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Mine expansion keeps about 500 jobs in Elk Valley
Line Creek Coal Mine received provincial government approval Nov. 1 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.
“I made a commitment to my constituents in the spring election that theĀ 500 family-supporting jobs at Line Creek would be there for those local families. It is exciting and gratifying to see the expansion approved so that Teck can continue its leadership in the B.C. mining industry and the people and businesses that depend on the Line Creek Mine know there are at least 18 more years of operation,ā stated Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review.
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.
Line Creek Phase 2
An Environmental Assessment certificate was issued to Teck ResourcesĀ Limited for the Line Creek Phase 2 in September 2013. One of the key elements of the project is the construction of a $100-million water treatment plant by 2022 that will reduce concentrations of selenium and other parameters to Dry Creek and the Elk River Watershed. A second water treatment facility at the existing Line Creek operations is already under construction and will begin treating for selenium in mid-2014.
Teck is developing the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan. Implementation of this plan will stabilize and reverse the trends of selenium in the watershed over time. The plans and water treatment facilities will ensure the impacts of the project are significantly reduced.
The production value of mining in 2012 was $8.3 billion – in 2001 it was $2.8 billion. In 2012, more than 30,000 people were employed in mining, mineral exploration and related sectors.
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