Metallurgical coal is also known as steelmaking coal or coking coal. While its cousin thermal coal is burned directly for electricity generation, metallurgical coal undergoes a conversion into coke, which is a crucial component in making steel.
Coke converted from metallurgical coal is essential for steelmaking. Coke plays three roles in the steel making process in a BOF (Blast Oxygen Furnace): as a reducing agent, as a heat source and as a solid to support the iron ore. The process produces molten iron.
Steel is a critical material, used to make everything from guitar strings and jewellery to refrigerators, vehicles, and urban infrastructure.
There are exciting new developments in hydrogen-based steel, but we will not see a large-scale application of this technology for decades. For the near future, metallurgical coal remains our best option for producing steel.
The Rocky Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project is our current focus. It is located approximately 47 km south of Chetwynd, BC, within the Peace River Regional District, and within the traditional territories of the Treaty 8 First Nations.
The closest towns to The Rocky Creek Project are Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge, and the closest Indigenous bands are those of Treaty 8 First Nations.
CTI Plus will engage on a regular basis with these communities and look forward to building a strong, trusted relationship. Our Rocky Creek Project will bring substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities to the residents of this area.
The Rocky Creek Project is currently in the EA Certificate and Application Process, as well as the Environmental Assessment Process. Here is the key work we have initiated and some key prospective dates.
Q2 2023: Initiated the Mine Feasibility Study
Q3 2023: Initiated the Baseline Study (expected completion: Q4 2025)
Q3 2024: Submission of Initial Project Description (IPD) and Engagement Plan (EP) to EAO and IAAC
Q4 2024: Community Open House: Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge
Q1 2025: Expected submission of Detailed Project Description (DPD)
Q3 2026: Expected submission of draft EA Application
Q4 2027: Expected to receive EA Certification
Q3 2027-Q2 2028: Mine Permitting
Q2 2028: Expected to begin Mine Construction
Q3 2030: Expected to begin Mine Operations
The mine life is expected to be 14 years in total. This does not include construction, decommissioning, reclamation, and mine closure.
Progressive Reclamation begins during the mine’s life. When production has concluded, reclamation includes the decommission of mine components, including the coal washing plant, coal loadout facility, and other processes. It also includes the safe closure of open pits, the final re-sloping of the waste rock storage facility, and final placement of reclamation material including topsoil and vegetation. Treaty 8 First Nations and MNBC will be consulted with and participate with all stages of reclamation, including the mine closure.
We welcome questions and inquiries. Simply visit our Contact page and fill out our email form, which is sent directly to our team. We’ll respond to you as soon as possible.