Overview

• CEO Rob Morgan overruled AER hearing commissioners who had ordered an Oct. 21 oral hearing and earlier rejected cancellation requests.
• He said unique circumstances justified the step, including the absence of directly affected participants and a far larger number of supporters than opponents.
• The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Alberta Wilderness Association argue the move undermines the panel process and sets a precedent to avoid public hearings.
• Four nearby Indigenous communities withdrew objections after signing impact benefit agreements in June with Valory Resources, which acquired Summit.
• The proposed underground metallurgical coal mine is described at about 3,562 tonnes per day with a 53.5‑hectare surface footprint and roughly nine years of operations in filings, while Valory has promoted 200 jobs and a 15‑year life.