AMERICAS
“The continued mining
and use of thermal coal for energy production in the world runs counter to what is needed to effectively combat climate change.
”
- Jonathan Wilkinson
Canada Refuses to Approve New Thermal Coal Mining Projects environmental damage at the backdrop
Because of the potential for environmental damage, Canada
world runs counter to what is needed to effectively combat climate change," Wilkinson said.
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In 2018, Ottawa introduced regulations to phase-out conventional coal-fired electricity across Canada by 2030. According to him, the new policy would apply to Coalspur's plans to develop an existing thermal coal mine in Alberta's western province.
will not approve new thermal coal mining projects or proposals to expand current mines, Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said. he government considers that these projects are likely to cause unacceptable environmental effects within federal jurisdiction and are not aligned with Canada's domestic and international climate change commitments," he said. Thermal coal, which is mostly used to generate electricity, is the single largest contributor to climate change, according to Wilkinson. In 2019, Canada produced 57 million tonnes of coal, accounting for just 1% of worldwide output. 6 | SKILLINGS MINING REVIEW July 2021
According to official figures, Canadian output in 2019 consisted of 47 percent thermal coal and 53 percent metallurgical coal, which is utilised in steel production. "The continued mining and use of thermal coal for energy production in the
Thermal coal, which is mostly used to generate electricity, is the single largest contributor to climate change, according to Wilkinson.
