2019 Conference to focus on “Canadian Coal: Building Momentum”
EDMONTON, AB – As global infrastructure and energy demands continue to grow, coal remains a critical building block of our future. With an abundance of high-quality thermal and steelmaking coal in Canada, experts and industry leaders from around the world will gather at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, British Columbia from October 8 -10 to discuss the state of the Canadian coal industry and what lies ahead.
The 2019 conference will focus on “Canadian Coal: Building Momentum” and explore all components of the coal supply chain in Canada and why our product is critical for expanding populations around the world. Delegates will hear from a range of industry leaders, experts and scholars throughout the three-day conference.
“This conference is the premier event for our members and for anyone involved in the Canadian coal industry. Our product is highly sought-after, and by bringing together representatives that span the full supply-chain, we can collectively chart a path forward which ensures a strong future for Canadian coal, “ says John Schadan, Chairperson of the CAC and President of Conuma Coal Resources Limited.
The conference will kick off with a Technical Session presented in partnership with the Western Canadian Coal Society followed by a Career Opportunity & Mining Support Expo, targeting post-secondary students with an interest in a career in the coal industry. General Sessions 1 – 4 on Wednesday and Thursday will cover topics from Canadian and international coal market analysis, coal transportation and logistics, project updates from Canadian steelmaking and thermal producers and developers, as well as government and regulatory perspectives on coal mining in Canada.
With nearly 30 presenters this year, the conference will provide delegates with in-depth coverage of the entire sector. Speakers include representatives from Enviromin Inc, Dubois Chemicals (Power Division), Eriez Flotation Group Canada, IHS Markit, RBC Capital Markets, Wood Mackenzie, Western Canadian Shippers’ Coalition, CN, Simpson Spence Young, Port of Vancouver, Ridley Terminals, Alberta Energy Regulator, Government of BC, Allegiance Coal, Osler and over 9 developers and producers. A full listing and program is available at http://www.coal2019.ca/.
Ernie Thrasher, CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of Xcoal Energy & Resources, will also bring his 40 years of coal industry experience to the stage as keynote speaker.
Moderating the conference this year are two well-known figures in the Canadian and international industry. The Coal Association of Canada welcomes back Bob Bell, now Chief Commercial Officer at Montem Resources and joining him again this year will be Neil Bristow, Managing Director at H&W Worldwide Consulting. Their decades of combined experience across the sector will encourage thorough discussions with all presenters.
The Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening will honour some of Canada’s most influential industry players. Mark Bartkoski, former President of Conuma Coal Resources Limited and former CAC Chairperson will receive the 2019 Award of Distinction, the Associations highest honour. Mr. Bartkoski was instrumental in re-opening three mines in northeastern BC in recent years, reinvigorating the surrounding communities and strengthening Canada’s position in the global market.
Westmoreland Mining Holdings LLC’s Coal Valley Mine will receive one of two 2019 Community Champion Awards. The second award will honour the late Mr. Chris Cline, a true champion of the coal industry prior to his tragic passing earlier this summer. The award will be presented to his son, Tanner. These awards are given to CAC member companies or individuals that have demonstrated positive impacts in their community and developed strong relationships with local community leaders and organizations.
The coal industry is a critical component of the Canadian economy and is in demand around the world. Canada’s high-grade steelmaking and thermal coal combined with first-rate infrastructure and transportation for getting our coal to market makes Canadian coal a cost-effective solution and attractive jurisdiction for this valuable and critical resource.
Additional information on the full conference program and speakers can be viewed at http://www.coal2019.ca/.
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Note to editors:
Media interested in attending the 2019 conference can learn more about accreditation from the conference media page.
For more information:
Reise O’Hara
Coal Association of Canada
(780) 757 9488
ohara@coal.ca