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Alberta.
Oil and gas top the list of valuable resources being extracted in Alberta, but there are other stories in the mining and exploration industries here, including coal and precious gemstones.
103 stories
Competing in the Renewable Energy Program
Alberta Wind Energy Corporation (AWEC) has partnered with Boralex to form Alberta Renewable Power Limited Partnership, submitting two wind projects totaling 123 megawatts to Alberta's Renewable Energy Program. The partnership combines AWEC's local expertise with Boralex's technical capabilities to compete in Alberta's growing renewable sector.
Energy winds are changing
The Canadian Wind Energy Association released a study showing Alberta could achieve $3.7 billion in spending and create 15,000 job years if wind accounts for 90% of the province's 30 by 30 renewable energy goal. Alberta currently has 1,479 megawatts of wind capacity from 901 turbines, representing 6% of electricity demand, and is positioned to become a wind industry leader as it transitions from coal by 2030.
Solas lights the way for renewables
Solas Energy Consulting, founded by renewable energy veterans Paula McGarrigle and Evelyn Carpenter in 2009, is guiding clients through Canada's growing renewable energy sector. The company recently advised on Teck Resources' Wintering Hills wind farm acquisition and is actively involved in Alberta's 30 by 30 renewable energy initiative.
Moose Mountain Technical Services: Consultants to mining and exploration clients
Moose Mountain Technical Services (MMTS), a mining consulting firm with 30 associates, showcased their successful relationship with Atlantic Gold Corporation at the Moose River Consolidated Gold Mine in Nova Scotia. The project achieved production in record time, with most gold projects typically taking 10+ years from discovery to production.
Shell launches Methane Detection Pilot
Shell launched a methane detection pilot at its shale gas site near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, as part of the Methane Detectors Challenge initiative. The pilot tests Quanta3's continuous monitoring technology, which differs from traditional handheld optical gas imaging cameras by providing real-time emission data. This represents Shell's commitment to reducing methane emissions and improving environmental performance in natural gas production.
NAIT evolves to meet industry demands
NAIT opened its new Melton Crane and Hoisting Building at the Spruce Grove Campus, increasing program capacity by 80% to meet growing demand from construction and energy industries. The facility addresses a shortage of skilled workers, with Alberta government predicting demand for about 500 new crane operators. NAIT is positioning itself to train the next generation of skilled trades workers for the anticipated energy sector recovery.
Educational mining and energy programs offered in Western Canada
Western Canadian educational institutions are expanding mining and energy programs to replace an aging workforce and meet evolving industry demands. Ten programs are highlighted across universities and colleges, ranging from traditional mining engineering degrees to specialized training in crane operation, haul truck driving, and communications. These institutions are aligning curriculum with current industry standards and incorporating hands-on training with innovative technology.
Rock Star Heather Kaminsky—“Queen of Clay”
Heather Kaminsky leads research at NAIT's Centre for Oil Sands Sustainability, developing clay treatment solutions for oil sands operations. Her work focuses on addressing clay-related challenges in tailings management and extraction processes that significantly impact operational efficiency.
Wind industry set to deliver long-term economic, environmental benefits
The Canadian Wind Energy Association's Alberta Summit showcased the province's plan to achieve 30% renewable electricity by 2030, requiring 5,000 MW of new renewable capacity and billions in investment. Alberta launched its first competitive procurement for 400 MW of renewable energy in March 2017, with wind being the lowest-cost option alongside natural gas.
Korite finds rare gems in Alberta
Calgary-based Korite has been successfully mining ammolite, a rare rainbow-colored gemstone found in 70-million-year-old fossilized ammonite shells in Southern Alberta's Bearspaw formation. The company estimates 50 years of reserves remaining and has hired 15 new staff in recent months with plans for 10-15 more hires over the next year.
IKEA makes move to purchase second wind farm in Alberta
Ikea Canada acquired the 88-megawatt Wintering Hills Wind Power Facility near Drumheller, Alberta for $58.6 million in January 2017. This marks the company's second wind farm purchase in Alberta as part of its strategy to achieve energy independence by 2020.
Mexican energy reform: follow “first movers” to find oil and gas opportunities in the south
International Frontier Resources Corp. was awarded Tecolutla Block 24 in Mexico, becoming the first Alberta company to secure an onshore oil and gas field under Mexico's historic energy reform. The company formed joint venture Tonalli Energia and expects to begin operations in the first half of 2017, positioning itself as a 'first mover' in what it considers one of the world's largest energy investment opportunities.
