Grassy Mountain Project History

The Crowsnest Pass has a deep mining history.

The region was built by the industry. The industry remains integral to the future of Crowsnest Pass – our project will create local jobs and prosperity.

Historic open pit mining in the 1950s (left) and exploration drilling program from 2014 (right)

Date unknown – published in “Hiking the Historic Crowsnest Pass”, 1992 & July 2023

Grassy Mountain during operations in 1950-60s
Grassy Mountain in July 2023

Fan House at the North end of Greenhills Mine, Date Unknown
Fan House in October 2023

Timeline

1900 – 1918

Mine Name: Frank
Company: Franco Canadian
Production: 1.5 Mt

1902 – 1913

Mine Name: Bear Valley
Company: West Canadian
Production: 0.4 Mt

1903 – 1961

Mine Name: Bellevue
Company: West Canadian
Production: 13.6 Mt

1909 – 1919

Mine Name: Blairmore
Company: West Canadian
Production: 0.4 Mt

1913 – 1968

Mine Name: Greenhill
Company: West Canadian
Production: 14.1 Mt

1956 – 1960

Mine Name: Grassy Mountain
Company: West Canadian
Production: 0.4 Mt

1970s

Renewed exploration activities commenced

2013

Riversdale Resources acquires the Grassy Mountain Project from Consol Energy and Devon Energy

2015

A feasibility study is undertaken on a 4mpta operation

2016

An optimization study is undertaken on a 4.5 Mtpa operation

2017

Environmental Impact Assessment is accepted

2019

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd acquires 100% of Benga/Riversdale Resources and the Grassy Mountain Project

2021

Joint Review Panel report is released

Alberta Government’s Coal Policy Committee releases final report, naming the Grassy Mountain Project as an Advanced Coal Project

2022

Ministerial Order 002/2022 is released on March 2nd, designating the Grassy Mountain Project as an Advanced Coal Project

2023

Northback files 3 applications for the Exploratory Drilling Program
Government of Alberta confirms that the Grassy Mountain Project has Advanced Project Status

2024

In February, the Alberta Energy Regulator announces that the exploratory drilling applications will be decided by a panel of hearing commissioners