MINING WEEK PREVIEW
Teck Photo
May 11 to May 17, 2014 Recognizing the importance of mining in our communities
141A Aspen, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 (250) 425-2423 http://sparwoodchamber.bc.ca/
We thank Teck Coal and the various companies associated with the Elk Valley mining industry for their ongoing support of the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce and our local business community.
Mining Week luncheon Friday, May 9
with keynote speaker the Hon. Bill Bennett, MLA, Minister of Energy and Mines
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 8, 2014
Celebrating Mining Week The importance of mining to Canada’s economy By Angela Treharne
F
irst celebrated in 1996, N a t i o n a l Mining Week recognizes the importance of the Canadian mining industry to the economic development of Canada. It is a chance to celebrate the important role that mining plays in the lives of Canadians. It is hard to imagine a life without minerals and metals — every day, we all use and rely on products made from them. Mining takes place in almost every province and territory in Canada — creating jobs and business opportunities, and supporting industries and workers from rural, remote and Aboriginal communities to our large urban centres. British Columbia’s
mining and mineral exploration industry has a rich history and a promising future. B.C. has been one of the world’s major mining regions since the mid1800s and to this day is a key international player.
It is a chance to celebrate the important role that mining plays in the lives of Canadians. Encompassing the largest part of the Canadian Cordillera, a mountain belt rich in minerals and coal, B.C. produces and exports a significant amount of copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc,
molybdenum, coal and industrial minerals every year. Historically, B.C.’s vast mineral resources have contributed extensively to the province’s growth and development. The Hudson’s Bay Company first started producing coal on Vancouver Island in the 1840s, and the discovery of gold along the Fraser River in the 1850s sparked a major gold rush, which was ultimately responsible for the settlement of many parts of that region. As B.C.’s population increased, the provincial infrastructure improved, and miners were able to explore more and more of the province’s terrain, leading to many new mineral deposit discoveries.
Teck photo
Throughout the century following the Fraser River Gold Rush, most mining activities in British
Columbia took place underground. But in the early 1960s, the feasibility of open-pit production increased
tremendously, and as a result, several huge copper mines opened, including Highland Valley Copper—
the largest open-pit operation in all of North America, and, of course, the coal mines here in the Elk Valley.
Mining keeps communities moving Our mines produce more than just minerals. They support families, help to build communities and foster economic growth. Mining has been at the heart of Elk Valley life since the 1890s. Today, Teck’s five steelmaking coal mines employ over 4,000 men and women and inject almost $1 billion into the local economy each year. To learn more, visit www.teck.com
THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 8, 2014 C3
Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
Commemoration of Canada’s worst mine disaster
By John Kinnear
T
he worst mining disaster in Canadian history occurred at the Hillcrest coal mine in the Crowsnest Pass on Friday, June 19, 1914. A town of over 1,000 people lost 189 working miners, 90 women became widows and over 200 children were left fatherless. The Hillcrest Mine disaster remains Canada’s worst coal mine disaster and as such a very important and historic commemoration of this 100th anniversary is being planned to ensure that dark day in Canadian history is never forgotten.
“A town of over 1,000 people lost 189 working miners, 90 women became widows and over 200 children were left fatherless.“ Disasters of this scale become, with the passage of time, an important if not legendary part of our collective identity. Canadians write and sing of such tragedies and we study these events in our
“On June 18 of this year the Crowsnest Pass will kick off four days of special events to commemorate the anniversary of the Hillcrest Mine Disaster.“ history books as a way to honour the lives lost and remember the grief felt throughout our community and across Canada. It is very important that the Crowsnest Pass and all coal mining communities across Canada remember and commemorate this day not only to honour those who lost their lives, but to remember the impact on their families and their community; and to celebrate the spirit it took for the coal miners and their community to overcome such a tragedy, rebuild and survive. On June 18 of this year the Crowsnest Pass will kick off four days of special events to commemorate the anniversary of the Hillcrest Mine Disaster. The events are designed to honour the memory of all miners who
lost their lives in coal mining disasters in Canada; make Canadians more aware of the historical significance of the event and enhance educational programming about the event for students and visitors. There will be three major components to this commemoration. Firstly, there will be a re-enactment of the historic funeral procession from downtown Hillcrest to the Hillcrest Cemetery on June 19, 2014. At the cemetery a Memorial Service will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary, to remember those who lost their lives, and to acknowledge the spirit of the community to survive such a tragedy. National and provincial dignitaries have been invited to participate in the commemorative events.
A monument dedicated to mine explosions in British Columbia. Photos submitted by John Kinnear
City Hall 501-3rd Ave., Box 190 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 www.fernie.ca
“...there is a capital project in the works to make further improvements to the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial Site, the national Coal Mining Memorial, and additional interpretation of the tragic event.“ Secondly, there is a capital project in the works to make further improvements to the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial Site, the national Coal Mining Memorial, and additional interpretation of the tragic event. The capital project will increase the prominence of the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial monument already in place, through appropriate landscaping and lighting. Three additional
One of the miners killed in the Hillcrest mine explosion.
commemorative pillows will be added to the Canadian Coal Mining Memorial recognizing other Canadian mine disasters of three men or more from across Canada. Improvements will be made to access, walkways and the parking lot and new fencing and a gateway to the cemetery
Proud supporters of Mining in the Elk Valley
Celebrating our mining heritage From the mayor, council and staff The City of Fernie
We recognize the support that the mines provide to our Elk Valley communities.
will be constructed. New entrance signs will be put in place to create a “sense of arrival” for visitors to the cemetery and additional interpretive signage will be added to increase awareness of the historical significance of the event.
Fernie Mountain Lodge 1622 7 Ave, Fernie
250-423-5500
bestwesternfernie.com
Continued on page B5
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 8, 2014
About Elk Valley area coal mines
Coal Mountain
Fording River
Elkview
Greenhills
Line Creek
26.9 million
Teck’s Coal Mountain operation is located 30 kilometres southeast of Sparwood in southeastern British Columbia. Coal mined at Coal mountain is used to produce steel. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant are approximately 2.7 and 3.5 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. Proven and probable reserves at Coal Mountain are projected to support mining at current planned production rates for a further six years.
