A western Canadian coal producer's viewpoint

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

G. CAPOBIANCO, Esso Resources Canada Limited, Calgary, Alberta

The coal industry is an important part of Canada's economy — as an energy source, employer, and generator of export earnings. Coal comprises 71 % of our fossil energy and with rapidly advancing handling and burning technology will clearly play a major role in our national energy mix, eventually as synthetic gases and liquids. International coal markets are very competitive and Canada is disadvantaged by long rail hauls to port, and a heavy tax burden. However, high mine productivity has allowed us to increase our markets. Currently, domestic markets are dominated by coal use for electrical generation, a market with significant growth opportunities. Strong growth is expected in export thermal markets, while metallurgical coal demand is projected to show little or no growth in the medium term.

Mots Clés: Coal, Economics, Energy, Power generation, Mineral economics, Coal markets, Coal production.