NEW coal mines are to be banned in the UK following the closure of the last British coal power station, the Government has announced.
The Government said it would bring forward the ban as soon as possible in a bid to cut pollution and carbon emissions.
The coal-fired power station in Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire, closed after 50 years last month.
Coal generated 40% of the UK’s power as recently as 2012 but now provides none. It is the dirtiest fuel source and according to experts at the climate change organisation ClientEarth, is responsible for more than 0.3C of the 1C increase in global average temperatures.
It comes as the Government seeks to have Britain powered entirely by renewable energy by 2030.
The ban could kill Tory ambitions for a new coal mine in the north of England.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks (below) said: “Coal mining powered this country for over 140 years and we owe a huge debt to workers who kept the lights on for homes and businesses across the country.
“Now the UK is in prime position to lead the way in phasing out coal power around the world, which remains the single largest contributor to global emissions.
“By consigning coal power to the past, we can pave the way for a clean, secure energy system that will protect billpayers and create a new generation of skilled workers.”
The Government will ban new mining licences through an amendment to the Coal Industry Act 1994, which is anticipated to include very limited exemptions for safety or restoration purposes.
Also likely to be exempt are the freeminers of the Forest of Dean who enjoy historic rights from the 19th century to mine personal plots, called gales.
While the Government has made no comment on the effect of the ban on the proposed Woodhouse Colliery near Whitehaven, Cumbria, it could kill the project if developers bring forward a judicial review.
If a review is brought forward before the change in the law, developers may be successful in having the plans approved but The National understands that this would be unsuccessful if a challenge is brought after the law is amended.
West Cumbria Mining, the company behind plans for the Woodhouse Colliery, was approached for comment.