Oilsands pioneer James “Jim” Carter inducted into the 2017 Canadian Mining Hall of Fame
James 'Jim' Carter was inducted into the 2017 Canadian Mining Hall of Fame for his pioneering work in Alberta's oilsands industry. His innovations at Syncrude included implementing large-capacity trucks for overburden removal and developing hydro transport technology that reduced costs and emissions. Carter helped reduce Syncrude's operating costs to $12-$13 per barrel, making oilsands economically viable.
De Beers returns West Athabasca to CanAlaska
De Beers has returned the West Athabasca diamond project to CanAlaska after drilling seven targets, concluding that 85 magnetic anomalies are likely caused by magnetic organic material rather than kimberlite. CanAlaska plans to continue evaluating 78 remaining targets and is marketing similar properties to third parties for diamond exploration.
Bob Moffatt: A pioneer of Canada’s energy sector
Fifth-generation coal miner Bob Moffatt, who began working at Alberta's Atlas Coal Mine at age 16, has returned decades later as a tour guide at the preserved historical site. Moffatt shares his family's mining legacy spanning five generations and provides authentic historical context about Canada's early coal mining industry in the Drumheller Valley.
7 must-visit museums on the Prairies to learn about Canada’s mining and energy industries
This article profiles seven museums across the Prairie provinces that showcase Canada's mining and energy heritage. The Atlas Coal Mine in Drumheller stands out as Canada's most complete coal mining historic site, while other featured museums cover oil discovery, potash mining, and mineral geology.
Enerkem’s facility in Edmonton becomes the first ISCC certified plant in the world
Enerkem's Edmonton facility became the world's first ISCC certified plant to convert municipal solid waste into biomethanol, enabling European biofuel exports. The certification confirms compliance with stringent sustainability requirements and positions the company to benefit from Europe's renewable energy mandate requiring 10% renewable transport fuels by 2020.
WestJet signs multi-year contract with Suncor
WestJet has signed a multi-year contract with Suncor to provide charter flight services for employees and contractors. The agreement will involve more than 100 weekly flights across Western Canada, connecting workers to Suncor's operations in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta.
Report on Alberta’s new car and heavy truck industry reveals $4 billion in economic output on sales
A new MNP study reveals that Alberta's 351 new car and heavy truck dealers generated $4 billion in economic output and employed over 36,000 people in 2014. The Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta reported $16.9 billion in retail sales and $16 billion in operational spending, making the automotive sector one of the province's largest employers.
Morgan Solar Wins Contract to Build Largest Solar Project in Alberta
Toronto-based Morgan Solar won the contract to build Alberta Solar One, a $23-million, 10-megawatt solar project near Vulcan, Alberta, which will be the largest solar facility in the province. The project uses Morgan Solar's proprietary Sun Simba concentrator photovoltaic technology that eliminates traditional mirrors and lenses, promising nearly double the efficiency of conventional solar panels at lower costs.
Iron & Earth Promotes the Unification of Oil and Gas with Renewable Energies
Iron & Earth, a non-profit with 400+ members, launched two major campaigns to retrain oil and gas workers for renewable energy jobs, including a program to retrain 1,000 oilsands tradespeople for solar energy starting summer 2016. The organization challenges the notion that fossil fuel and renewable energy sectors are mutually exclusive, promoting economic diversification that benefits both industries.
Alberta stays strong
The Fort McMurray wildfire destroyed over 2,400 structures and displaced 80,000 residents, but has prompted unprecedented support from individuals, businesses, and government. Major oil and gas companies, banks, and other corporations are providing financial aid, housing, and services, with the Canadian Red Cross raising over $67 million in donations that will be matched by the federal government.
New Edmonton biorefinery turns vegetable oils into renewable fuels
SBI BioEnergy Inc. has opened a $20 million biorefinery in Edmonton that converts canola oil and animal fats into renewable diesel and jet fuels. The 35,000-square-foot facility uses proprietary PICFTR technology and plans to produce 10 million litres of renewable fuel annually by Q1 2017.
Teck donates $75K to Canadian Red Cross Fort McMurray wildfire relief efforts
Teck Resources announced a $75,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross for Fort McMurray wildfire relief efforts, with an additional $25,000 to match employee donations. The donation is being made through the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers' Energy Together relief initiative.