Check out the latest happenings at our mines sites!
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BUSINESS UPDATE
Acquisition completed for PRCWelcome to Conuma!
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OPS
A break-down of the various tasks and duties during Care & Maintenance
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GROWING WITH CONUMA
Celebrating employee development and growth - from HEO to CEO
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BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT
5 easy steps to review your benefit coverage.
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CONUMA CARES
Community Holiday Events & proud supporting moments!
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SUSTAINABILITY
Do you have an idea that will help to increase fuel efficiency? We want to know about it!
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SAFETY WINS
An overview of the safety gains and wins for 2024
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EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Including: Protecting our House suggestions, employee shout-outs and achievements
Brule - End of an Era
SITE NEWS
As we reflect on Brule’s history and accomplishments of the Brule, we are proud to highlight key achievements that demonstrate our team’s the dedication, teamwork, and safety focus From the first load of coal on September 21, 2016, to the final load of coal on December 31, 2024, our site has made great strides in not only achieving production goals but also in ensuring the safety and well-being of all our workers.
One of our most notable accomplishments has been the continuous reduction of incidents over the past few years In 2022, the site reported 279 incidents However, our team committed to improving safety standards, and by the end of 2024, we had reduced the incident rate to 86 This significant drop demonstrates the effectiveness of our ongoing safety initiatives and the dedication of our team to fostering a safer work environment
We are proud to have won the Edward Prior Safety Award in 2017, 2020, and 2023. In 2023, the site achieved an LTIFR of zero, a remarkable feat that underscores our dedication to creating a safe and sustainable mining operation.
We are honoured to announce that Brule is again applying for the prestigious Edward Prior Safety Award this year Our impressive LTIFR of 0 3374 in 2024 highlights our commitment to safety and our efforts to reduce incidents year after year
We are also excited to apply for the Mine Technology Award this year for the successful installation of cameras on the blind spots of our drills at the Brule These innovative cameras have advanced infrared (IR) algorithms, allowing for clear black-and-white images, even in complete darkness. The 9-inch monitors provide easy visibility, ensuring our drill operators can work with increased safety and awareness. This initiative is a crucial part of our continued efforts to enhance safety through technology, and we are excited to extend this technology to drills at all our sites in the future.
One of the cornerstones of Brule’s safety culture is our employees unwavering commitment This year, we are proud to nominate Brodie Hovan for the Chief Inspector's Award, presented to individuals or teams for outstanding contributions to B C mines and mine workers Brodie has demonstrated exceptional leadership in mine rescue, going above and beyond to create an itinerary and instruct a Mine Rescue course for new members Thanks to Brodie’s dedication, the first class of new Mine Rescue members had a 100% pass rate Over 2024, Brodie instructed several more courses, ensuring key team members’ continued training and certification Brodie completed an impressive 510 hours of training in 2024 and is off to a strong start in 2025
We are incredibly proud of all our Mine Rescue team members and recognize their commitment to training and safety Their dedication ensures our team is always ready and capable of responding to emergencies, and their hard work helps keep our mine a safer place for all employees
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our employees for their commitment and resilience and to our local communities and Indigenous Nations for their unwavering support throughout Brule’s journey
Submitted by: Dan Callaway Mine Manager Jan Legaspi HR Manager
Quintette
Mendonca Engineer Supervisor
We are excited to announce that Quintette’s new 5.2 km overland conveyor is being commissioned. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to safety, lowering operating costs, energy efficiency and d i GHG i i
The conveyor improves safety on site by eliminating the need for fully loaded haul trucks to descend from the pit to the plant It reduces the risk of injury and incidents, particularly during the winter months
By reducing the number of haul trucks Quintette needs to operate, the conveyor is projected to reduce emissions by an impressive 140,000 tonnes of CO2 over the mine's lifetime. Such measures are crucial in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable mining practices.
An innovative feature of the conveyor is its ability to generate energy As the belt runs downhill loaded, the regenerative braking system is expected to produce an average of 400kW of electricity Quintette can utilize this energy for other purposes, enhancing our energy efficiency and further conserving resources
We are proud of this advancement and the positive impact it will have on our operations and the environment. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and improve our processes at Quintette.
Trevor Corsi General Manager
Wolverine
Over the past few months, the care and maintenance staff at Wolverine have been diligently cleaning the Preparation Plant and Office buildings, ensuring they are secured and fully winterized The roads are maintained in drivable conditions
During daily checks, there has been a noticeable increase in wildlife on site including elk, wolves, and cougars.
