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Environmental and regional considerations

The Elk Valley is located in the East Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia. The region’s environmental and natural resources are closely linked to local livelihoods and the economy, including tourism, outdoor recreation, and natural resource development sectors.

Since the 1890s, coal has been mined in the Elk Valley region. Developments like EVR’s Fording River operation began in the last 50 years. Mining and other activities – including forestry, urban and rural development, transportation infrastructure, and agriculture – have all contributed to changes in the natural environment. 

FRX Project area

The Fording River Extension (FRX) Project is located adjacent to EVR’s Fording River operations. FRX is located upstream of Josephine Falls with streams and creeks in the area flowing towards the Fording River.

The Project area includes forested habitat interspersed with non-forested ecosystems such as grasslands and avalanche paths. Some of these ecosystems have been previously disturbed by exploration and forestry activities. 

The Project is currently undergoing a coordinated assessment process, designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the potential effects of FRX, including identification of related mitigation and management measures. 

FRX baseline study programs and reporting

Baseline study programs for the FRX Project began in 2018 and continued through 2022. The studies built on information from the Fording River operations and leverage Indigenous Knowledge and community input as reference points to monitor and predict environmental effects. 

Baseline information is documented through the coordinated assessment process in an existing conditions report. The existing conditions report is an important component of the coordinated assessment for the Project, providing context for assessing potential effects of FRX.

Further details about the baseline studies and potential environmental and social effects of FRX will be considered in the engagement part of the coordinated assessment process.

Regional considerations

EVR is committed to working to address regional environmental issues and we are adapting our practices as part of our efforts to reduce the effects of current and future mining.

Planning and design of the FRX Project will include plans to minimize environmental effects, and align with regional initiatives involving Indigenous Peoples, government, and our partners.

Commitment to water quality

EVR will continue to implement its Elk Valley Water Quality Plan (the Plan), including ongoing research and development focused on developing and implementing innovations to manage and improve water quality.

The Plan sets water quality targets to protect aquatic and human health. It outlines the water treatment and mitigation measures to achieve those targets and monitoring strategies.

EVR continues to invest in innovation initiatives – including for the development of water quality treatment technologies.

Commitment to low carbon transition

Steelmaking coal is a key transition-enabling commodity that is a necessary input material for steel production which is needed for important infrastructure. EVR is one of the world’s largest exporters of steelmaking coal, and is committed to maintaining its reputation as a responsible Canadian steelmaking coal producer. 

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 and EVR is well positioned to support these evolving needs while upholding environmental stewardship.

Commitment to the environment

EVR is working to become a nature-positive business through conserving or rehabilitating at least three hectares of land for every one hectare affected by our operational activities in the Elk Valley region. 

EVR is proud to commit to the development of a climate transition strategy that will include a long-term goal of reaching net zero in respect to Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, as well as a commitment to work with partners towards an ambition to achieve net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050.

Mine reclamation

Mine reclamation is the process of establishing sustainable, diverse and functional landscapes that put reclaimed areas on the ecological trajectory towards pre-existing ecological conditions.

At the existing Fording River operations, the reclamation plan outlines how disturbed areas will be progressively reclaimed as they become available. Reclamation plans are achieved through a process of decommissioning infrastructure, recontouring the landscape, revegetating based on land use objectives, and monitoring for necessary adaptations and success.