ID 31578797 © Brandon Smith | Dreamstime.com

By Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

Alberta pays out $143 million to company over coal policy reversal

Jul 23, 2025 | 9:49 AM

Alberta is paying out more than $140 million to end one of five lawsuits launched against it over its coal mining policies.

A notice published online by Atrum Coal says the company has agreed to end its lawsuit and surrender its land back to the province in exchange for the payment.

The company says it received just under $137 million last week and will receive another $6 million after it completes some reclamation work.

Atrum was one of two companies suing the province that announced last month that settlements were reached, but the other, Evolve Power, has yet to share details.

The companies are among five that are suing Alberta for a collective $16 billion.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

They argue that Alberta effectively expropriated their land after it suddenly reinstated its long-standing coal policy in 2022 less than two years after it was lifted and companies had been encouraged at that time to buy land for potential mining projects.

Naheed Nenshi, Leader, Alberta’s New Democrats, issued the following statement in part, in response to the payout:

“This latest payout is another example of how this UCP government doesn’t know what they’re doing. Taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $150 million, directly as a result of this government’s flip-flopping on their coal policy.

“This money could have been used for teachers, nurses, schools or hospitals. Instead, it’s going into the pockets of shareholders and directors of a coal company.

“We also don’t know how much more taxpayers will have to pay. The government has announced none of these settlements itself. We are only hearing from the coal companies. We call upon Premier Smith to immediately disclose the amounts of all other settlements.

“Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus are clear on the prospect of coal development in the Rockies: No. If the government had been clear, as Peter Lougheed was in 1973, we would have saved $150 million and counting.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.

(With files from rdnewsNOW)