Teck’s Greenhills operation is located eight kilometres northeast of the community of Elkford, in southeastern British Columbia. Greenhills is operated under a joint venture agreement among Teck, POSCO Canada Limited (“POSCAN”) and POSCAN’s parent, POSCO. Pursuant to the agreement, Teck has an 80 per cent interest in the joint venture while POSCAN has a 20 per cent interest. Coal mined at Greenhills is used to produce steel. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant (on a 100% basis) 5.2 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. Proven and probable reserves at Greenhills are projected to support mining at current planned production rates for a further 14 years.
Teck’s Fording River operation is located 29 kilometres northeast of the community of Elkford, in southeastern British Columbia. The mine produces steelmaking coal. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant are approximately 9.0 million and 9.5 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. Proven and probable reserves at Fording River are projected to support mining at current planned production rates for a further 70 years.
Teck’s Line Creek operation is located approximately 25 kilometres north of Sparwood in southeastern British Columbia. Line Creek produces steelmaking coal. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant are approximately 3.5 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. At current planned production rates Line Creek has an estimated remaining reserve life of approximately 19 years.
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Teck’s Elkview operation is located approximately three kilometres east of Sparwood in southeastern British Columbia. Teck has a 95% partnership interest in Elkview. The remaining 5% is indirectly held equally by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, a Japanese steel producer, and POSCO, a Korean steel producer, each of which acquired a 2.5% interest in 2005. The coal produced at Elkview is used to make steel. The current annual production capacities of the mine and preparation plant (on a 100 per cent basis) are approximately 6.5 million and 6.8 million tonnes of clean coal, respectively. At current planned production rates, Elkview is estimated to have a remaining reserve life of approximately 29 years.
Number of tonnes of coal sold in 2013
Teck is the world’s second largest exporter of seaborne steelmaking coal. Their coal business consists of six mines: five in British Columbia and one in Alberta. Coal sales were 26.9 million tonnes in 2013. This accounted for 44 per cent of Teck’s revenue and 47 per cent of gross profit before depreciation and amortization.
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
Commemoration of Canada’s worst mine disaster, cont.
A cemetery which holds some graves of miners that were killed. Continued from page B3
Thirdly, a series of concerts and special events are planned throughout the weekend (June 18 to 21) to acknowledge the spirit of the community and the spirit of coal miners and their families. Besides the commemorative procession and memorial the weekend will be chock-a-block full of entertainment including a Thursday night concert and dance featuring Connie Kaldor, James Keelaghan and Tim Hus. Friday will feature special new exhibits at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Crowsnest Pass Public
Art Gallery and the Crowsnest Museum. A “Remembrance at the Mine” event will be held at the Bellevue Underground Mine and a Miners’ Picnic and outdoor dance at the Hillcrest Ball Complex where a monster 60 by 120 foot tent will be erected for the weekend’s activities and will include a covered stage, seating and a beer garden. Entertainment that night will be by none other than the Coal Creek Boys. Saturday features the annual Bellecrest Days festivities in Hillcrest with a pancake breakfast and parade and a whole myriad of activities
like horseback trail rides, guided hikes to the old Hillcrest Mine Site and wagon rides in a carriage from the Remington Museum. The weekend’s events will wrap up with a special free concert at the Hillcrest Miners Club by Maria Dunn, an arrestingly powerful singersongwriter who writes great historical and social commentary. Later in the evening will be the Spirit of the Coal Miner concert at the ball complex with country and western entertainers Emerson Drive, Aaron Pritchett and Jordan McIntosh entertaining. Invitations are being sent to national,
provincial, regional and local dignitaries to participate in the commemorative memorial ceremony. Also, descendants of victims from across the country and overseas are expected to attend the commemorative memorial events. Representatives of coal mining communities from across the country are being invited as all coal mining disasters in Canada have been commemorated through the National Coal Mining Memorial pillows which surround the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial Monument. The three additional pillows being added this year have a total of 19 more events of three men or more who lost their lives in other Canadian coal mining disasters. These disasters were missed when the original monument was dedicated in 2000 and included losses in places like Canmore, Drumheller, Jasper and Edmonton, AB., Springhill and Sydney, NS. and Nanaimo and Comox, B.C. Also, local and regional residents will be in attendance to remember and honour those who lost their lives in Canada’s worst mining disaster and to help celebrate
“The 100th anniversary of Canada’s worst mining disaster is an important event in not only the Crowsnest Pass, but in the nation and province.“ the spirit of the miner and the community to survive such a tragedy. The 100th anniversary of Canada’s worst mining disaster is an important event in not
only the Crowsnest Pass, but in the nation and province. The commemorative events will be featured on national and provincial media and the improvements
to the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial will not only honour those who lost their lives but provide an appropriate commemorative experience for all those who visit the site in the future. For a more detailed listing of activities be sure to visit the website: http://www. hillcrestmine100.com/ schedule-of-events. html.
SHAW’S ENTERPRISES LTD.
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A monument dedicated to miners who were killed on the job.
