AER Permit for Coal Mine 14

Mine 14 is an underground metallurgical coal mine proposed by Summit Coal Inc., a subsidiary of Valory Resources Inc., located near Grande Cache, Alberta, approximately 430 kilometers west of Edmonton.cpawsnab+1​

Approvals Granted

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) issued approvals on September 24, 2025 for Summit Coal's Mine 14 applications. The specific permits and approvals granted include:albertawilderness+1​

• Water Term Licence – 33544347

• Water Act Approval – 00496729-001

• Coal Mine License Amendment – 1945553

• Coal Mine Permit Amendment – 1945552

• EPEA Approval – 00496728-001

Project Specifications

The Mine 14 project is designed to produce approximately 1.2 to 1.3 million tonnes per annum of premium, low volatile, low ash, metallurgical-grade coal for export markets. The underground mine uses a room and pillar mining method with an approximate depth of 494 meters and covers an area of 5.65 square kilometers.gem+1​

The project includes surface facilities such as rotary breakers, coal storage and loadout silos, mine infrastructure, and water management systems. The approved Water Act applications permit the diversion and use of 55,000 cubic meters of water at the project location.aer+1​

Regulatory Controversy

The approval process has been contentious. In August 2025, the AER CEO cancelled the public hearing for Mine 14—a historic first for the agency. This decision sparked controversy, leading to legal challenges by the Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Northern Alberta (CPAWS Northern Alberta). These organizations presented their case on November 6, 2025, requesting permission to appeal the AER CEO's decision to cancel the hearing to the Alberta Court of Appeal. Environmental groups argue that the approvals should not have been granted without a full public hearing process, citing concerns about water management, biodiversity impacts, and inconsistencies with local legislation.youtube​albertawilderness+2​

1. https://cpawsnab.org/all-news/mine-14-approvals-granted-after-public-hearings-cancelled-engos-continue-to-move-forward-with-appeal/
2. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-documents-related-to-summit-coal-decision-raise-more-questions-about/
3. https://albertawilderness.ca/joint-news-release-mine-14-approvals-granted-after-public-hearings-cancelled-engos-continue-to-move-forward-with-appeal/
4. https://www.gem.wiki/Mine_14_Underground_Coal_Mine
5. https://valoryresources.com/mine-14-project/
6. https://www.aer.ca/applications-and-notices/application-status-and-notices/notices/applications-1945552-1945553-001
7. https://www.aer.ca/applications-and-notices/application-status-and-notices/notices/hearing-notices/proceeding-id-449
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wXNzKmxEDs
9. https://albertawilderness.ca/joint-news-release-aer-ceo-claims-unprecedented-power-to-cancel-public-hearing-for-coal-mine/
10. https://www.facebook.com/cmcalgary/posts/globe-and-mail-exposes-collusion-with-australian-coal-grubbers-by-alberta-energy/1369686067850119/