Centremount Coal calls for public comment on proposed new mine in Elk Valley

Aerial view of Bingay Hill. — Photo courtesy Elk Valley Coal News/Savage Marketing/PR

Centermount Coal has entered into the Public Consultation Process and comment period for their proposed Bingay Coal project. For the next 32 days, from November 2nd, 2017 to December 5th, 2017 public input is welcome. This is the public’s opportunity to comment on the potential effects including environmental, recreation, economic, social and health.

The public’s participation in the Environmental Assessment (EA) process helps to ensure that community values and public goals for community development are considered in project planning and decision-making.

A recent notice by BC Environmental Assessment Office invited the public to attend an Open House at: Elkford Community Conference Centre, 750 Fording Drive, Elkford on November 15, 2017.

Both EAO and Bingay Coal representatives were present at the open house. SNC-Lavalin, one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world, has been retained to manage the EA process for Centermount Coal.

The Draft Valued Components Selection Document and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available HERE.

Copies of the Draft Valued Components Selection Document are also available for viewing at these locations:

Centermount Coal Office – 808 Michel Road, Elkford;
Elkford Public Library – 816 Michel Road, Elkford;
Sparwood Public Library – 110 Pine Avenue, Sparwood.

Please submit your comments by clicking on the “Comment Period Page” link on the BC Environmental Assessment website HERE.

Comments can also be submitted by mail to:

Attn: Teresa Morris
Project Assessment Manager
Environmental Assessment Office
PO Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria B.C., V8W 9V1

By Fax: 250-387-2208

The final Project Description submitted by Centermount Coal Ltd for the Bingay Main Coal Project can be downloaded here: Bingay Final Project Description

The Bingay Main Coal Project is wholly owned by Centermount Coal Ltd, a private Canadian company based in Vancouver whose major shareholder is Centerpoint Resources.

Centerpoint Resources Chairman is Mr. Ren, Chao Gui. Mr. Ren Chao Gui, "brings over 20 years of mining investment, business operation and management experience to the management team of Centerpoint. He is an outstanding entrepreneur and a well respected businessman in China and in Canada. He was awarded the People’s Republic of China National Labour Model Award，and the May 1st Labour Medal”.

Bingay Coal licences cover 1,157 hectares near the confluence of the Bingay Creek and Elk River, approximately 21 km north of Elkford within the Elk Valley. Total disturbance area of the mine site, excluding the rail line, and access road is estimated at 450 ha. The proposed coal mine will include an open pit with intended use for 12 years. Two to three types of high quality metallurgical (coking) coal could be generated. The estimated annual production is 1 million tonnes of clean coal. Major components of the project include an open pit, temporary and permanent rock and top soil storage areas, a 27 km rail line, coal processing plant, maintenance shop and ancillary infrastructure, 138 kv to 25 kv substation and 1 km power line. Mine road access to the mine would be on the west side of the Elk River while rail access will be on the east side. Centermount Coal goal is for construction to commence in late 2018 and operations to begin in 2021.

The final Project Description has been submitted for Provincial and Federal Environmental Assessments including the mandatory open houses and key stakeholder engagement.