Hundreds attend Calgary coal mining town hall

Hundreds of people attended a town hall meeting on coal mining in Alberta to voice their concerns about the province's plan to restart the industry.

On Monday night, the Alberta NDP and the advocacy group Crowsnest Headwaters hosted a town hall in Calgary to discuss coal mining for the eastern slopes of the Rockies.

“We know it poses a serious risk to our farmers and ranchers because selenium contamination can threaten waterways and the livelihoods that depend on them,” said town hall panel member, Sarah Elmeligi, NDP MLA for Banff-Kananaskis.

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Earlier on Monday, the province issued a letter saying Alberta Energy and Minerals will not accept any new coal lease applications within the eastern slopes until further notice.

However, the letter goes on to state applications for leases within active coal mine permit areas will continue to be accepted where the lease is required for the approved mining activity.

This decision comes less than a month after the United Conservative Party (UCP) lifted its moratorium on new coal exploration and development.

The province has faced fierce opposition over its handling of the issue.