Tumbler Ridge’s Roman Mine Project starts construction

— Dave Thompson/AME BC photo

TUMBLER RIDGE — Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review, met with local mining workers and the Global and Business Group CEO's of Anglo American plc Mining Group today to celebrate the start of construction of the Roman Mine project in Tumbler Ridge.

Roman Mine, adjacent to the existing Trend Mine, received a Mines Act permit Aug. 7, 2013, to commence with Phase One construction. As well, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations approved a Licence of Occupation under the Land Act and a Licence to Cut Amendment under the Forest Act, both required for the mine to move forward with Phase One.

The $200-million project plans to start full production sometime in 2014. Both properties are owned by Peace River Coal, a subsidiary of Anglo American plc, one of the world's largest mining companies.

The mine will have an annual production capacity of two million to four million tonnes of metallurgical coal and will maintain 450 full-time jobs and provide an additional 100 jobs for construction over the anticipated 16-year mine life. The Trend Mine, which is adjacent to Roman, maintains its full complement of employees and will handle the coal processing from the new mine.

In addition, Peace River Coal worked with government staff to identify and secure 1,852 hectares of core caribou habitat for protection and will provide $2.5 million toward the Province's Peace Northern Caribou Plan. Peace River Coal also is in the process of finalizing economic benefit agreements with West Moberly First Nations, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Halfway River First Nations and Saulteau First Nations.

Mineral exploration and mining are important economic drivers for British Columbia. The production value of B.C.'s mining industry was approximately $8.3 billion in 2012. Since the BC Jobs Plan, the Province has seen one new mine begin production and six more, including Roman, under construction or permitted. The BC Jobs Plan goal is to open eight new mines and expand nine others in British Columbia by 2015.

Additional Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review -

"It's great to see the economic success that B.C.'s mining industry is bringing to the Tumbler Ridge area. The jobs this mine will create will support families and help build strong communities for many years to come."

"Keeping our economy growing is our government's number-one priority and B.C. continues to be recognized as a global force in the mining industry."

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"As B.C.'s 'one land manager', my ministry is committed to natural resource development. In the past it would have taken up to 310 days to complete the permitting requirements for this type of project. Today, by developing a more effective review process, the Roman Mine project was approved in approximately 120 days, allowing the company to create local jobs faster."

Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South -

"Roman Mine will bring hundreds of jobs to Tumbler Ridge, and Peace River Coal is doing its part to protect caribou populations and ensure First Nations groups share in the economic benefits of the mine. This is a great project for our region, and I look forward to seeing construction get underway."

Mark Cutifani, CEO, Anglo American plc -

"As a company committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental protection, we are proud to be the first company in British Columbia to take the unprecedented step to set aside 1,852 hectares of our tenures to protect caribou habitat."

Quick Facts:

In 2012, more than 30,000 people were employed in mining, mineral exploration and related sectors, this is in significant growth since 2001 when only 14,700 people were employed in mining.

As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. This will result in:

• An increase in annual mine-operation revenue by $1.6 billion.
• Approximately 2,000 jobs during construction.
• 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs during the operating life of the mine.
• Sustain 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect).
• Over $150 million annually in government revenue.