Highvale Mine Pit 08

Highvale Mine is located south of Wabamun Lake, approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles) west of Edmonton, Alberta. Five mine pits at Highvale are currently licensed and actively mined (pits 03, 04, 05, 06, and 07).

Currently, the five pits at Highvale Mine produce fuel for TransAlta’s Sundance and Keephills coal-fired power plants. Together, these plants generate about 30 per cent of Alberta’s average electricity requirement. Pit 08 is needed to ensure a continuous supply of coal for the Keephills generating plant until the end of the pit's life expectancy in 2020.

TransAlta’s original mine permit application, approved in 1978, included plans for the development of Pit 08. Pit 08 site development began in the summer of 2008. Mining is expected to continue at Pit 08 until 2020. Reclamation of the area is scheduled to begin in 2011 and will continue until 2022.

TransAlta submitted its application to Alberta Environment and the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) in July 2007 for the development, operation and reclamation of Pit 08. The application was submitted after extensive environmental research, stakeholder consultation and detailed mine engineering.

TransAlta was granted its Mine Licence (No. C 2008-5) in September 2008.

A summary of the Pit 08 project can be downloaded from the Related Documents section of this page.

At TransAlta we have a policy of open, honest communication with our neighbours and the general public. We would like to hear from you and resolve any concerns about the development of Pit 08.

Please contact:
Ralph Leriger
Manager, Stakeholder Relations
TransAlta
1-877-636-7822
email: ralph_leriger@transalta.com