North Coal officially released their 2019 Sustainability Report, pertaining to the Michel Coal Project, a steel making coal mine located in the Elk Valley region.
As their third sustainability report, it delves into the company’s governmental, social, and environmental efforts. Created under Global Reporting Initiative standards, the report maintains high accountability and transparency standards in commitment to ongoing improvement and honest reporting.
The report mentioned that on site data was collected by Indigenous elders and knowledge holders in an effort to contribute to Closure and Reclamation plans. The report also stated that North Coal gave over 100 volunteer hours to community groups, along with donations and sponsorships to over 40 groups. In addition, North Coal also achieved zero facilities and zero lost time incidents in 2019, as well as expanded their safety program to better manage risks.
“Our commitment to sustainability lives at the heart of everything we do as an organization,” stated president of North Coal, John Pumphrey. “It is recognized through our guiding principles of innovation, transparency, and accountability. This report is a tool for us to expand our transparency and accountability.”
According to North Coal, the company has maintained positive and responsive relationships with local communities and Indigenous people since 2013. Creating the project’s design in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation, the Michel Coal Project adopts a long term plan with consideration for the land’s post-mining use. In adherence with North Coal’s reclamation and closure goals, the design seeks to return the land to a place for trapping, hunting, fishing and gathering. With a life expectancy of 25 years, the mine contributes to North Coal’s goal of protecting the environment while providing steel making coal to the global market.
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