Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site - Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, Offering Educational School Tours

Tunnel Vision is the development plan of the Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society. This plan will increase the capacity of the Society to steward the nationally designated historic resources we hold in trust for the people of Canada. Pillars of the plan include creating an underground experience, completing historic restoration, expanding the mine train, and, ultimately, building an underground visitor centre.

Tunnel Vision will yield dividends for all Canadians. Getting there requires the assistance of government, corporations, community groups, and individuals. Be a part of the legacy, and keep alive the memory of those who mined the black!

Government of Alberta

Government of Canada

CENTURY COALS LIMITED

Drumheller Rotary

National Mine Service

Drumheller Regional Science Council

Paintearth Mine

TransCanada Pipelines

Drumheller Lions

Fidelity Investments

Sandstone Lanes

Many mine families and supporters!

Update: The Conveyer Tunnel

The first milestone of Tunnel Vision was retimbering the 210 foot long conveyer tunnel, which connects the mine entry to the tipple. DeVrial Resources of Grande Cache accomplished this monumental feat in 9 months, hand mucking 260 tons and erecting 160 timber sets. Over the winter, the Atlas Coal Mine will prepare a safe access to the tunnel. It opened to the public in May 2009.

Update: Historic Restoration

Building restoration continues year round, to the extent that weather allows. We are racing Mother Nature to complete restoration on the trestled conveyer gantry. This 230 foot long structure required "chiropractic" work to level and strengthen it. Over the course of 4 seasons, 14 jacks were used to lift it, 20 yards of cobbles were hauled uphill by "human mule" to reduce erosion, and 240 rotten timbers were replaced. A cyclonic wind storm in September 2009 set us back a year, which was disheartening. However,our courageous building conservation team is undaunted and will fix it again!

Update: Expanding the mine train tour

Crews hired under a Government of Canada economic stimulation plan cleared brush and muck from railway track in fall of 2009. In spring of 2010, we will be ready to offer a longer Mine Train Tour. This will be an exciting way to discover mine history and the rails that carried the coal!

Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site

Box 521, 110 Century Dr.
East Coulee, Alberta, Canada
T0J 1B0

Phone (403) 822-2220
Fax 822-2225

info@atlascoalmine.ab.ca

© Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site