Share As backlash erupted last year in response to the Alberta government s plans to open up large swaths of the Rocky Mountain region to metallurgical coal mines, alternative plans were already afoot in the global steel-making industry. Companies have introduced technologies that could eliminate their centuries-old reliance on metallurgical coal, including plans to be entirely free of fossil fuels in just over 20 years. Photo: Shutterstock
“We’re going down to zero.”
That’s what Thomas Hörnfeldt, vice president of sustainable business at the Swedish-based steel-maker SSAB, told The Narwhal of his company’s carbon emissions.
Hörnfeldt spoke to me on a video call from his office in Stockholm, a virtual backdrop of a picturesque Swedish canal flickering behind his office chair. He proudly displays a small piece of what he described as SSAB’s first fossil-fuel-free steel on his desk.
First Nations, coal companies asking Alberta for better consultation on mines - Canada News
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First Nations, coal miners want more consultation
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Although the government stopped selling new leases earlier this year, drilling and road-building on existing leases had been expected to continue.
Savage also said a panel struck to gather public input into the United Conservative government s plan to dramatically expand the industry will be able to hear concerns about effects on land and water. Of course, Albertans can talk about their concerns on the impact of coal on water and the environment and tourism. We want to hear those concerns.
The panel s terms of reference suggested those concerns were off the table because they were not under the control of the Energy Department. Savage said Friday she has enough jurisdiction over environmental concerns to include land and water in the consultations.
Alberta halts coal exploration in mountains while consultations ongoing
Poll
Yes
EDMONTON – Alberta is immediately halting coal exploration in the most sensitive areas of the Rocky Mountains while it continues to gather public feedback about mines.
A panel struck to carry out consultations says it is responding to concerns raised by Albertans, including those who participated in an online survey.
“In response to concerns from Albertans, all coal exploration projects on Category 2 lands will be halted immediately,” Energy Minister Sonya Savage said at a news conference Friday.
“The majority of our (survey) respondents feel there are areas of the province that are not appropriate for coal development,” added committee chairman Ron Wallace.