Mining
In the last years of the 19th century prospectors and gold seekers trekked into the Peace River. The “Klondikers” were on their way to the Klondike gold fields of the Yukon, while the prospectors were searching the Peace region for gold. Many stayed and worked in the fur trade or took a homestead. For those who tried to sleuth for placer gold in the Peace River, trace amounts of the precious metal were found.
; "Coal Wagon")
More importantly, copper and coal were found by settlers. There are rich coal deposits found in Hudson’s Hope area, which have been mined during periods when the market for coal has been strong. Coal deposits have been identified from Beaverlodge to Grande Cache and to Cadomin. These coal deposits have not been developed by industry, but there have been many small mines dug to retrieve coal for local needs. Many of these small mines have collapsed over the years, but some of the entrances can be seen today.
The 1913 publication by the Grouard Board of Trade, Grouard: The Coming Metropolis of the Great Peace River Country, stated that there was a rich seam of coal being used in the community. It also noted that a claim had been staked at the outskirts of the town for a copper mine. The publication also said that a brick yard was being planned for 1914 as large deposit of clay had been found locally.
Throughout the Peace River country formations of mica were also identified. In most publications, oil and gas deposits were identified as well.
The coal in particular was useful, because in some areas coal could be collected from the surface and burned in stoves. The coal deposits were identified in the 1920 Grande Prairie Board of Trade publication, Grande Prairie and the Peace River District, as an abundant resource used by farmers west of the city. The publication went on to identify copper deposits that could be used and the clay deposits being used for making bricks.
Coal mined during the Second World War was used by local inhabitants and those building the Alaska Highway.
The coal deposits remain a potential resource that may be mined in the future if the demand for coal arises again.