Photos by John Kinnear
Mining to 14 17 MiningWeek Week~~May May11 8 to
THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 2014 6C6THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 12,8,2011
1898 1898
Coal Coal The Early Years The Early Years
1907 1907 1899 1899
1912 1912 1919 1919
1910 1910
1910 1910
1962 1962
1940 1940 1962 1962
Photos courtesy courtesy of of the the Fernie Fernie and and District District Historical Historical Society. Society Photos For at For information information visit visit the the museum museum at 362B Victoria Avenue (2nd Avenue), Fernie 362B Victoria Avenue (2nd Avenue), Fernie, www.ferniemuseum.com ~ email history@ferniemuseum.com www.ferniemuseum.com ~ email history@ferniemuseum.com or call 250-423-7016 or call 250-423-7016
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
Open pits open to guests By Angela Treharne
F
or the residents of the Elk Valley who are not involved in mining, what happens on site might be a bit of a mystery. Mining is the biggest industry in the Elk Valley, and chances are a few of your neighbours, friends or family members are employed in it. It contributes millions of dollars into the local community, and Teck sponsors many community events and groups. Coal mining shapes the communities we live in, and frankly, they wouldn’t be here without it. So it makes sense that we should all have an interest in what goes on in the open pits located right on our doorstep. Teck encourages residents to take an interest, and offers mine tours as part of Mining Week every year. Mining Week this year is Sunday, May 11 to Saturday, May 17, and all five of Teck’s coal mines will be open for people to take a look inside. This will be an opportunity to see where steelmaking coal comes from and to learn about mining, from exploration to production to reclamation. The coal deposits in the Elk Valley have been known for at least a hundred years, although it would be safe to assume that Aboriginal people knew where to find coal long before European contact. While coal mining was actively pursued in the valley in the early years of the 20th century, the remoteness of the upper part of the Elk Valley made it too expensive to mine coal here. It was not until 1969, with high demand for coal pushing up world prices, that the first open pit mine was developed. The methods used to extract and process coal have changed immensely since the industry
began in the area around the turn of the last century. As technology and the understanding of the environment continue to progress at rapid rates, so does the ability to mine coal in a more efficient, safe and friendly fashion. Tours will feature a wealth of information, including a history of the area, safety practices, equipment and facilities, environmental controls and reclamation, blasting techniques, and of course, the coal extraction, separation, cleaning and shipping. Tours take around four hours and are free. Mine tour schedule. May 12 – Fording River Operations May 13 – Line Creek Operations May 14 – Coal Mountain Operations May 15 – Elkview Operations May 16 – Greenhills Operations A bus will pick up participants and depart at 9:30 a.m. from both the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and the Blairmore Mall in the Crowsnest Pass. They will connect at the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, gather local participants, and depart at 10:30 a.m. before making a final stop in Elkford at the Visitor Centre on May 12 and 16 at 11 a.m. then heading to the designated site. To book your seat on one of the tours, contact the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce at 250-4252423 or toll free at 1-877-922-2423 and indicate which tour you’d like to attend.
Elk Valley Safety Association By Angela Treharne
T
he Elk Valley Safety Association is an independent group formed to give contractors in the valley a place to brainstorm and share ideas on how to improve employee safety. The group had their first meeting in October 2012, after Catherine Reed, Finning's Safety Coordinator, was at Elkview mine talking to SMS employees, and realised they share similar problems when it came to implementing safety procedures. They attended a council meeting and invited other contractors to join their meetings, and now they have over 100 people involved. “Everyone has a different passion,” said Reed. “It's great to hear from people who have a specific skill. For example, we have had presentations on electrical safety, and presentations on eye safety, and have also had Worksafe BC and the Ministry of Mines present to us on jurisdictions.” Currently, all groups
have Teck as the common factor, since they are all contractors for the company, but it is not a rule of membership. “Anyone who wants to participate productively is welcome,” she said. “Our slogan is 'When it comes to safety there is no competi-
tion.' What that means is that, although we are all competitors at work, when it comes to safety, we are a team. We all have the same goal, to make sure our employees make it home safe after their shift. If one of us has an incident, it affects us all in the valley.”
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THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 8, 2014
Teck sets standards for safety
lost-time accident frequency in Canada. he Elk Valley steelmaking coal industry In 2009 Fording River Operations won the John has an impressive track record for safety, Ash Safety Award and Greenhills Operations and takes the health of employees very was awarded the Edward Prior award. seriously. Recipients of the 52nd Annual Mine Established in 1961 by the Minister of Mines Safety Awards were celebrated on March 17, and Petroleum Resources, the Open Pit Mine and 2014 at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria. Open Quarry Awards recognize excellence in open pit Pit Mine and Quarry Awards and quarry safety. and Underground Mine Awards John Ash was B.C.’s first “I know a lot of were handed out to mines and Minister of Mines, appointed in quarries that accumulated 15,000 these folks personally, 1874. This position has always, or more worker or contractor and continues to be, a key leader and I know the hours, and had no fatalities supporter of mine safety. The amazing level of their and between the period of January 1 Edward Prior award is named commitment to safety. after B.C.’s first mines inspector, and December 31, 2013. The Edward Prior Award Edward Gawler Prior, who Southeast B.C. has is presented to operations subsequently served as Minister a proud tradition in that logged between 200,000 of Mines and went on to become mining, and these and 1,000,000 worker hours B.C.’s 15th Premier and 11th and had the lowest injury- awards are a testament Lieutenant Governor. “I know frequency rate. Teck Coal Ltd.’s to the workers in this a lot of these folks personally, Coal Mountain Operations was and I know the amazing level region.“ the recipient of the award of their commitment to safety,” The John Ash Award is Kootenay East MLA said Kootenay East MLA Bill presented to operations that Bennett. “Southeast B.C. has a Bill Bennett. proud tradition in mining, and logged a minimum of 1,000,000 worker hours and had the lowest these awards are a testament to injury-frequency rate. Teck Coal the workers in this region.” Ltd. – Elkview Operations was the 2013 recipient. Building on their successful Courageous The Elk Valley is no stranger to the province’s Safety Leadership (CSL) program, in 2013 Teck prestigious annual awards. Previously, in 2012, rolled out the next phase called CSL Next Steps, Teck Coal Ltd.’s Coal Mountain Operations won developing standardized safety requirements for the Edward Prior Safety Award. activities identified as high risk. CSL began in 2009 In 2011, Teck Coal Ltd. – Line Creek Operations when employees and contractors across all Teck won the John Ash Safety Award and Coal operations participated in CSL training. Since Mountain Operations was awarded the 2010 John that time, over 15,000 people have participated T. Ryan Safety Award by the Canadian Institute in CSL training. of Mining and Metallurgy for attaining the lowest By Angela Treharne
T
2014 East Kootenay Zone Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition Saturday, May 10 Rayco Steel 655 Michel Creek Rd, Sparwood 8am - 2pm (approx.) Watch teams from local mines and emergency services show their mine rescue and first aid skills in a series of adjudicated tasks. • Barbecue sponsored by Finning, SMS Equipment and Cummins Western Canada • Kids’ climbing wall and laser tag • Sparwood Fire Department ladder truck • Free for all participants and spectators • Hosted by Teck’s Elkview Operations
Teck photo
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
Sparwood mining history and heritage Sparwood’s roots are deep and must not be forgotten. The loss of three smaller towns is how Sparwood became what it is today. By Angela Treharne and Jenna Jensen
S
parwood’s coal mining history dates back into the 1800’s. Although some of the landmarks have been lost over the years, there are still photos, records and stories passed down through the years to remind today’s residents of all that came before them. Sparwood’s roots are deeply rooted in mining. Originally there were three separate towns, now long gone. Although not all of the history is reason to celebrate, it all made Sparwood the town it is today.
