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Calgary Herald

Alberta Energy Regulator approves Northback request to explore for coal at Grassy Mountain

The Alberta Energy Regulator has approved Northback Holdings' request to explore for coal at Grassy Mountain along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Article content Article content Australia-based Northback had applied to the AER for a coal exploration program, along with deep drilling permit and temporary diversion licence, at Grassy Mountain, and on Thursday afternoon made public its decision to approve the three applications, with conditions. Article content Article content In its decision, the AER concluded that the applications meet all regulatory requirements and that the exploration program is in the public interest. The program will have 'positive social and economic impacts,' it said. Article content Article content 'The Exploration Program, in addition to refining Northback's understanding of the Grassy Mountain coal deposit, will provide the Piikani and Stoney Nakoda First Nations and Albertans with additional information about the Grassy Mountain coal deposit,' said the AER in Thursday's decision. Article content 'The Exploration Program will contribute to the ongoing evaluation of this coal resource and, based on our assessment, will do so in an orderly, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.' The AER's decision follows public hearings on the application in Pincher Creek in December and Calgary in January, when the AER heard from those wanting the jobs and other economic benefits of a mine and those concerned about its environmental impacts. Article content