Please login or register to join our webinar.

E-mail address:
Password:
Forgot your password?
Log in
REGISTRATION
Home > Coal Association of Canada > Articles > Markets and Economics
Coal Association of Canada

Markets and Economics

Jul 22, 2020
As Canada’s 5th most valuable mined commodity, coal mining is an important economic contributor and adds billions of dollars in direct and indirect impacts each year. The industry also benefits Canadians through employment, investment in physical infrastructure, taxes and royalties.
 
Domestic Markets
 
Canada consumed 33.2 tonnes of thermal coal in 2017 for coal-fired electricity.
 
33.2 MILLION TONNES was used for coal-fired electricity generation, mostly in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2017.
3.9 MILLION TONNES is transformed into coke and used in the iron and steel industry each year.
2.6 MILLION TONNES is used for industrial energy and other uses each year
 
Some provinces rely heavily on coal fired electricity. Cost-effective and reliable coal-fired electricity contributes to a strong economic advantage for Alberta and Saskatchewan because of the abundance of locally sourced coal which is harnessed through a “mine-mouth” operation where coal is removed from the earth and moved to a nearby power generation plant to be converted to electricity.
 
Amount of electricity produced from coal-fired generation as of 2017
 
Alberta - 43%
Nova Scotia - 60%
Saskatchewan - 40%
 
Export Markets
 
In 2018, Canada exported approximately 34 million tonnes (Mt). The majority of exported coal (28 Mt) is steel-making coal destined for Asian countries.
 
Percentage of total exports in 2018
 
Asia - 61%
Europe and the Middle East - 13.3%
US - 3%
 
Employment in Canada’s Coal Industry
 
Canada’s coal industry employs a highly skilled and diverse workforce that can make significantly higher wages than those employed in other sectors. The coal industry fosters a knowledge-based economy because it requires highly skilled and technical people including engineers, geologists, technologists, etc.
 
Diverse Workforce
Approximately 42,000 people were directly and indirectly employed by the coal industry in 2015.
 
Growing Salaries
Coal industry salaries are significantly higher than the national average wage. From 2007 to 2015, coal mining salaries have increased by nearly 15%.
 
Aboriginal Employment
The mining industry is also the largest employer of Aboriginal people in Canada and works with educational institutions and governments to provide training and employment opportunities.
 
Investment in Physical Infrastructure
 
Investment in Canada’s physical infrastructure, from power generating plants to railroads and ports is making a positive impact on the coal industry.
 
$1 BILLION
Westshore, Neptune and Ridley Terminal Investments
By early 2013, western-based Westshore, Neptune and Ridley Terminals will see over $1 billion invested in improvements to the efficiency and capacity of their terminals.
 
$3 BILLION
CN and CP Investments
In 2011, both CN and CP invested almost $3 billion on infrastructure and fleet upgrades. A significant amount of that investment supports coal shipments.
 

Source: https://coal.ca/coal-resources/about-the-coal-industry/markets-economics/

Latest news
2019 CAC Community Champions Awards
2019 CAC Award of Distinction Winner
2019 CAC Conference News Release “Canadian Coal: Building Momentum”
Coal Association of Canada Welcomes New Chairperson
The Shand CCS Feasibility Study Public Report
Magazine
July 22, 2020
Annual Review
Inside this issue
Digital edition
Career Opportunities
Fuel/Lube Truck Operator (Wolverine Mine)

To support the fueling and basic servicing needs of Conuma’s mobile equipment in a safe and timely manner.
Dispatcher (Wolverine Mine) - Tumbler Ridge, BC

The Dispatcher is responsible for maximizing system benefits and ensuring accurate data for the Wenco Fleet Management System. Responsible for ensuring reliable production data is captured and reported for production planning requirements by monitoring the overall performance of the mine fleet.
Director of Water Management Design & Construction
  • Lead design, engineering and construction on Bio Chemical Reactors/Water Management Structures and refine cost expenditure on engineering projects.
  • Lead the execution, strategy, creation, and detailed plans for construction with subject matter experts in contact water management and hydrology.
Recruiter (Wolverine Mine) - Casual Position

Safely and efficiently drive and operate rotary or top hammer drilling equipment to bore large blast holes to specified depths and positions in an open-pit mine.
Janitor (Wolverine Mine) - Casual Position

The Janitor is responsible for performing custodial duties, minor maintenance, ensure that buildings and facilities are maintained in a healthy, safe and sanitary manner, and other miscellaneous duties.
Electrician (Willow Creek Mine) - Temporary Position

Under the general direction of the Plant Maintenance Supervisor; the Electrician have to safely prepare, assemble, install, test, troubleshoot and/or repair electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related components in all buildings/structures and or fixed/mobile equipment.
Quality Control Manager - Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

The Quality Control Manager will report to the Director, Marketing & Logistics and will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and implementing quality control activities within all operations.
Intermediate Mining Engineer - Northeast British Columbia, Canada

Reporting directly to the Chief Engineer, the Intermediate Mining Engineer, provides engineering support to the Conuma Mine operations.
Project/Exploration Geologist - Northeast British Columbia, Canada

Supervision of Conuma’s exploration field programs to support geological model development, coal resource evaluation, and projects development.
Geotechnical Engineer - Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

Coordinate Conuma’s Geotechnical activities related to a full range of ground control engineering functions to ensure safety, and compliance to government regulations.
More Careers