Murray Schlamp Care & Maintenance Manager
Henrique
Lee-Ann Fullarton Mine Ops Administrator
BUSINESS UPDATE
Peace River Coal Joins the Conuma Family
We are excited to announce the completion of the acquisition of Peace River Coal.
We have been working with Anglo for nearly two years to complete this transaction, which will further strengthen Conuma’s position as a global leader in the production of steelmaking coal
Although PRC has been in care and maintenance status for nearly a decade, it holds permits for the Trend and Roman pits with more than 34 million tonnes of reserves
We are honoured to work with Indigenous Nations and our communities in support of this acquisition. As we move forward, work will commence to amend the PRC permits to ensure care for wildlife and the environment, especially in the area of caribou conservation and recovery efforts. Likewise, the permitting and operation of PRC will be planned with Indigenous Nations and the regulatory ministries in British Columbia to reduce the impact to the landscape from our operations
Under Conuma’s ownership, permit amendments and other preparation work will continue throughout 2025 and well into 2026, with production anticipated to commence in the second half of 2026.
This is a pivotal milestone for Conuma Resources We thank you for your past and continued work you do to make Conuma successful today and into the future We encourage you to reach out and welcome the PRC employees who have joined the Conuma team today
Submitted by: Brian Sullivan Chief Executive Officer
O P S
What is Care & Maintenance
When a coal mine in British Columbia is put into Care and Maintenance (C&M), the specific tasks required are similar to those of other open-pit mines, due to the nature of coal mining and its associated environmental impacts, some additional consideration are required
Below are the key tasks required for a coal mine site placed in C&M in BC:
1. Site Security and Monitoring
Physical Barriers and Access Control: Establishing secure fences, gates, signage, and surveillance systems to prevent unauthorized access to the mine site.
Monitoring for Trespassing: Ongoing security patrols to ensure that there is no illegal access, vandalism, or safety incidents at the site
2. Environmental Monitoring and Protection
Water Management: Maintaining and operating water treatment facilities to treat water before it is released back into the environment.
Revegetation and Erosion Control: Implementing measures to control erosion
3 Maintenance of Equipment and Infrastructure
Maintenance of Infrastructure: Ensuring that key infrastructure such as power supply systems, communication systems, roads, and buildings are kept in good condition for potential future use
4. Environmental and Mine Site Reclamation
Reclamation Planning: Creating or updating a reclamation and closure plan, which is required for long-term site management.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
Compliance with Permits: Ensuring that the mine remains in compliance with BC's mining, environmental, and safety regulations during C&M
Ongoing Reporting: Regularly reporting to regulatory agencies on the status of the mine and its environmental management efforts.
6. Employee Management
Staffing and Training: Maintaining a minimal workforce, including environmental officers, security staff, and maintenance workers
Health and Safety: Continuing to maintain health and safety protocols on site to protect workers from potential hazards
7. Stakeholder Communication
Engagement with Indigenous Nations and Local Communities: Continuing to engage with local stakeholders, to keep them informed about the status of the mine.
The goal is to maintain the site in a safe and environmentally responsible manner while preparing for potential future operations or closure.
Submitted by: Dan Callaway Mine Manager
GROWING WITH CONUMA
Celebrating employee development and growth from HEO to CEO!
John Langille has successfully solod on the Grader and promoted to Ops 3Grader Well done John!
Taylor Olson has accepted a new position at QuintetteEnvironmental Superintendent. We are happy to be a part of your career journey!
Janice Grant has joined the Warehouse team We have no doubt that you will be an excellent asset to the team. Keep up the great work!
Congratulations to our HDET Apprentices for completing the next level of your apprenticeship program Your hard work and dedication is truly paying off Keep up the excellent work!
Parker Peterson has completed 3rd year.
Darrian Beattie has completed 3rd year
Edward Panes has joined the Willow Creek Plant crew as a Plant Technician. You will be a great addition to the team!
Britton Cardinal has completed 3rd year
Treydon Nichols has completed 3rd year.
Keenan Mercredi has successfully completed the HDET apprenticeship program.
Congratulations on achieving a Red Seal HDET Certification!
Darrell Kennedy has completed 1st year
Congratulations to those who have moved into a new role with the Conveyor Crew! We are confident that your skills, hard work, and dedication will successfully bring the conveyor from the beginning stages of commissioning to operating at full capacity. Thank you and keep up the excellent work!
Luke Kempers has been promoted to Vice President of Technical Services.