Michel, Natal & Middletown
These three small settlements only separated by a kilometre were the site of what was eventually to become the beginning of Sparwood. Many people travelled from England, Czechoslovakia and Italy among other places to start a new life in the hopes of a bright future in the booming coal mining industry.
Michel
Maybe seen as the most well known and documented of the three settlements, Michel is where the coal boom began. In 1899 the Crow’s Nest Coal Company (CNP) was ready for a huge future in mining when testing revealed that the coal in the area was perfect for coking - which also meant huge profits. The first settlements
consisted of 12 identical houses, Michel Hotel (which was recently taken down) and a little store. Men went to work in the mines and the women tended house. At first coal production was slow, but a push from CPR encouraged the mines to start producing more. Life in Michel was not without misfortune. Fires for three consecutive years and explosions killed many men.
quiet, being built upwind from the bellowing smoke and debris from the coke ovens. In 1960 oil and gas were in much more demand than coal and the effects on the settlements
had already been taken. Many people were left in dismay as they had put all their life’s savings into the homes they had built in the towns. A lot of folks were angry and did not want to
leave, but in the end they were left no choice as their homes were demolished. What little money they did receive for them was surely not enough to build a new one, but people
made do. The beginning of Sparwood may not have been the brightest, but to take a look at it now, all will say what a wonderful place it is to live.
Natal
Natal was first established in 1907. Natal was also known as New Town and New Michel. Natal was a place set up to give the miners options of another place to live besides the town of Michel. Miners could build their own houses here as many did, and later some small family businesses set up creating jobs for the women and became a central place for families to go when they needed something.
Middletown
One of the least known settlements of the three, Middletown was given its name as it was located between the two towns of Michel and Natal. Middletown was the smallest of the three settlements, consisting of three dirt roads and approximately 40 houses.
Michel-Natal hospital.
Submitted photo
The Makings of Sparwood
Sparwood was developed in 1939 by Crow’s Nest Coal Company for a place to house mine managers. Sparwood was clean and
Village of Michel.
Submitted photo
Downtown Natal.
Don’t miss this years
June 13th - 15th, 2014
• Parade • Bocce • Pancake • Bed Races • Horseshoes Breakfast • Ball Hockey • Tug of War •5k&8k Tournament • Kids Fest Fun Run • Slo-Pitch • Bike Rodeo • Volleyball Tournament • Disc Golf • Fire Fit • Soap Box • Rugby Challenge Sparwood, BC Derby • Barbecue’s and so • Street Market much more…. For more information on all the exciting events, visit www.coalminerdays.co.
You can also become our friend on Facebook and be kept up to date on all things Coal Miner Days! Just search for Coal Miner Days.
Submitted photo
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 8, 2014
The Miners’ Walk An exhibit outside City Hall celebrates Fernie's long mining history By Angela Treharne
V
isitors to Fernie with an interest in the history of mining in the Elk Valley are now able to learn from an outdoor exhibit. The Miners’ Walk is located right outside City Hall, and is a great chance for tourists to find out a little bit about the history of black gold in the valley. The highlight of the exhibition is a large sculpture created by internationally known artist Jeff de Boer. The sculpture consists of individual shapes set on pedestals. As the visitor walks round the exhibition, the shapes appear to be random, but then when the visitor reaches the right spot, they come together to reveal a larger than life miner’s face. As well as the sculpture, there are colourful signs and information on the importance and history of coal mining in the valley. “The Miners’ Walk tells the whole story of the importance of mining and the powerful effect it has had in shaping what Fernie is today,” said Miners’ Walk committee member Mary Giuliano. “This was done by creating an outdoor exhibit that is compelling, enduring and attractive. From this people will gain a respect for what happened in the past, is happening now and will be part of creating a positive future.” The Miners’ Walk is situated on the City Hall property, the original coal company office in the heart of Fernie’s community. “The exhibit tells the story of significant players in coal mining in the area, and describes the geology and natural and human history of the Fernie area as it relates to coal mining,” said Giuliano. “If it wasn’t for mining, Fernie wouldn’t be here.”
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THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 8, 2014 C11
Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
Mining the gap
In Honour of
National Mining Week We would like to thank Teck Coal and all of our other loyal customers for their patronage. We look forward to serving you now and in the future
By Angela Treharne
W
hile women have made headway into certain industries and occupations, there is still a great gap between women and men in many industries and occupations, including mining. According to a 2010 report from Women in Mining in Canada, which is a non-profit organization focused on advancing the interests of women in the industry, women represented 14 per cent of the workforce in the Canadian mining industry in 2006, and many of these jobs were administrative and culinary. Teck is determined to encourage more women to see their future in mining. They partnered up with The College of The Rockies in Fernie to offer a three-week training program in March to introduce women to the types of careers available within the surface coal mining industry. The program included fundamentals and
procedures in surface mining, computer skills, occupational first aid level 1, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), health, safety and reclamation code for mines, fall protection, haul truck simulator, mine tour and ride-along training with veteran operators. The program also includes soft skills training in workplace communication, personality dimensions, conflict resolution, goal setting, time management and team building. Work/life balance workshops and resume writing are also included in the training. This is the first time this course has been offered through The College of the Rockies, and upon completion, participants have skills to improve their employability within the mining industry. For information on potential funding options and/or to register, contact the Fernie campus at 250-423-4691 or the program coordinator, Valerie Luznar-Purdy at 250-423-3827.
