Cumbria: First coal mine in 30 years set to be built
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Michael Gove has given the green light for the UK to build its first new coal mine for thirty years near Whitehaven, Cumbria. A decision on the project was initially expected in July, although the proposal has since faced three separate delays in the approval process. Government investment in the coal mine will cost an estimated £165 million, although the pit is expected to generate 500 new jobs in the region. With the mine now approved, industry experts and environmentalists have expressed concern over the renewed drive behind the coal industry.
The mine, which will take roughly two years to build, will produce an estimated 2.8 million tonnes of coking coal a year, largely used in the steelmaking industry.
Former CEO of British Steel Rob Deelan has slammed the decision to boost coal-based fuel resources for steel production.
Mr Deelan said: “This is a completely unnecessary step for the British steel industry which is not waiting for more coal as there is enough on the free market available.
“The British steel industry needs green investment in electric arc furnaces and hydrogen, to protect jobs and make the UK competitive.”
A letter outlining the decision said Mr Gove was “satisfied that there is currently a UK and European market for coal.”
The letter added: “There is no consensus on what future demand in the UK and Europe may be, it is highly likely that a global demand would remain.”
The mine is expected to generate a “significant number” of jobs, with 500 direct roles anticipated and “perhaps twice as many” additional roles to emerge concerning the wider operations of the facility.
Supporters of the decision have suggested the new coal mine will reduce British reliance on foreign imports, which has a larger carbon footprint than using domestic coal.
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However, concerns have also been raised over the environmental impact of the site, which is forecast to produce 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, according to the Climate Change Committee.
The coal mine is predicted to have a carbon emissions impact equivalent to placing an additional 200,000 cars on UK roads.
Professor in energy and climate governance Rebecca Willis said: “There is no business case or scientific justification for this mine, which has only been made possible by a quirk of our planning laws.
“It will harm the UK’s climate credentials and do very little for communities in Cumbria where the focus should be on delivering on long term, secure and green jobs.”
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Roz Bulleid, research director at Green Alliance, said: “The public don’t want new coal mines and the steel industry doesn’t need extra sources of coking coal.”
She described the decision to approve the project as a “backwards step” for the UK’s climate ambitions.
The Green Alliance has noted that West Cumbria Mining has made “no firm commitment” to providing the anticipated 500 new jobs, nor promised that these roles will last for 50 years.
Additionally, local opposition groups within Cumbria have highlighted a number of health concerns relating to methane release as a consequence of coal extraction.
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