Luke has successfully tackled complex challenges with innovative solutions, enhanced operations, and built a high-performing, collaborative team. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives aligned with our strategic and long-term goals Most importantly, Luke’s dedication to the growth and development of his team has empowered individuals to thrive and reach their full potential
Sam Payment has has been promoted to Director of Regulatory and Permitting Sam has been a key part of the Regulatory, Strategy, Innovation, and Environment team, and instrumental in delivering our operating permits securing Conuma’s future. Sam brings a proven wealth of knowledge and experience to this role!
Thank you for your continued support in fostering a strong and capable team
2024 - Emergency Response Awards
We are proud to introduce the Annual Awards for Excellence in Mine Rescue to recognize the dedication and outstanding performance of our emergency response team
Please join us in congratulating the following Mine Rescue Members for their achievements!
Compliance
Presented to: Brule Mine for highest maintained overall compliance
Excellence in Leadership Award
Presented to: Brodie Hovan for exceptional leadership, dedication, and exceeding expectations to improve the Mine Rescue Program
Captain’s Award
Presented to: Shane Muise for exceptional strength and leadership as a Captain
Dedication to Training
Presented to: Steve Terry for most training hours
MVP
Presented to: Manuel Ludeke for exceptional performance, leadership, and significant growth
We extend our appreciation to every member of our mine rescue team. Your commitment, training, and readiness to respond make a vital difference. Your efforts help keep our workplaces safe, and we thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Most Improved Award
Presented to:
Harmony Krogstad outstanding improvement in skills
Svend Nielsen Director of Health, Emergency Response & Contractor Management
BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT
Do Our Benefits Cover...?
Conuma covers 100% of your benefits so why not make the most of them?
From day one, you and your dependents have access to a comprehensive plan designed to support your health and well-being.
Take a moment to explore what’s included so you can take full advantage and avoid unnecessary out-ofpocket costs
Curious about what’s covered? Checking your benefits is quick and easy just follow the steps below!
Step 1
Log into GroupSource ca through the mobile app or website https://portal.mygroupsource.ca/login
Use the login information emailed to you by GroupSource following your first day of employment If you need help accessing your account, contact your HR representative or call GroupSource at 1-888-547-6947.
Step 3
Step 4
Use the dropdown menus to explore different categories and claims You can choose to view your coverage or your dependents' coverage Then, click NEXT
Step 5
Applicable coverage details will be displayed, including deductibles, coinsurance, maximums, frequency, and limits.
Please note that this information reflects your current processed claims. If you have a pending claim that hasn't been processed yet, the displayed amounts may not be up to date
Holiday Celebrations Bring Joy and Community Spirit
Reflecting on November and December, we proudly remember a season filled with joy, connection, and community The holiday season was alive with the festive spirit, as Eric and his dedicated team orchestrated six spectacular Christmas celebrations for our Conuma families and friends, spreading cheer and fostering togetherness
Employee Christmas Celebrations
Our Company took great pleasure in hosting two memorable Employee Christmas parties. These events were vibrant with delicious food, energetic dancing, and an abundance of fun, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for everyone These celebrations were not just about merriment; they also highlighted our commitment to supporting local businesses and non-profit organizations, reinforcing our strong ties with the community
Festive Fun for the Kids!
The holiday season at Conuma would not be complete without our children’s parties We organized four events in Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd, with games, cookie decorating, and a special gift for each child The magic of these gatherings was amplified by the much-anticipated visit from Santa Claus, leaving smiles on the faces of our youngest attendees and their families
Community Partnerships
Our dedication to the communities we serve is unwavering, and the 2024 holiday season was no exception In Chetwynd, we sponsored a holiday celebration swim day at the recreation center, bringing families together for a day of fun and relaxation Our support extended to the grand re-opening of the Mackenzie Recreation Complex, where a family fun swim and skate weekend welcomed the community back, promoting wellness and connection
We are hounoured to support community Christmas celebrations in Kelly Lake, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations.
The festivities continued with our partnership with Tumbler Ridge Geo Park. Together, we held two incredible events: the Tour of Lights and Sleddin’ Santa Extravaganza. These celebrations not only highlighted the season’s beauty but also strengthened our community bonds, offering joy and wonder to residents and visitors alike.
At Conuma, we believe in the power of coming together and celebrating as one. Through our events and partnerships this holiday season, we shared laughter, joy, and the true essence of community spirit. As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to fostering relationships and supporting the vibrant communities that where we work and live
Shout-out to our local businesses and organizations that helped make our holiday celebrations spectacular!
