About minerals

Introduction

Mining is a key industry in Canada. The minerals industry (excluding oil and gas) is vibrant part of Alberta’s economy.

Non-energy minerals excavated and mined in Alberta include sand and gravel, sandstone and other building stone, iron and magnetite, and gold. Salt and limestone continue to be the leading non-fuel minerals produced in Alberta.

Other minerals produced or potentially available in Alberta include:

• metallic minerals
• diamonds
• ammonite
• other precious stones
• industrial minerals
• stone

At present there are no underground mines active in Alberta.

There are 4 major quarries in the province. Alberta has hundreds of sand and gravel pits of various sizes. Some sand and gravel are washed for placer minerals, such as gold and platinum, before being used for construction, fill and cement manufacturing.

Learn more about online applications or royalty reporting for metallic and industrial minerals and coal tenure from our Electronic Transfer System (ETS) support and online learning webpage.

Find out more about Minerals overview.

Contact

Connect with the Coal and Mineral Development Unit:

Hours: 8:15 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7707
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Edmonton

Address:
Alberta Energy
Coal and Mineral Development Unit
North Petroleum Plaza
9945 108 Street *
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2G6

* Couriers, please report to the 2nd floor.

Calgary (drop-off location only)

Address:
Alberta Energy
300, 801 6 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 3W2