A ban on coal mining in the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, which has been in place for nearly 50 years has been lifted by the Alberta government.<\/p>\n
The Eastern Rockies are popular with hikers, climbers, skiers, kayakers and more, and home to a wide variety of wildlife.<\/p>\n
Now they are under threat after Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean reversed government orders preventing mining in the area that have been in place since 1976. Opponents say there was no public consultation, although lawmakers signalled their intention to overturn the ban last year.<\/p>\n
The announcement means that mining operations that were started in 2020, then paused again because of public outcry, can now resume. New coal mine exploration can begin and new applications for coal projects can be submitted.<\/p>\n
In a statement, conservation charity, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, said: “This is a profoundly short-sighted and irresponsible decision by the Minister of Energy and Minerals that puts the health, future and prosperity of Alberta, and our communities, at grave risk.<\/p>\n
“We will be fiercely opposing this new direction \u2014 and we know we won’t be alone. Albertans have fought this fight before and won.”<\/p>\n