The Highvale coal mine, operating since 1970, was the largest strip coal mine in Canada. There is still plenty of coal underground at the mine, but that is where it will stay. Coal is the single biggest global contributor to climate change and Canada has committed to putting an end to coal-fired electricity by 2030, with talk of a “just transition” away from coal. As part of the efforts to meet this target, the Canadian Government has paid out coal mines to leave coal in the ground. TransAlta, the company that owns the Highvale coal mine and adjacent power plants the coal has fueled, committed to being coal-free by 2022. It closed the Highvale mine December 31st, New Years Eve 2021, laying off 78 workers. Previous rounds of layoffs had already eliminated hundreds of unionized jobs that were once stable, paid well and offered benefits. Doc Project producer Kristin Nelson was in Wabamun for the days leading up to mine’s closure, asking the people living through it, what it takes to achieve a “just transition” away from fossil fuels… and what’s at stake if we don’t get it right?

Ver todos los episodios