A series of e-mails between the head of the Alberta Energy Regulator, a coal-mining company and the Energy Minister’s office about a mine application has raised questions about the independence of the province’s energy watchdog.

At the heart of the e-mails is the application for an underground mine for steelmaking coal near Grande Cache, about 430 kilometres west of Edmonton. The project is Mine 14 by Summit Coal Inc., a subsidiary of Valory Resources Inc.

The e-mails were uncovered by a freedom of information request by two environmental groups and shared with The Globe and Mail.

Alberta’s coal mine reclamation regulations failing to protect water, fish, scientists say

Alberta Energy Regulator chief executive Rob Morgan cancelled hearings about the Summit mine on Aug. 21 – the first t

See Full Page