OTTAWA – The federal government says the Grassy Mountain coal project in southwestern Alberta cannot go ahead.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson made the announcement in a statement.

He says that while mining is important to the economy, coal can have significant negative environmental effects.

Wilkinson said the decision was based on information, including the findings of a joint review panel report.

He says the project would likely have harmed surface water quality, endangered species, including westslope cutthroat trout and whitebark pine, as well as the physical and cultural heritage of the Kainai, Piikani First Nations. and Siksika.

Benga Mining Limited said the proposed metallurgical coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass area will create hundreds of jobs and produce up to 4.5 million tonnes of coal per year over a lifespan of approximately 23 years.

“The Government of Canada must make decisions based on the best scientific evidence available while balancing economic and environmental considerations,” Wilkinson said in Friday’s statement.

“It is in Canada’s interest to protect our waterways for healthy fish populations such as Westslope Cutthroat Trout, to respect the culture and way of life of Indigenous peoples, and to protect the environment for future generations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 6, 2021

The Canadian Press