Alberta.

Another coal mine is in the works for Hinton, Alberta

Coalspur Mines is developing the Vista Coal Project near Hinton, Alberta, which could become one of North America's largest dedicated coal export operations targeting Asian markets. The project will be developed in two phases, reaching 12 million tonnes per annum by 2018 with a 28-year mine life and $870 million development cost.

Alberta’s Industrial Heartland

Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association promotes Canada's largest petrochemical and hydrocarbon processing centre, covering 582 square kilometres with $35 billion in total investments. The region houses 14 world-scale facilities responsible for 43% of national basic chemical manufacturing and three major petroleum refineries producing 75% of Western Canada's motor fuel.

Drilling down for data

Century Wireline Services, a geophysical logging company based in Red Deer, Alberta, has achieved over 40% sales growth in recent years by providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional core drilling. The company operates across multiple sectors including coal, oilsands, and emerging hard rock mining applications, with current projects split 50% coal and 50% oilsands.

Transforming tailings management in Alberta’s oilsands

Suncor Energy is implementing its TRO (Tailings Reduction Operations) technology with a $1 billion investment to transform oilsands tailings management in Alberta. The breakthrough process reduces tailings reclamation time from decades to weeks by mixing mature fine tailings with polymer and drying them in thin layers. Seven major oilsands companies have formed the Oil Sands Tailing Consortium to collaborate on advancing tailings solutions.

Tailings ponds made better

Syncrude is implementing three innovative tailings management technologies—water capping, composite tails, and centrifuge technology—to comply with Alberta's Directive 074 regulations. The centrifuge technology spins tailings at 1,000-2,000 rpm to separate water for recycling, creating stackable 'cake' material that allows for land reclamation.

Bearly scratching the surface

Grizzly Discoveries Inc. (TSX:GSD) is conducting exploration at its Greenwood property in British Columbia, having identified 500 targets through airborne geophysical surveys. The company is committed to 3-5 years of exploration in the Greenwood district and is spinning out Alberta Potash Corp. from its potash assets.

From ammolite to zircon

Jeff Nechka, a certified gemologist who took over Calgary-based Premier Gems in 2007, discusses best practices for gemstone investment and evaluation. He emphasizes the importance of finding reputable gem merchants and looking for stones with vivid, pure colors and appropriate clarity.