As coal continues to be the subject of intense focus around the world, experts from Canada and around the world will gather in Vancouver From September 27-29 to discuss coal, the environment and the economy.
Centred around the theme “A Sustainable Future: Coal and the Environment”, the 2017 conference boasts an exceptional lineup of industry leaders, scholars and experts from around the world who will share their insights in presentations and panels focusing on the theme of the economy and the environment.
Keynote speaker will be Ernie Thrasher, a well-known figure in the coal sector. Mr. Thrasher is the founder of XCoal, the largest exporter of US coal to Asia and has held various positions in mine operations and mine management, as well as marketing, over the last 40 years.
The banquet keynote speaker will be Dr. Jack Mintz, a renowned Canadian economist. Dr. Mintz is the President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. He will be speaking at the Annual awards dinner on September 28, where the CAC will be presenting the Award of Distinction to researcher Ross Leeder.
The moderator for this year is Bob Bell, Mr. Bell held executive positions with companies in both the steelmaking and thermal coal industries including Luscar Ltd., Pine Valley Mining, Teck Resources, Ram River Coal and Atrum Coal. In addition, he served two terms as Chair of Neptune Bulk Terminals. He currently runs a consulting practice focused on marketing and transportation strategy, product evaluation and property development. Conference speakers this year represent not only the coal industry, but regulators, government and the environment sector. A full list of speakers and their topics is available on coal2017.ca.
The coal industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, and is responsible for nearly 42 000 jobs across Canada. Coal mining contributes $5.2 billion in direct and indirect impacts to the economy annually. The Coal Association of Canada is a national membership organization representing the coal industry and those affected by it, including miners, unions, shippers, and municipalities.
Additional information on the full conference program and speakers can be viewed at http://www.coal2017.ca/.
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Note to editors:
Media interested in attending the 2017 conference can learn more about accreditation from the conference media page.
For more information:
Sarah Hamilton
Coal Association of Canada
(780) 903-5752