COAL: Public comments invited on Echo Hill mine

BRITISH COLUMBIA – Hillsborough Resources of Vancouver has advanced the Echo Hill coal mine project to the stage that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is inviting public comments on the project. The project is located 44 km north of Tumbler Ridge. The company plans to produce between 1.0 million and 1.5 million tonnes of thermal coal per year for 10 to 14 years.

Hillsborough says the Echo Hill project is will have a small environmental footprint due to the use of contour bench mining. Each bench will be progressively reclaimed, leaving only 20 hectares disturbed at a time. Half of the projected tonnage will be mined using a highwall auger that will not disturb the overburden. No wash plant is planned so there is not need for refuse storage or a tailings area.

A summary of the Echo Hill project description is available at www.CEAA-ACEE.gc.ca (registry reference number 80018). Written submissions will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2013 at either CEAA, 410 – 701 Georgia St West, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6 or EchoHill@ceaa-acee.gc.ca.