We operate three coal-fired power stations, all in southern Saskatchewan. Prairie Mines and Royalty Limited (PMRL), a subsidiary of Sherritt International, is the sole supplier of coal to SaskPower. The coal mines are in the Estevan and Coronach areas, close to where the coal is actually used.
Before mining coal in the province, PMRL must apply to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment for Ministerial Approval. Within the application, PMRL must satisfy requirements under The Environmental Assessment Act as well as submit an Environmental Impact Statement. They must also provide opportunities for public consultation.
Any reclamation strategies proposed for mined areas must adhere to the Reclamation and Approvals Guidelines for Saskatchewan Strip Mined Coal Lands. These guidelines describe the established objectives for the reclamation of strip-mined coal lands and provide guidance to assist coal mining companies in achieving the reclamation objectives.
The contract negotiated between SaskPower and PMRL requires PMRL to adhere to legislation and regulations regarding reclamation of strip-mined coal land.
Reclamation
Typically, reclamation of strip-mined coal lands includes sequence and mitigation activities
- Acquisition of surface rights (usually done by SaskPower prior to mining)
- Coversoil removal for stockpiling or direct replacement after the coal is mined
- Overburden stripping or removal to expose the coal seam
- Coal removal and delivery to the generation station
- Overburden spoil levelling
- Coversoil replacement
- Re-vegetation by farming
Once the reclamation process is complete, PMRL must apply to the Ministry of Environment to be released from further reclamation obligations and then must divest the surplus surface rights.
