|
The Grande Cache Mine |
| The community of Grade Cache was incorporated in 1966 to support the coking coal mining industry of the McIntyre Mine on Smoky River. However, the area had supported a substantial community of hunters, trappers, outfitters, and ranchers throughout the century. Early prospecting for coal had begun in the area as early as the 1920's but the lack of a rail spur into the region made mining impractical. The mine lease on the Smoky River was acquired in 1935 by the Blue Diamond Coal Company LTD, seven years after it had closed operations in Brule. The lease was acquired by McIntyre Porcupine Mines and the Grande Cache mine was opened in the response to the growing Japanese market for coking coal in the 1960's. The McIntyre mine was sold to Smoky River Coals LTD and continues in operation today. |