Mining Intelligence and News
Canada

Estevan Mine

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Categories

Overview

Mine TypeOpen Pit
StatusActive
Commodities
  • Coal (thermal)
Mining Method
  • Dragline
  • Truck & Shovel / Loader
  • Strip mining (roll-over)
Production Start... Lock
Mine Life... Lock
SnapshotThe Estevan mine combines the Bienfait mine and the adjacent Boundary Dam mine. Estevan Mine supplies coal to Saskatchewan Power Corporation’s four-unit Boundary Dam and single-unit Shand Generating Station.

Saskatchewan is planning to continue using coal for power generation despite federal Clean Electricity Regulations that mandate phasing out coal by 2030. Instead of shutting down its coal-fired power plants, the provincial government is exploring the refurbishment of Boundary Dam Units 4, 5, and 6, as well as the Poplar River Power Station, which could extend their operational life for several more decades.

Westmoreland Mining, the operator of the Estevan coal mine, has been informed about the potential long-term continuation of coal operations. As a result, the company may need to invest in new equipment, including draglines, bulldozers, and other mining machinery, to sustain production for the extended lifespan of the power plants.

Owners

SourceSource
CompanyInterestOwnership
Westmoreland Mining LLC (WML) 100 % Indirect
Currently Estevan mine is owned by Prairie Mines & Royalty ULC. Westmoreland Mining LLC conducts its Canadian coal operations through Prairie Mines & Royalty ULC.

Deposit type

  • Sedimentary

Summary:

Reserves

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Mining Methods

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Comminution

Crushers and Mills

Milling equipment has not been reported.

Processing

Summary:

Production

CommodityUnits202420232022202120202019201720162015
Coal (thermal) Mt  ....  Subscribe  ....  Subscribe  ....  Subscribe  ....  Subscribe  ....  Subscribe6 *5.7 *5.5 *6 *
Heat ContentBTU/lb7,0046,8186,724
Sulfur%0.990.640.590.4
All production numbers are expressed as ROM coal. * Production numbers were reported as 'Average annual'

Operational metrics

Metrics201720162015
Coal tonnes mined 6,298 k tons6,036 k tons
Annual mining capacity 6,800 k tons6,400 k tons6,400 k tons

Production Costs

Commodity production costs have not been reported.

Heavy Mobile Equipment

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Personnel

Mine Management

Job TitleNameProfileRef. Date
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Mar 13, 2025
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Mar 13, 2025
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Mar 13, 2025
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Mar 13, 2025

EmployeesYear
...... Subscription required 2024
...... Subscription required 2020
...... Subscription required 2019
...... Subscription required 2018
...... Subscription required 2017
...... Subscription required 2015

Aerial view:

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