Illumin8 Event Solutions
District of Tumbler Ridge Rec Centre
District of Chetwynd Rec Centre
Trend Mountain Hotel & Conference
Versatile Vinyl
Grizzly Dog Storage
Golden Arrow
Vinnies Cab Service
Southpaw Rentals
Pomeroy Inn & Suites
Rustic Woodwork and Creation
Rockin’ Robs Dollar Store
M Cutler Photography
Megan Joy Photography
Northstar Kitchen & Catering
Twisted Season Bistro
Lush Desserts
242 Brew Western Steakhouse
TR Mulligans
Tumbler Ridge Curling Club
Kinuseo Cafe
Freshmart
TR Boyz
Uniglobe Travel
Promo Shoppe Dawson Creek
Home Hardware
TRSS Grad Class 2025
TR Lions Club
Dawson Creek U18 Hockey
TR Days Society
TR Ladies Auxiliary
TR Oldtimers Hockey Association
Forever Young Society
TR Legion
Ridge Riders Snowmobile Association
Chetwynd Library Committee
TR Minor Hockey Association
TR Figure Skating Club
TR Mountain Bike Association
TRORA Group
Special Thanks to: Rec Center Maintenance
Team: Ken MacEachern, Jay Kelly, & Tom Rushlow
Natalie Stokes Conuma
Resources Executive
Assistant
Designs & Details By Eric Owen, Ashley Madison, Kaila Pack, & Doreen Young
Conuma has proudly sponsored the following Community clubs, events and ams!
Conuma Proudly Supports Community Groups, Clubs & Events:
Kelly Lake – Christmas Celebrations
Chetwynd Little Giants Air Cadets –Christmas Celebration
Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce – Turkey Drive
Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce –Small Business Party
Tumbler Ridge Legion New Years Eve Celebration
TR Minor Hockey Association – Hockey Tournaments
McLeod Lake Christmas Celebrations
Moberly Lake U9 & U15 Moose Hockey
Teams - Prince George Aboriginal Hockey Championships
Mackenzie Figure Skating Club
Chetwynd Search & Rescue – Giving Tree Fundraiser
Saulteau First Nation – 2025 Calendars
West Moberly – Christmas Celebration
Prince George Youth Aboriginal Championships
Tumbler Ridge Health Centre – Christmas Celebration
U15AA Pac White Saints Hockey
Chetwynd Minor Hockey – U11 Tournament
DCMHA Player Sponsorship
Chetwynd Lonestar – U9 Giants Hockey
Chetwynd Hi-Sky U7 Giants Hockey
Donation and Community Investment requests can be emailed to: donations@conumacoal com
Ryan Lamming Community Engagement Coordinator
Elizabeth Ross Communications Advisor
Do you have a creative and innovative fuel-efficient idea? We want to hear it! Your ideas could help us further our commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
How to Participate
Write it Down: Think of a fuel-efficient initiative that could benefit our operations or the environment. Whether it's new technology, a process improvement, or a simple action everyone can take, we want to hear it!
Drop your suggestion in the Protecting Our House box on-site or enter it
into a draw to win a
Remember, when we are more efficient, everyone wins! We look forward to your brilliant ideas and thank you for your contribution to making our operations more sustainable
We remain committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and excellence These achievements in 2024 reflect the hard work and dedication of employees and contractors across all operations. Together, we are building a safer future.
Submitted by: Michelle Hruby Director of Safety
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Conuma would like to thank everyone for their contributions to the Protecting Our House Program Your suggestions and ideas will help us work safer, operate more efficiently, and grow stronger!
Concern: The blind spots on our drills can be a safety risk
Suggestion: Mount cameras in the drill’s blind spots to provide the operator with a clearer view of their surroundings
Outcomes: Cameras were installed on the drills at the Brule as a pilot project to assess their effectiveness for operators. The camera view can easily be seen on the 9” monitors which also have advanced infrared (IR) algorithms to provide clear black and white pictures, even in complete darkness
Building on our success at the Brule, we look forward to installing cameras on all the drills at our sites.
Implementing this technology makes Brule eligible to apply for the Mine Technology Excellence Awards!
Quintette
At our last Protecting our House meeting, our champions, supervisors, and managers paired up for a departmental tour We reached out to our crews in every department to check-in, ask questions, and ensure they have the tools they needed to bring their ideas for improvement forward
I want to take a moment to recognize and express my deepest gratitude to Kristin Farnsworth. Her incredible work ethic and dedication to the Emergency Response Department and Mine Rescue have been outstanding
Her contributions play a pivotal role in the success of our department Whether it’s her willingness to step in wherever needed, her steadfast support to other departments, or her genuine care for the safety and wellbeing of our people, she consistently sets the bar high.
Kristin never hesitates to go the extra mile, always approaches challenges with a positive attitude, and embodies the true spirit of teamwork Her commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone both at work and beyond is an inspiration to us all
Thank you for all that you do, Kristin Your efforts make a real difference, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team!
