Background and production history

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 81, No. 913, 1988

W.F. MOORE, Quintette Coal Limited, Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

In January 1981, Quintette Coal Limited (QCL) signed a 20-year coking coal sales agreement with the Japanese Steel Industry which was followed by the commencement of mining operations in October 1982 and preparation plant operation in November 1983. During the mine's startup, the town of Tumbler Ridge, the Anzac rail spur line, coal port facilities at Ridley Island plus numerous related elements of infrastructure were completed to support QCL and the neighbouring Bullmose operation in northeastern British Columbia. QCL's annual product coking coal levels have accelerated from 2.9 to 5.2 Mt between 1984 and 1986 with related increases in total mined volume from 14.8 to 41.0 M BCM between 1983 and 1986. This paper presents an overview of QCL's current operation and related infrastructure.

Keywords: Quintette Coal Limited, Coal, History, Construction.