Local mining organizations take the helm of the Elk Valley’s premier industry gathering, carrying forward a celebrated regional tradition.

The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Crowsnest Branch and the East Kootenay Chamber of Mines (EKCM) are pleased to announce they will jointly organize the 34th annual Coal Symposium, taking over from Jo-Anna Singleton of Elk Valley Resources (EVR), who has served as the event’s driving force for many years.

The symposium will be held on Tuesday, May 26, at the Sparwood Recreation Centre (pictured), upstairs in the banquet hall, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 6 p.m.

Both organizations have expressed genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to steward an event that has become a cornerstone of regional mining culture, and they look forward to building on the strong foundation that Singleton established over her years of dedicated leadership.

“Jo-Anna has given this event its character and its consistency,” said Anne Keery, Chair of the CIM Crowsnest Branch. “We are honoured to carry it forward and to bring the combined reach of both organizations to bear on making it an even more impactful gathering for everyone involved in the industry.”

The EKCM’s Jason Jacob echoed that sentiment. “The Coal Symposium is exactly the kind of event our organizations exist to support; it brings together operators, suppliers, technical professionals, and community members in a setting that is both productive and genuinely enjoyable. We couldn’t be more excited to be at the helm.”

The 34th annual Coal Symposium, presented by ALS Global, brings together miners, engineers, geologists, environmental specialists, suppliers, and co-op students for an evening of technical presentations, pizza, a cash bar, and the kind of candid conversation the industry is known for.

Confirmed speakers include Tom Langford, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, presenting on his book The Lights On the Tipple Are Going Out: Fighting Economic Ruin in a Canadian Coalfield Community; Bob Morris, Principal Geologist at Moose Mountain Technical Services, presenting “The Lost Ichthyosaur,” Kevin Rowe, Director of Coal Processing Improvement at EVR, presenting “Coal Processing 101”; and Tim Crowther, National Lead Digital Transformation, Canada Environmental at ALS Global, presenting “Digital Transformation for Improved Sampling Efficiency.”

The symposium is designed as a focused, accessible industry evening offering attendees technical presentations, networking opportunities, and candid conversation about the current state and future direction of metallurgical coal in the region.

It precedes CoalSMART 2026, the larger regional mining conference hosted by the Western Canadian Coal Society in the Crowsnest Pass on Wednesday, May 27, providing a natural on-ramp for delegates and a valuable standalone event for those unable to attend the full program.

The CoalSMART Golf Tournament, sponsored by NWP and held Thursday, May 28, rounds out the week’s programming, bringing industry participants together on the fairway to continue the conversations started earlier in the week.

Proceeds Support Local Scholarships

Any proceeds generated beyond the costs of hosting the symposium will be directed toward the annual trades and post-secondary scholarships awarded to graduates of the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass, continuing a tradition of reinvesting event revenue directly into the communities the industry calls home.

The CIM Crowsnest Scholarship Program awards two scholarships each year: a $1,000 Trades Scholarship for students entering a trades education program, and a University Scholarship of $1,000 in year one and $2,000 in year two for students entering mining-related engineering or earth sciences programs.

Open to graduating students from Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, and the Crowsnest Pass, the program was originally endowed with $40,000 when CIM Crowsnest hosted the District 6 conference in 1988; community support through events like the symposium has become increasingly important to sustaining it.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available at several levels. The Title Sponsor, Pizza Sponsor, and Beverage Sponsor positions for 2026 have been claimed by ALS Global, Century Wireline Services, and Foraco, respectively. Organizations wishing to donate a door prize are also welcome, with no limit on the number of donors and logo recognition included on event signage. Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Tickets are $15 for general admission and free for co-op and full-time students. Registration is open and full event details, including the registration link, are available at coalsymposium.com.

The region’s working professionals, suppliers, and students are all encouraged to attend; co-op students and those new to the industry are especially welcome.

e-KNOW file photo

CIM Crowsnest Branch and East Kootenay Chamber of Mines

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