Svend Nielsen Director of Health, Emergency Response & Contractor Management
I would like to thank everyone for their contributions thought 2024 on safety and production, and all the accomplishments we achieved at Brule as a team during our last operating year!
It would have not been possible without all your hard work and relentless dedication As we move on to different areas with the company through 2025 and some folks taking on different roles, please keep striving to increase your standard of excellence and continue to raise the bar!
Thank you all!
Steve Sercerchi Brule - General Manager
Shoutout to Superintendents- Mark Harrison, Jason Lenart, Willie Peacock, and Frankie Lewis
With over 100 years of combined mining experience between the four superintendents, we have been lucky to have such great leadership at Brule Mine Our Superintendents collaborate as one team and truly bring forward the One Conuma values.
Mark Harrison- “I think it was just a great bunch of people who understood that we need to work together to make things happen. There was give and take from both Maintenance and Production when it came to the schedule, and we worked it out together instead of fighting against each other Best team I ever worked with!”
Jason Lenart- “What has set Brule apart is the strong collaboration between all departments I work closely with the operations teams on a daily basis, gaining a deep understanding of their equipment needs and the challenges they face. In turn, they have always been mindful of our maintenance requirements to ensure the gear runs smoothly and supports their operations. This mutual understanding and the willingness to work together to find solutions has been the foundation of our success With mining operations now concluded, we transition into care and maintenance While this marks the end of a chapter, the teamwork and dedication we've shared over the years have made Brule the success it is today ”
Willie Peacock- “We have adjusted the weekly maintenance schedule to best suit the mine and have worked as a team This has helped the op’s team reach targets while not compromising the maintenance schedule and PM’s We all know that priorities change everyday so being flexible is so important I can’t thank our entire maintenance team enough from planners to supervisors and the superintendents all the way to the people in the field Thanks, team Brule for the best three years of my working career ”
Frankie Lewis- “I must say that my time spent here at Brule has been very rewarding working with the whole team This team has been nothing but great to work with and I look forward to what’s next for us!”
Submitted by:
Lee-Ann Fullarton Mine Ops Administrator
Emily Smith, a valued member of Conuma Resources, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from the University of New Brunswick in September 2024. This accomplishment is a testament to her dedication to fostering a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
Congratulations Emily!
Emily began her career as a Primary Care Paramedic in 2016, where she developed her passion for safety and emergency response Joining Conuma Resources in September 2022 as a Health and Safety Administrator (HSA), she quickly demonstrated her commitment and expertise, earning a promotion to Safety Coordinator in October 2023 Building on this achievement, Emily has set her sights on earning the prestigious Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) designation She has applied to write the federal exam, scheduled for June of 2025 This certification will further solidify her expertise and commitment to advancing safety standards in the mining industry
Submitted by:
Kassidy Moore H&S Manager
Brule Mine Rescue Team- I would like to express my gratitude to the amazing Brule Mine Rescue team for your dedication and for not only rising to the occasion, but going above and beyond
Throughout 2024, we successfully facilitated ten (10) Mine Rescue Certification Training courses, where 50 employees where certified.
Brodie Hovan successfully completed the Advanced First Aid (OFA3) course
Submitted by:
Cory Michie H&S Coordinator
Congratulations, Chris Homister! - We are proud to recognize Chris Homister for successfully completing the IVES Mobile Equipment Training Certificate Program and earning the designation of Certified Trainer through the IVES Training System.
This achievement reflects Chris’s dedication to safety, training excellence, and professional development His commitment will help ensure the highest standards in equipment operation and workplace safety.
The Project Team would like to remind you that “kindness costs nothing!”
Pink Shirt Day February 26, 2025
Your Health & Safety team wish you a happy and safe 2025!
Thank you for your feedback! Throughout December and January, we asked for your input to revamp the “One Conuma News” newsletter. Our next issue will include the changes you asked for Congratulations to Amber Bryce, you are the winner of the Revamp One Conuma News survey draw!
Cory Rebeccah Melanae Kurtis
Neil Marietijie Kenzie Charlene Layton Victoria Stephanie
Kassidy Chrystal Dale Martiene Emily Bianca Jacqueline Anna
Raeanne Celeste
Jaryd Brandi
Jemari
Charla Chris Michelle Svend
I want to take a moment to personally thank each of you for your hard work and unwavering dedication, especially during these challenging times. While the current struggles may feel difficult, they will lead to long-term growth and success. Your efforts are the foundation of our future, and I am truly grateful for the commitment and resilience you continue to show.
