Mr. Walker’s April 3 letter, entitled Let’s Burn the Coal, is an important indicator of the misinformation that is circulating regarding the proposed Raven Underground Coal Project.
In fact, the coal the project is proposing to export is metallurgical coal that will be combined with iron ore to make steel. Since steel is essential to daily life — for cars, homes, food production, alternative energy supplies — there is considerable demand for metallurgical coal.
The proposed project would create up to 350 well-paying, full-time mine, port and transportation jobs in the Comox Valley and Port Alberni, and will look to local suppliers to provide goods and services to the mine and port, and provide truck transportation of the coal to the port.
The project is still in the pre-application phase of the federal and provincial environmental assessment process and must complete comprehensive environmental studies to ensure the environment is protected.
Just like the rest of us, Mr. Walker already depends on coal for his transportation, the home he lives in and the food he eats.
John Tapics
CEO, The Raven Underground Coal Project
Vancouver