First UK coal mine in decades approved despite climate concerns [BBC News]
Date: 07/12/2022
Michael Gove has approved the first new UK coal mine in 30 years despite concern about its climate impacts among Conservative MPs and experts.
The proposed mine in Cumbria would dig up coking coal for steel production in the UK and across the world.
Critics say the mine would undermine climate targets and demand for coking coal is declining.
But supporters claim the mine, near Whitehaven, will create jobs and reduce the need to import coal.
The fate of the West Cumbria Mining project had been hanging in the balance for two years after the local county council initially approved the mine in 2020.
[The proposed Woodhouse Colliery site is immediately to the south of the earlier Croft and Ladysmith Pits and coke works which, along with the later Marchon Works, were connected via the Corkickle Brake (incline) to the main line. -RS]
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Climate experts and Tory MPs argued the Cumbria mine would scupper UK efforts to lower emissions.
West Cumbria Mining
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Tags: x Coking Coal x Whitehaven x Green issues x West Cumbria Mining x Marchon Works x Croft Pit x Ladysmith Pit x Woodhouse Colliery
