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The Daily. Friday, April 6, 2001
The economic downturn in Asia curbed activity in the coal mining industry in 1999 for the third time since 1990. Coal production for the year totalled 72 496 kilotonnes, down 3.5% from 1998. The value of coal production fell 16.6% from 1998 to $1.5 billion, owing to the lowest prices for Canadian coal in foreign markets since 1977.
In 1999, exports of coal fell 1.9% from 1998 to 33 540 kilotonnes. Japan was the destination for 47.4% of Canada's coal exports. The rest of Asia accounted for 21.8% of Canadian coal exports, and Europe accounted for 17.5%. Most of the coal exported came from British Columbia, and was shipped from Vancouver.
Employment in coal mines decreased 12.7% to 7,117, while wages and salaries decreased 9.5% to $425 million in 1999. Employment in mines decreased in all producing provinces. It dropped 11.2% in the export-driven British Columbia mines and 22.1% in the Atlantic provinces, where coal is produced to supply nearby electric power generating stations.
The 1999 issue of Coal mining (26-206-XIB, $19) will be available soon. See How to order products.
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Serge Grenier (613-951-3566; grenser@statcan.gc.ca), Manufacturing, Construction and Energy Division.