BCTV News Hour Access - BC Gold: Coal Mining in the East Kootenays 1976

1976 · Margit Nance for BCTV

An investigative news segment for BCTV News Hour weekend series, Community Access with Margit Nance, broadcast during the weekend news hour show in January 1976. The piece explores public debate over feasibility studies for the potential expansion of coal mining in the East Kootenays region of British Columbia. At the time, coal prices were very high. Mentioned or featured in the piece: Cinibar Petroleum Mine, Sukunka Mine, and Denison Mine in Peace River District of BC; Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, Michel-Natal; Fording Coal, Elco Coal, and Kaiser Resources; a proposed mine “Flathead River” at Sage Creek by Rio Algoma (EmKay-Scurry Rainbow). Interviewed in the piece: Lloyd Philiips, columnist Fernie Free Press ; Bruce Ramsey, columnist from Sparwood; Esner de Anna of United Mineworkers (regarding particle counts, tailing dumpsites in environmentally sensitive areas, slide potential). Includes footage of Garry Gallon of Vancouver-based environmental group SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) at Fernie City Council meeting and discussion of environmental changes brought about by coal mining. Film Eric Cable, editor Bert Darbyshire, production assistant Roberta Meilleur, director Terry Cochrane, producer Margit Nance. Aired January 1976 9 min. 58sec.