Line Creek expansion good for Elk Valley economy
By Contributor
Line Creek Coal Mine has received approval Friday to move into the $62-million Phase 2 extension of their mining operations.
This will extend the mine life by 18 years until 2032, keeping approximately 500 full-time people working at the mine.
Line Creek produces metallurgical coal used to manufacture steel. The Phase 2 project will produce an estimated 3.5 million metric tonnes of clean coal per year, and a total of 59 million metric tonnes over its mine life. The expansion includes two open pits, a waste rock dump, a seepage water collection system and a major water treatment plant.
Mineral exploration and mining are important economic drivers for British Columbia. The production value of B.C.’s mining industry was approximately $8.3 billion in 2012.
Since the BC Jobs Plan was released, two new mines are in operation, and five more are under construction or permitted. The Province also has approved seven major expansions of existing mines. The BC Jobs Plan goal is to open eight new mines and expand nine others in British Columbia by 2015.
