The concept of Coal in Saskatchewan is taking on whole new dimensions. The Saskatoon based firm NuCoal is proposing to build a Coal to Liquids (CTL) plant in South Central Saskatchewan. This Gigaproject would use coal from open pit mines to produce 150,000 barrels/day of fuel. Options of mining Uranium and Germanium from the same coal are being investigated by NuCoal. The magnitude of such an operation raises huge concerns over conservation of native prairie and sustainable economics.

Saskatchewan contains huge, relatively undeveloped coal resources. The largest is known as the Ravenscrag formation located in South Central Sask. NuCoal’s CTL proposal, called the “South 50 Project” will most likely be centered here.  Unfortunately, in the way of this development, vast swaths of native prairie serve as critical habitat for wildlife, including endangered species such as the burrowing owl, swift fox and black footed ferret. The region extends from the Big Muddy to Wood Mountain and North to St. Victor. To the eye, the region is picturesque and a jewel of the prairie landscape.

The Sask Party’s solution to climate change, which is no solution at all, has two parts – Nuclear & Clean Coal. When they speak of nuclear, they also refer to coal, especially if uranium mining occurs from coal deposits.  Considering this, the highest level of public engagement is hurriedly needed. The feasibility of such an operation is real. When Bruce Power conducted a feasibility study last fall, the public responded to a hypothetical nuclear reactor in force. CTL is a dirty industry that reverts any progress to phase out fossil fuels. Stand up and get ready, the politics of nuclear and coal are the largest threats to a sustainable future for the province of Saskatchewan.

Tory McGregor,

Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Saskatchewan.