Coal-related Ministerial Orders
Ministerial Order (MO) 003/2025 rescinds 3 MOs related to coal mining activities in the Eastern Slopes, and confirms the 1976 Coal Policy as the touchstone for coal development in Alberta.
Rescinded MO’s:
Until the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative has completed development of a modernized coal policy, coal exploration and development applications will be subject to the land categories outlined in the 1976 Coal Policy, Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) rules and procedures, and related non-renewable resource development laws.
A Coal Development Policy for Alberta
A Coal Development Policy for Alberta (the Coal Policy) was originally published in 1976, before modern regulatory processes existed. The scope of the policy was wide-ranging and included, among other items, a land use classification system. The policy divided the province into 4 categories which dictated where and how coal leasing, exploration and development could occur.
The categories are as follows:
- Category 1
- National Parks, present or proposed Provincial Parks, Wilderness Areas, Designated Recreation Areas, Wildlife Sanctuaries, etc.
- Category 2
- Parts of the southern Rocky Mountains and Foothills
- Category 3
- Northern Forested Region and eastern portions of the Eastern Slopes
- Category 4
- Areas of the province not covered in other 3 categories
Contact
Connect with the Coal and Mineral Development Unit:
Hours: 8:15 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7707
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: cmd.energy@gov.ab.ca
Edmonton
Address:
Alberta Energy and Minerals
Coal and Mineral Development Unit
North Petroleum Plaza
9945 108 Street *
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G6
* Couriers, please report to the 2nd floor.
Calgary (drop-off location only)
Address:
Alberta Energy and Minerals
300, 801 6 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3W2