Mining Week and what it means to us By Angela Treharne
M
ining is one of BC’s largest and oldest industries and BC Mining Week provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contribution of the modern industry to British Columbians. BC Mining Week is declared each year by the Legislature of British Columbia. BC Mining Week 2014 takes place May 11 to 17. This celebration has a long history in B.C. The first B.C. Mining Week took place 25 years ago in Vancouver. What began as a celebration in Vancouver many years ago has now spread province-wide in communities across the province that want to participate in the recognition of the contribution of the mining sector in B.C. In the Elk Valley, mining plays an especially important part of our community. The industry creates jobs, supports businesses, fosters growth, and creates communities. Mining Week gives us a chance to not only pay tribute to mining throughout B.C. but to celebrate how it has helped the Valley grow. As well as creating jobs for many local people, Teck also helps the community with donations to schools, clubs, groups and organizations in the Elk Valley while ensuring their business practices are the best and most profitable they can be. Teck also strives to give back to the communities in ways of sponsorships and promoting events and activities that bring people closer together in play as well as work. The Elk Valley also benefits from having top trained mine rescue workers available in the event of an accident at one of the mines. As mining week begins, the Elk Valley remembers the rich heritage of mining in the valley while looking ahead to a prosperous and vibrant future.
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
THE FREE PRESS, Thursday, May 8, 2014
Mining History 2004 - The River wins 2003 reclamation award
ELK VALLEY – The Fording River Mine was recognized at an awards ceremony in Cranbrook on June 23, for winning the 2003 citation for outstanding achievement in reclamation at a coal mine. The award was presented at the 28th Annual British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium Awards by Fred Hermann, chief inspector of mines for the province of British Columbia. This is the eleventh award Fording River has won for reclamation, the process by which mined areas are returned to a more natural state. Since mining operations began in the area in the 1970s, employees at Fording River have
reclaimed approximately 600 hectares of land. “This award is a credit to everyone at the mine,” said Roger Berdusco, Environmental Services Administrator at Elk Valley Coal’s Fording River Operations, who accepted the citation. “Employees at Fording River are committed to returning mined lands to equivalent productivity.”
1994 – Greenhills expands
Fording Coal Ltd.’s recent success acquiring new markets has led to stepped-up production at its Greenhills mine. Fording Coal expects to increase cleaned coal production to 4.5 million tonnes at Greenhills
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by the 1997 coal year, said general manager Pat Koski. That’s about 30 per cent more than the 3.4 million tonnes of cleaned coal the mine will produce for the 1994 coal year. Koski said Greenhills has hired about 16 full-time workers over the past few months to meet the increased demand. “We’re just going to hire on an as-needed basis” in the coming months he said. Fording Coal had planned to increase Greenhills’ production over several years but new inroads the company has made into European markets speeded up the plans, said Koski. “Now is the time to do it.”
1984 – Fording production record broken
“We’re standing on top of 3.5 million tones of recoverable coal” said Jim Gardiner, vice-president and general manager of Fording Coal. “And without this development, we’d be faced with mining out the two other pits and with one third less the people.” Mr. Gardiner was speaking to approximately 50 people on top of Eagle Mountain for its official opening, held Wednesday April 11, 1984. Mr. Gardiner and Leo Bingleman in an interview said that $40-million had been spent on the Eagle development which thus far includes roads, accesses power and environmental work.
“All are feeling a sense of accomplishment,” he (Leo Bingleman) said. “The life of the mine has been extended 40-60 years, pulling out the coal at a rate of five million tonnes per year.”
“We’re standing on top of 3.5 million tones of recoverable coal.” 1974 – Higher price for coal negotiated by Kaiser
Agreements providing for a substantial increase in the price of Kaiser Resources Ltd. coking coal shipped to Japan and possible expansion in two areas of the company’s coal mining operations have been reached in Tokyo, Edgar F. Kaiser, Jr., president and chief executive officer, announced in Vancouver Monday. Mr. Kaiser said the company’s Japanese customers have granted a base price increase of $5 per long ton of coal effective June 1, 1974, increasing the contract price to $26.63 per long ton under the sales agreements covering 4.5 million long tons annually, plus or minus five per cent. This price excludes pending adjustments for increased rail costs and British Columbia mineral land tax, both of which are covered under the sales contracts. “The increase in base price is expected to result in significantly higher earnings for the company
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in 1974 and future years,” Mr. Kaiser said.
1964 – Long Range Coal Plan Outlined by Byrne
It wan an optimistic sounding meeting Friday night at the King Edward Hotel when Kootenay East MP Jim Byrne attended a public meeting there. He outlined briefly for roughly 40 people present, a plan for long term coal production at a higher rate than currently, which if approved by the government could result in seven to 10-year contracts with Japan. The plan, which he is supporting, suggested at a recent conference of coal Producers, would involve extension of the federal coal freight subsidy to cover larger tonnage, but on a depreciating scale to allow for lower production costs. Higher Production Object in the long run would be to eliminate the subsidy while at the same time by its extension, allowing coal producers to write longer contracts for larger amounts. Recently the subsidy was increased to cover 200,000 tons over the previous Japanese contract.
1954 – New Model Mine To Be Used At Competitions
Mine Rescue and First Aid teams have been training extensively at Fernie, Michel and Kimberley for the First Aid and Mine Rescue competitions of the East Kootenay Mine Safety Association to be held at Chapman Camp Kimberley, on June 19. Competitions this year will be held under different conditions than in former years. Men will actually work in poisonous gases in various areas of the model mine in which the competitions are held. This new development is made possible by the use of a transparent plastic covering that covers large areas of the mine. It keeps fumes and smoke in the work areas yet also enables
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Mining History Continued from page B12
the spectators to watch the teams in action. This new type of model mine is an innovation that will be used for the first time in the East Kootenays this year.
