FRX frequently asked questions

The Fording River Extension, or FRX, is a proposed extension of EVR’s existing Fording River operations. FRX would maintain approximately 1,500 jobs and continue to be a significant contributor to the local, provincial, and national economies while undertaking efforts to minimize and mitigate its impact on the environment and build strong partnerships with communities and Indigenous Peoples. 

The Project area is located adjacent to and south of the existing Fording River operations. FRX plans to use existing equipment and infrastructure at Fording River operations and disturbance, providing an opportunity to reduce the footprint of new activities. The Project will also require additional infrastructure, including new satellite components.  

Learn more about the Fording River Extension.

The Fording River Extension is undergoing a coordinated assessment process under the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act and the Canadian Impact Assessment Act, which is expected to take several years and will include opportunities for public input.  

The coordinated assessment process will review the potential environmental, economic, social, cultural and health effects of the Project.  

Learn more about the coordinated assessment process.

Steelmaking coal – also called metallurgical coal or coking coal — is a key transition-enabling commodity as an essential input for steel production which is needed for energy transition products like wind turbines and critical infrastructure including rail, bridges, hospitals and schools.  

Global population growth, increased urbanization and a growing middle class are expected to continue to drive long-term demand for steel and the steelmaking coal required to produce it. 

While some kinds of steel can be made by other processes, including through the use of scrap steel in electric arc furnaces, about 70% of global steel production relies on steelmaking coal. Certain higher grades of steel can only be made using steelmaking coal. 

Following submission of the Detailed Project Description (DPD) in July 2021, the Chief Assessment Environmental Officer (CEAO) issued a Readiness Decision on February 21, 2023, which directed additional engagement between EVR, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it and Ktunaxa Nation Council submission of a Revised Detailed Project Description (Revised DPD) for the Project.  

EVR anticipates submitting a Revised DPD following continued meaningful engagement, after which the project would move to the assessment phase. If the Revised DPD is accepted by the CEAO, construction of the Project would occur between 2028 to 2030. With this proposed timeline, mining operations would commence in 2030 along with the production of high-quality steelmaking coal. The project is designed as a generational project that would allow continued operations at Fording River Operations, providing benefits to local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and the public. 

Learn more about the FRX Project timeline.