The Canadian Press reported that two Southern Alberta First Nations have filed for a judicial review of a federal decision rejecting a new open-pit coal mine in the Rocky Mountains, arguing that the government failed in its duty to consult them about the project. In separate filings, the Piikani Nation and Stoney Nakoda Nations countered that the federal government ignored the economic benefits the mine would bring to their communities. Both Piikani and Stoney Nakoda have confidential impact benefit agreements with Benga. As a result, they say, the mine would bring significant economic, educational and employment advantages to their communities.The Stoney Nakoda is comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations. Stoney Nakoda said that Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and the federal cabinet’s rejection of the mine was incorrect, unreasonable and unlawful. It added that Mr Wilkinson improperly relied on a fundamentally flawed federal-provincial review panel report to reach his decision. That report, it said, did not include the positive effect the project would have on the socioeconomic conditions of the Stoney Nakoda people. Instead, it incorrectly or unreasonably” found that the mine would have an adverse effect on the community.Piikani Nation also took issue with Mr Wilkinson’s decision, saying he substituted his judgment for what is in the best interests of the community, rather than respect and rely on its elected leadership.Riversdale Resources Ltd, a subsidiary of Australian mining giant Hancock Prospecting, wanted to build its Grassy Mountain project in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass. But a joint federal-provincial regulatory panel rejected the proposal in June, followed by the federal government last month. The Grassy Mountain mine was to be operated by Riversdale subsidiary Benga Mining Ltd. It was forecast to produce around 93 million tonnes of metallurgical coal over its 23-year life. Benga said it would create hundreds of jobs.
The Canadian Press reported that two Southern Alberta First Nations have filed for a judicial review of a federal decision rejecting a new open-pit coal mine in the Rocky Mountains, arguing that the government failed in its duty to consult them about the project. In separate filings, the Piikani Nation and Stoney Nakoda Nations countered that the federal government ignored the economic benefits the mine would bring to their communities. Both Piikani and Stoney Nakoda have confidential impact benefit agreements with Benga. As a result, they say, the mine would bring significant economic, educational and employment advantages to their communities.The Stoney Nakoda is comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley First Nations. Stoney Nakoda said that Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and the federal cabinet’s rejection of the mine was incorrect, unreasonable and unlawful. It added that Mr Wilkinson improperly relied on a fundamentally flawed federal-provincial review panel report to reach his decision. That report, it said, did not include the positive effect the project would have on the socioeconomic conditions of the Stoney Nakoda people. Instead, it incorrectly or unreasonably” found that the mine would have an adverse effect on the community.Piikani Nation also took issue with Mr Wilkinson’s decision, saying he substituted his judgment for what is in the best interests of the community, rather than respect and rely on its elected leadership.Riversdale Resources Ltd, a subsidiary of Australian mining giant Hancock Prospecting, wanted to build its Grassy Mountain project in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass. But a joint federal-provincial regulatory panel rejected the proposal in June, followed by the federal government last month. The Grassy Mountain mine was to be operated by Riversdale subsidiary Benga Mining Ltd. It was forecast to produce around 93 million tonnes of metallurgical coal over its 23-year life. Benga said it would create hundreds of jobs.
