The Government of Alberta, in Ministerial Order 093/2021, has directed the Alberta Energy Regulator to take steps to suspend all approvals for coal exploration activities on Category 2 land until December 31, 2021, or other date specified by the energy minister in writing.
During this period, we will not issue any new or amended approvals and will pause our review of existing applications for any type of coal activity on Category 2 land.
Under the 1976 coal development policy for Alberta, currently in effect, provincial land has been divided into four numbered categories, with Category 1 land having the most restrictions (no development permitted). The coal land classification map shows all these categories, including Category 2 land, which is found in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
