COAL: Sod turned for Trend-Roman project

BRITISH COLUMBIA – Initial work has begun on the expansion of Anglo American's Trend coal mine near Tumbler Ridge. The open pit expansion, dubbed "Roman", will extend the life of the existing Trend operation by 16 years.

The sod turning was attended by Anglo CEO Mark Cutifani, Anglo's met coal CEO Seamus French, and BC's mines and energy minister Bill Bennett. Also in attendance were First Nations partners and other government officials.

Said Cutifani, "The approval of the Roman project's first phase is an important milestone in our strategic plans to grow our metallurgical coal output in Canada, with the completed expansion producing up to 2.5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal per year and employing up to 450 people.

"As a company committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental protection, we are proud to be the first company in British Columbia to take the unprecedented step to set aside 1,852 hectares of our tenures to protect caribou habitat.

"In addition to this, we will contribute $2.566 million towards the government of British Columbia's Peace Northern Caribou Plan," he added.

Anglo acquired the Trend mine in 2011 with the takeover of Peace River Coal. Visit the company's website at AngloAmerican.com.