VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 08/19/14 -- From September 10-12, delegates from across Canada and around the world will gather in Vancouver, British Columbia for the 2014 Coal Association of Canada Conference to hear from international experts about the challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian and global coal industry, from addressing sustainability to managing costs, in preparation for the future.

"The past year has been challenging for Canada's coal industry with low commodity prices, mines being idled and projects being delayed," said Ann Marie Hann, President of the Coal Association of Canada. "But the optimism and resiliency of the industry that is so vital to Canada's economic and social well-being cannot be dampened. Our conference couldn't be timelier as we'll hear from international coal experts on what the future holds for Canada's coal industry from a domestic and global perspective."

A key focus of the conference is on the metallurgical (steel-making) coal industry. Canada is the third largest exporter of metallurgical coal in the world. An exciting line up of international speakers will share their insights, including Australia's Chris Urzaa of HDR/Salva and Dr. J. Neil Bristow of H&W Worldwide Consulting. Joining them from the United States are Paul Vining of Alpha Natural Resources and Ernie Thrasher of Xcoal Energy and Resources. Hiroshi Tanaka of Kobe Steel in Japan will present the coal buyer's perspective, addressing what impacts current weak prices are having on coal supply to industrial steel producers.

The conference also includes presentations from Mike Monea of SaskPower, who will share details on Canada's preeminent Boundary Dam carbon capture and storage pilot project, and Joe Aldina of Wood Mackenzie from New York, who will provide an overview of global and Canadian thermal and metallurgical coal markets. There will also be presentations from Canadian coal producers' Teck Resources, Westmoreland Coal Company and future producer Coalspur Mines. Finally, Dan Chu of the Deutsche Bank will provide commentary and analysis on what impact the current coal economic climate is having on mergers and acquisitions in the sector.

The conference will be moderated by internationally renowned coal expert, Gerard McCloskey, Founder of the McCloskey Group, Chairman, Merlin Trade and Consultancy and Senior Advisor, Global Coal Sector, Renaissance Capital.

Coal is vital to Canada's economic and social well-being, and critical to the global economy. In 2011, the coal industry contributed an estimated $5.2 billion to Canada's GDP. Nationally, over 42,000 people are directly and indirectly employed thanks to the coal industry. Additionally, the industry provides sizable financial benefits to governments to support the delivery of many social programs, including royalty and tax payments exceeding $700 million annually.

The conference will be held at The Westin Bayshore hotel. Visit the Coal Association of Canada 2014 Conference website to register and learn more.

Note to editors:

Media interested in attending the conference or interviewing any of the conference speakers must be accredited. The media registration form can be downloaded at the CAC Conference Media Page. More information on specific media availabilities with key speakers will be provided to media closer to the conference. A complete list of presentations can be found in the conference program.