Current Coal Exploration License Holders in Alberta: Status After the 2025 Moratorium Lift

Alberta's coal exploration landscape has undergone significant changes in early 2025, affecting which companies can actively pursue coal exploration activities in the province. This report examines the current status of coal exploration license holders following the January 2025 lifting of the moratorium that had restricted coal exploration since 2022.

Recent Policy Changes Affecting Coal Exploration

On January 16, 2025, Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean issued Ministerial Order 003/2025, which fundamentally altered the regulatory environment for coal exploration in Alberta. This order rescinded three previous ministerial orders (054/2021, 093/2021, and 002/2022) that had effectively placed a moratorium on coal exploration and development in the Eastern Slopes since 20229 1113.

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) was directed to:

Lift the suspension on all previously approved coal exploration activities
Extend expiry dates of existing approvals to account for the suspension period
Resume accepting new applications for coal exploration9

These changes were announced during the hearing for Northback's Grassy Mountain project and came without public consultation, drawing criticism from environmental groups2 1314.

Known Coal Exploration License Holders

While the search results do not provide a comprehensive list of all current license holders, several companies with exploration interests in Alberta can be identified:

Northback Holdings Corporation

Focused on the Grassy Mountain steelmaking coal project in the Crowsnest Pass region
Currently seeking AER approval for a Coal Exploration Program, a Deep Drill Permit, and a Temporary Diversion License
Plans to use water from previously mined end-of-pit lakes situated on private land
Applications under consideration by the AER following hearings in December 2023 and January 20256 8 32

Ram River Coal Corporation

Holds the Aries Mine project near Nordegg in Clearwater County
Project covers approximately 20,000 hectares (200 square km) on Category 2 lands
Previously had exploration activities paused by the Alberta government since April 2021
Executive Chairman is Adam Lundin, with connections to the Lundin family3

Atrum Coal Limited and Elan Coal Limited

Holds the Elan Project coal leases for metallurgical (steel-making) coal development
Previously held multiple Coal Exploration Permits (CEPs) that were suspended in 2021
Filed a legal claim against the Alberta government seeking CAD$3.53 billion in damages for what they describe as "de facto expropriation" of their coal leases
With the lifting of the moratorium, their previously suspended permits may now be reactivated34 35

Cabin Ridge Coal Project Ltd.

Previously conducted exploration activities north of Crowsnest Pass along the Livingstone Range
Exploration was suspended under the 2022 moratorium
May now be able to resume activities under the new directive8

Coal Exploration Licensing Process in Alberta

For companies seeking to conduct coal exploration in Alberta, the process involves multiple steps and permissions:

Initial Licensing Requirements

An exploration license must be obtained prior to applying for an exploration program
License fee: $50
Term: 14 years (non-renewable)
Area: Between 16 and 9,216 hectares1

Additional Permits Required

An exploration permit ($50) is needed to operate equipment during exploration
Environmental approval ($100) is required for activities causing environmental disturbance
For mining claims, fees range from $625 to $1.75 per hectare per year depending on location
Minimum assessment work requirements vary by region and term period1 4

Land Classification Considerations

The 1976 Coal Policy, which remains in effect, classifies provincial lands into four categories:

Category 1: No coal exploration or development permitted (includes parks and protected areas)
Category 2: Limited exploration allowed but surface mining "not normally" permitted
Category 3 & 4: Coal exploration and development permitted with regulatory oversight9 15

Impact of the 2025 Policy Change

The January 2025 lifting of the moratorium has significant implications for coal exploration in Alberta:

Reactivation of Suspended Permits

Companies that had exploration permits suspended in 2021-2022 can now resume activities, with expiry dates extended to account for the suspension period913.

New Applications Being Accepted

The AER is now processing new applications for coal exploration, including Northback's application for the Grassy Mountain project, which has generated considerable controversy3233.

Environmental Concerns

Several environmental organizations, including CPAWS Northern and Southern Alberta, have expressed serious concerns about the potential environmental impacts of renewed coal exploration, particularly regarding water contamination from selenium and impacts on wildlife habitat2 513.

Future Regulatory Framework

The Coal Industry Modernization Initiative (CIMI) is currently developing a modernized coal policy expected to be ready by the end of 2025. Until then, the 1976 Coal Policy remains the guiding framework for coal development in Alberta1518.

Conclusion

While the search results do not provide a comprehensive list of all current coal exploration license holders in Alberta, it is clear that the January 2025 lifting of the moratorium has reactivated numerous previously suspended exploration permits and opened the door for new applications. Companies like Northback, Ram River Coal, Atrum Coal, and Cabin Ridge now have the opportunity to advance their exploration activities in Alberta's Eastern Slopes, subject to the land classification criteria of the 1976 Coal Policy.

The situation remains fluid as environmental groups and some municipalities continue to challenge these developments, while the provincial government works on developing a modernized coal policy through the CIMI process.

Citations:

Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

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