listens to Albertans
Summer-Fall 2021
25,000 responses received from Albertans, with overwhelming opposition to coal development.
Coal policy committee delivers report
March 2022
Key recommendations include developing a modernized coal policy that considers cumulative effects, revoking coal leases issued after June 2020, and forbidding new coal activity on lands without updated land-use plans.
Moratorium on coal exploration and development
March 2022
No new coal exploration or development will be permitted anywhere on the Eastern Slopes (1976 Coal Policy Categories 1–4) until regional land-use planning is completed. However, four “advanced” projects including Grassy Mountain remain exempt from restrictions.
Federal guidelines created
Late 2022
Environment Canada develops Coal Mining Effluent Regulations amid selenium pollution concerns from BC mines. Over 3,000 Albertans submit letters urging stronger water protection rules, highlighting cross-border contamination risks from coal mining operations.
Grassy Mountain coal project finds new life under Australian billionaire’s ownership
August 2023
Northback Holdings (formerly Benga) applies for Grassy Mountain exploration permits despite 2021 rejection. Energy Minister Brian Jean directs AER to consider the project as “advanced” despite it having been rejected previously based on environmental concerns. This exempts it from the moratorium and allows continued development toward potential mine approval.
Southern Alberta ranchers and MD of Ranchland file for judicial review
June 2024
Frustrated by the prospect of Grassy Mountain moving forward under the “advanced project” loophole, a coalition of southern Alberta ranchers and the Municipal District of Ranchland turn to Alberta’s top court.
Industry-focused Coal Industry Modernization Initiative announced
December 2024
Government announces Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI) and plans to consult with industry only, not Albertans. “Advanced” projects like Grassy Mountain remain unaffected by potential protections under the CIMI.
Protests erupt in wake of CIMI announcement
December 2024 – now
Protests by Albertans occur in all areas of the province. Tens of thousands of letters, phone calls, and emails pour in to Energy Minister Brian Jean’s office from Albertans opposed to coal exploration and development due to concerns around water quality, species at risk, damage to sensitive ecosystems, and impacts on tourism and the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, and all other Albertans who rely on clean water.
Coal moratorium lifted
January 2025
The government of Alberta quietly lifts coal moratorium without any public consultation, reopening nearly 1,900 km² of land to exploration and development, reigniting environmental concerns about watershed protection and selenium contamination.
Grassy Mountain exploration program approved
May 2025
The Alberta Energy Regulator approves Northback’s Grassy Mountain exploration program despite 2021 rejection for environmental harm and intense pushback from environmental organizations and local communities. Approval allows invasive drilling on mountain slopes as first step toward potential new mine application and renewed threats to the Oldman River watershed.