1944 – Miners Start To Draw Insurance
With some of the smaller coal mines of the valley closed for 10 days or more and larger mines working on an on-off basis due to lack of orders, payment of unemployment insurance has begun here, it was reported today. Approximately 700 coal miners have applied for this benefit and mine officials said prospects were poor, due to lack of orders, that the 2200 miners here will receive even half-time employment during the next three months. Included in the roll of miners working in this field are 125 soldiers, between 800 and 1000 men who were granted postponement from military service until Aug. 1 for the purpose of digging coal, and many other workmen who, as qualified miners, were diverted from other industries by Selective Service officers and “frozen” in coal mining.
1934 – Successful Mine Rescue
The East Kootenay Mine Safety Association’s 13th annual mine rescue and first aid contest went off with flying colors last Saturday. The weather was ideal except for a shower in the evening. A large number of interested spectators followed the work of the mine rescue crews and first aid teams throughout the day. The mine rescue event started a little behind the scheduled time but went through without a hitch. Four teams were put through their paces before the interval. At the interval officials, attendants and visiting team members hied themselves to either the Waldorf Hotel, the Northern Hotel or Hunter’s Bakery where a very satisfying and tasty meal was served and
done justice to by all. After the interval the other two mine rescue teams were put through their problems. About 1:30 p.m. the first aid events started with the juniors, followed by the ladies, and then the confined senior first aid competition. After the first aid events were over all the people gathered in the mine rescue station to hear the results and the winners to receive their prizes. Mine Rescue Event 1st place, Corbin team, with a percentage of marks of 96.6 2nd place, Coal Creek team, with a percentage of marks 96.4 3rd place, Kimberley team, with a percentage of 90. 4th place, Fernie team, percentage of marks 89.6 5th place, Michel (McKay’s team) 6th place, Michel (H. Adams team)
1924 – Miners Hold Meeting
“The Coal Creek mines of the company have produced 927,410 net tons this year, which figures are 230,139 tons greater than the figures of 1910 and 133,000 tons greater than 1912. The anti-Union revolt which at the beginning of this week seemed certain was turned into a vote of confidence in the District officers by the visit of District President Sherman to this camp last Tuesday. The calling of a mass meeting by the “Miners Committee” to discuss the possibility of breaking away from the International and signing up an agreement with the Crow’s Nest Pass Coal Company caused a hurried call to be sent to Calgary
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for Sherman to come here and address a mass meeting timed an hour ahead of the other. Sherman arrived Tuesday morning and miners from Michel, Coal Creek and Fernie crowded the Grand theatre to hear what he had to say about the present situation. He made a promise that $3000 would be sent in to Fernie on Wednesday as another issue of temporary relief and stated that the International Executive Board were to meet in Indianapolis Thursday to discuss the situation in District 18. This seemed to have a soothing effect on the local men when a resolution reading: “That we pass a vote of confidence in the District officers and remain united with the remainder of the District until the Jacksonville agreement, carrying with it no reduction in wages, is negotiated in the District,” was put to the meeting, it was carried by a unanimous standing vote. This meeting then adjourned and the miners en masse proceeded to the meeting called by the “Miners Committee” at the Orpheum theatre, where Alderman Andrew Lees placed before them the agreement which the Crow’s Nest Pass Coal Co. was willing to sign with the representatives of the Fernie and Michel employees should they wish to make a separate agreement. This contract was based on a 12 per cent higher rate of wages that’s now in effect at the Vancouver Island mines. Considerable rowdyism broke out and speakers had great difficulty in making themselves heard. Finally a call was made for a standing vote to decide whether this agreement would be accepted or not, the result being practically a unanimous vote for its rejection, and the men left the theatre without any further discussion on the subject.
1914 – A Big Year in Mining
The output for the collieries for the year shows an all round increase. The Crow’s Nest Pass Coal Company produced 1,165,219 tons of coal and 372,902 tons of
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slack, which was used to make 252,525 tons of coke, a general increase. From their property at Hosmer, the Canadian Pacific Railway Department of Natural Resources mined 266,000 tons of clean coal and 120,000 used for coke and produced 66,800 tons of coke. Both companies increased their equipment during the year and the Crow’s Nest company is opening up new seams. The Corbin Coal & Coke company completed the railway to No. 3 mine where coal will be mined with a steam shovel next year. The output for the year was 81,000 tons. Crow’s Nest Pass Coal Company The Coal Creek mines of the company have produced 927,410 net tons this year, which figures are 230,139 tons greater than the figures of 1910 and 133,000 tons greater than 1912. During the past 11 months a new seam of coal at Coal Creek named “B” seam has been opened up. It is expected that 500 tons per day will be taken from this new mine when in operation. At Michel the operations during the year have been confined to No. 3 seam, from which 237,809 net tons were taken, which exceeds all past records for No. 3 seam prior to 1911 by 349 percent. A new seam of coal has been discovered on the south side of the valley at Michel above No. 3 Mine. It is about 9 feet thick and development work will be started on it early in the spring. Hosmer Mine The mines at Hosmer, owned and operated by the Department of Natural Resources of the Canadian Pacific Railway have furnished the following data: The “B: incline has been double tracked an additional drum for the engine operating the same has been installed. An eight foot diameter Sheldon Sirocco fan for ventilating No. two “B” south has been installed during the year.
