In the early days, lignite coal found in the hills around Shaunavon was mined for fuel by homesteaders.  Later, larger mines were tunneled into the hills and the coal was mined for profit. The backbreaking labour was cheap; miners were paid between $0.80 and $1.00 per ton.  During the Depression of the 1930's,   coal was used to barter for supplies like groceries and clothing.

With the discovery of oil in the area, coal fuel became obsolete and the mines were abandoned.  You can still see some of the old tunnel entrances in the hills.