The Coal Association of Canada National Conference Highlights

Video Summary of Company Posted on InvestmentPitch

Fri,Oct21,2011

Vancouver, British Columbia, October 20, 2011 - The Coal Association of Canada (www.coal.ca) recently held its national conference at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver and InvestmentPitch.com had the opportunity to sit in at several of the presentations, along with more than 350 delegates from 14 countries.

InvestmentPitch.com has produced a "video news alert" about highlights from the conference. If this link is not enabled, please visit www.InvestmentPitch.com and enter "Coal Association" in the search box.

It was appropriate that this conference was held in Vancouver, as Port Metro Vancouver exported approximately 30 million metric tonnes of coal through the Port's facilities during 2010, a 25% increase over 2009. Twenty-two million tonnes or 73% of this total consisted of metallurgical coal. Metallurgical coal, which is less abundant than thermal coal, is primarily used in the production of coke which is used in steel production, whereas thermal coal is burned for heating or producing energy.

While speakers acknowledged some nervousness about the economic recovery in the US and Europe, they concluded that the overall coal market, especially in developing countries like China & India, was very positive.

Jim Griffin, Global Head, Business Development, for Walter Energy commented, "Canada is geographically located to supply the rapidly growing Asian markets because of regional advantages not found anywhere else in the world."

A number of speakers predicted that production in Canada could more than double by 2018, especially metallurgical coal, if all mine projects go ahead.

Rich Coleman, BC's Minister of Energy and Mines stated, "We want the world to know that BC's mining industry is open for business. Coal mining, transportation and exports are significant economic driver in the province and this government is committed to working with companies who want to be a part of the future."

Denis Horgan, VP of Westshore Terminals, forecasted overall west coast regional port capacity of 70 million tones within 5 years.

While speakers were forecasting strong demand and prices for steelmaking coal, the international thermal coal price, used for energy, was forecasted to continue its growth as well, given the current positive demand outlook. Coupled with the International Energy Agency's forecast of coal accounting for 43% of the world's electricity mix in 2035, there will be growing export opportunities for Canadian thermal producers as well.

As Robert Stan, Chair of the Coal Association of Canada, put it: "It is not a question of whether coal will be used in the future, it is a question of how we use it better."

The conference could be summed up in the words of new Coal Association of Canada President, Ann Marie Hann, "The atmosphere in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada was one of high optimism for the future of coal both globally and here in Canada."

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(sourced Reuters)