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Alberta opens up silica exploration and mining on public lands

Ministerial order significantly expands size of exploration and mining leases

Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

11 Nov 2025 • 3 min read

An aerial image of a sand mine in Alberta.

A sand mine operated by Peaskie Minerals in Alberta. (Peaskie Minerals)

Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Brett McKay is an Edmonton-based reporter specializing in investigative and data-driven stories. His work has appeared in The Tyee, APTN, The Breach, CTV News and Great West Media.

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