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. 

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.

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.

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.