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Mine Rescue Competition
very two years, Fernie hosts the best mine rescue teams from across the west for the Western Region Mine Rescue Competition. Provincial and Territorial Surface and Underground Mine Rescue winners from across Western Canada and the United States make up the competition. Mine rescue is the specialized and crucial job of rescuing miners and others who have become trapped or injured in mines because of mining accidents, roof falls or floods and disasters such as explosions caused by firedamp, the flammable gas found in coal mines. Mining laws in developed countries require trained, equipped mine rescue personnel to be available at all mining operations. Mine rescue teams must know the procedures used to rescue miners trapped by various hazards, including fire, explosions, cave-ins, toxic gas, smoke inhalation, and water entering the mine. Most mine rescue teams are composed of miners who know the mine and are familiar with the mine machinery they may encounter during the rescue, the layout of workings and geological conditions and working practices. Local and state governments may have teams on call ready to respond to mine accidents. Mine rescue teams are trained in first aid and the use of a variety
of tools, and the operation of selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to work in passages filled with mine gases such as firedamp, afterdamp, chokedamp, and sometimes shallow submersion. Last year, mine rescue teams from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon and Northwest Territories/Nunavut as well, as the winning surface and underground teams from the Northwestern United States, gathered in Fernie on September 6 and 7 to compete at the 11th Western Region Mine Rescue Competition. Each team participated in five tasks including first aid, fire and smoke simulation, rope task and a written exam. Surprisingly, a good portion of the general public are not aware of what mine rescue is and the impact that it has on our communities and families. Mine rescue team members are your neighbours or the face in the crowd who you recognize as a member of the community; they are sometimes the first person to come upon an accident. You may not know at the time, but you are in good hands. The intense training and numerous hours these individuals put in to hone their skills prior to competing and the teamwork and support from their families all contribute to the competitor's success during
the competition. Camaraderie, sportsmanship and the sense of pride to be a member of a mine rescue team all contribute to a high energy competition where teams compete against their peers; where the stakes are high and competition is fierce. Last year, Teck's Coal Mountain Operations was declared the winner in the
surface mining category. The Western Region competition won't run again until next year, but this year there will be the 93rd annual 2014 East Kootenay Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition, on Saturday, May 10 at Rayco Steel, 655 Michel Creek Rd, Sparwood from 8 am to 2 pm.
Go along and watch teams from local mines and emergency services show their mine rescue and first aid skills in a series of adjudicated tasks. There will also be a barbecue sponsored by Finning, SMS Equipment and Cummins Western Canada, a free kids’ climbing wall and laser tag.
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Mining Week ~ May 11 to 17
glossary of mining terms
ACID DEPOSITION - The transfer of acids or acid-forming substances from the atmosphere to the earth’s surface. Referred to as wet deposition when the transfer occurs through precipitation (rain, snow, fog); and dry deposition when the transfer occurs through other processes such as absorption, impaction, sedimentation, and chemical reaction. ACID SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS Environments which can be easily damaged by acid deposition. Some environments have natural buffering capabilities which allow them to neutralize significant amounts of acid deposition. AGGLOMERATION - A family of processes which can be used to concentrate valuable minerals (including coal) based on their adhesive properties. ANTHRACITE - Coal of the highest rank; it is almost pure carbon and is used mainly for home heating and cooking in some developing countries industrial purposes. BITUMINOUS - An intermediate ranked coal between anthracite and sub-bituminous coal. It has a high carbon content and is low in moisture content. Bituminous coal can be used for both steelmaking and power generation. Low and medium volatile bituminous coals are ranked by their carbon content, while high volatile bituminous coals are ranked by their heating value. BOILER - A tank in which water is heated or steam is generated. BREAKER - A machine which combines coal crushing and screening. Normally consists of a rotating drum in which coal is broken by gravity impact against
COKE - A hard, dry carbon substance produced by heating coal to a very high temperature in the absence of air. Coke is used in the manufacture of iron and steel. COMBUSTION CHAMBER - The part of a boiler in which fuel is burned.
DEMONSTRATION PHASE - A stage in the research and development process during which a process or facility is tested under anticipated operating conditions.
From the Coal Association of Canada www.coal.ca
DRAGLINE - An excavating machine that uses a bucket operated and suspended by lines or cables, one of which lowers the bucket from the boom; the other, from which the name of the machine is derived, allows the bucket to swing out from the machine or to be dragged toward the machine to remove overburden above a coal seam.
the walls of the drum. CARBON DIOXIDE - A colorless, odorless, nontoxic radiative gas that is essential to plant and animal life. It is also emitted as a result of burning organic materials, including fossil fuels.
ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR - An electrical device for removing fine particles (fly ash) from combustion gases prior to release from a power plant’s stack.
CHARCOAL - The residue, primarily carbon, from the partial combustion of wood or other organic matter.
ENERGY - The capacity to do work; more commonly used as an all-encompassing generic term describing fuel sources used to provide power.
CLEAN-COAL TECHNOLOGIES - Technologies that allow coal-based power or electricity generation to have improved environmental performance, through decreased emissions. These technologies decrease emissions by using coal in a more efficient and costeffective manner.
ENERGY MIX - The combination of sources used to provide energy at any given time and place. Energy sources include coal, oil, gas, water (hydro), uranium (nuclear), wind, sunlight, geothermal and others. FAULTS / FAULTED - A fracture in the earth’s crust causing displacement of the layers.
CLIMATE - The long-term / overall weather of an area. Climate therefore, is the cumulative grouping of separate weather patterns. (see Weather) CLIMATE CHANGE - A wholly natural phenomenon in which climate varies over centuries and millenia through the influence of various factors, such as solar cycles, the change of relative humidity in the atmosphere, and changing levels of so-called “greenhouse gases”. This phrase is often used in place of the term “global warming”. (see Global Warming) COAL - A fossil fuel composed mostly of carbon, with traces of hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other elements. COAL DESULPHURIZATION - Removal of sulphur from coal or coal gas. COAL GASIFICATION - Any of a variety of processes by which coal is converted to a gas.
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FLUIDIZED BED COMBUSTION - A process which has a high capability of removing sulphur from coal during combustion. Crushed coal and limestone are suspended in the combustion chamber in the bottom of a boiler by an upward stream of hot air. The coal is burned in this fluid-like mixture. Instead of being released as emissions, sulphur from combustion gases combines with the limestone to form a solid compound recovered with the ash. GASIFICATION - (see Coal Gasification)
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING - The branch of engineering that specializes in assessing the stability and strength of soil and rock materials, as well as groundwater conditions. In mining, geotechnical engineering principles are used to determine the appropriate design of mine features such as pit walls, tunnels and earthen embankments.
