London-based mining giant Anglo American PLC (LSE:AAL.L) announced plans to expand its Roman coal mine near Tumbler Ridge with a ground-breaking ceremony on August 15.
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines, joined Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani and Seamus French, head of Anglo American’s metallurgical coal division, for the announcement.
The extension, dubbed the Trend-Roman project, will be an open-cut expansion of the existing Trend mine.
Trend-Roman, combined with the Trend mine, is expected to produce up to 2.5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal per year over its 16-year lifespan. The mine is expected to employ 450 people.
Work on the expansion’s first phase will begin immediately.
According to the company, Anglo American expects to receive permits for the second phase of the expansion by the end of 2013. Construction of the project is slated for completion by 2014’s first quarter.
Anglo American has also made commitments to build a water treatment plant, set aside more than 1,800 hectares of its tenure to protect caribou habitat and provide the provincial government with more than $2.5 million for its Peace Northern Caribou Plan.
“We will approach the Trend-Roman project with the same dedication and discipline, ensuring the investment delivers significant returns to our shareholders and sustainable value to our neighbouring community,” said French.
“The government of British Columbia, First Nations and our local communities have demonstrated their confidence in our ability to deliver the Trend-Roman project by granting us this permit. In response, we have started construction immediately to ensure the benefits and opportunities are shared.”