GLOBAL WARMING - A potential increase in the temperature of the earth’s lower atmosphere which some researchers link to the build-up of radiative gases in the atmosphere. (see Climate Change)
GREENHOUSE EFFECT - A misnomer for a natural phenomenon that occurs when so-called ‘greenhouse gases’ trap radiated heat in the atmosphere. The
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Salute to all the mines in the Elk Valley.
Mining Facts
Direct jobs in the Elk Valley: 3500 Worksafe B.C. statistics show that the mining industry is the safest heavy industry in BC. Coal represents a third of the industrial traffic at the Port of Vancouver, the largest port in Canada. Mining is one of the highest paid industrial sectors nationwide. The coal stocks of southern British Columbia and Alberta are among the richest in Canada. Major minerals produced in BC (as a % of Canada’s production): Coal (66%); Copper (40%); Silver (50%); Gold, Lead, Molybdenum & Zinc. Canada is one of the worlds leading mining countries.
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glossary cont. of mining terms
rays. At ground level ozone is a precursor of photochemical smog. OVERBURDEN - Layers of rock and soil covering a coal seam. In surface mining operations, overburden is removed using large equipment and is either used for reclaiming mined areas or hauled to designated dumping areas.
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greenhouse effect is actually a minor portion of a complex and dynamic process of heating and cooling that occurs in the earth’s atmosphere. This natural process of heating and cooling also includes the fluid dynamics associated with atmospheric moisture (such as clouds), oceans and other surface water, soot and other dust particles known as aerosols. The entire heating and cooling cycle warms the atmosphere and makes life on earth possible. GREENHOUSE GASES - Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO2), and other trace gases which restrict the re-radiation of infrared heat back into the atmospheres. HOPPER - A bin or funnel that is loaded from the top and which discharges through a door or chute at the bottom. HYDROCARBONS - A class of compounds containing hydrogen and carbon formed by the decomposition of plant and animal remains, including coal, mineral oil, petroleum, natural gas, paraffin, the fossil resins and the solid bitumens occurring in rocks. Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons. HYDROELECTRICITY - Electricity generated using falling water as an energy source. LIGNITE - A low-rank coal with a relatively high moisture and low heat/energy content. Ranging in colour from black to brown, lignite is used in power generation. LIQUEFACTION
- The process of
converting coal into a synthetic liquid fuel, similar in nature to crude oil and other refined products. LOW SULPHUR COAL - Coal which has a sulphur content generally ranging from 0.1 per cent to 1.0 per cent. All western Canadian coal is low in sulphur.
PEAT - A dark brown or black deposit resulting from the partial decomposition of vegetative matter in marshes and swamps. PIT PONIES - Small horses, mules, or ponies which were used to pull coal shuttle cars from underground mines during the 1800s. PROVED RESERVES - Those quantities which geological and engineering information indicate with reasonable certainty can be recovered in the future from known deposits under existing economic and operating conditions.
METALLURGICAL COAL - A term used to describe varieties of bituminous coal that are converted into coke for use in the steelmaking process. METHANE - The most simple of the hydrocarbons formed naturally from the decay of vegetative matter, similar to that which formed coal. It is the principal component of natural gas and is a radiative gas.
RADIATIVE GASES - Any of the natural or man-made gases which, when released, accumulate in the atmosphere. A characteristic of these gases is that they tend to allow the sun’s heat to pass through to earth but do not allow the heat radiated back from the earth to escape from the atmosphere.
Mtce - Mega tonnes of coal equivalent. NITROGEN OXIDES (NOx) - Formed when nitrogen (N2) combines with oxygen (O2) in the burning of fossil fuels, from the natural degradation of vegetation, and from the use of chemical fertilizers. NOx gases are a significant component of acid deposition and a precursor of photochemical smog. The primary source of nitrogen oxide emissions is automobile exhaust.
SCRUBBER - Any of several forms of chemical/physical devices which operate to remove sulphur compounds formed as a result of fossil-fuel combustion. These devices normally combine the sulphur in gaseous emissions with another chemical medium to form inert compounds which can then be removed for disposal.
OZONE (O3) - A bluish toxic gas, with a pungent odor, formed of three oxygen atoms rather than the usual two. Occurs in the stratosphere and plays a role in filtering out ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s
SHEARER - A rotating cutting device used in underground mining to remove coal from the coal seam. SUB-BITUMINOUS - A generally soft
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TECTONIC FORCES - Forces pertaining to, causing or resulting from structural deformation of the earth’s crust.
THERMAL COAL - A term used to describe coal which is used primarily to generate heat. Also referred to as steam coal.
TON - An Imperial unit of weight equivalent to 2,000 pounds or 907.2 kg. This is also known as a “short ton”.
TONNE - A metric unit of weight equivalent to 1000 kg or 2,240 pounds. This is also known as a “metric ton” or “long ton”.
TURBINE - A machine that has propellerlike blades which can be moved by flowing water or gas (including steam) thereby rotating a component in a generator to produce electricity.
UNIT TRAIN - A train typically consisting of approximately 100 to 110 cars, which is dedicated to the transport of a single commodity such as coal.
VOLATILE MATTER - Matter that is driven off as gas or vapor when coal is heated to about 950° C.
WEATHER - Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a given time that includes temperature, precipitation, humidity, pressure, winds.
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SULPHUR OXIDES (SOx) - A family of gases, including sulphur dioxide (SO2) formed when sulphur, or fossil fuels containing sulphur, burn in air. Airborne sulphur compounds may be converted to other substances which contribute to acid deposition.
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coal with a heating value between bituminous and lignite. It has low fixed carbon and high percentages of moisture and volatile material. Sub-bituminous coal is mainly used for generating electricity.
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