EU clears €2.13bn Spanish aid to shut coal mines

Spain has been granted consent by European authorities to provide €2.13 billion (£1.62bn) in public funds to close 26 coal mines. The European Commission said the nation’s plans are in line with EU state aid rules Last month Spain notified plans to grant funds to the operators of “uncompetitive” coal mines that are due to […]

Coal Authority’s scheme to protect water source

A new scheme aimed at protecting the source of drinking water from contamination by mine water has been launched at Whitburn. It will stop mine water from entering the limestone rocks beneath the surface, which hold the water source for thousands of homes and businesses in South Tyneside and Sunderland. According to the Coal Authority, when […]

Two coal mines to close as government refuses aid

Two of the last three UK coal pits are to close by the end of the year. Energy Minister Matthew Hancock confirmed the government would not provide £338 million of taxpayers’ cash which would have kept the mines open until 2018. UK Coal had asked for the money for the mines at Kellingley (pictured) in […]

US coal exports fuel nation’s economy

Rising exports of US coal to Europe and Asia boosted the country’s economy by $16.6 billion (£11bn) in 2011 and helped create jobs. In a report released by the National Mining Association (NMA), analysts at Ernst & Young found 107 million tons of coal exported in 2011 supported 141,270 “high-wage” jobs, “paying nearly 50% above […]

Abandoned coal mines used for green energy?

Abandoned coal mines could be used to provide low carbon heat and green energy. Researchers in the UK are looking at ways to use water which has flooded the huge underground caverns left by mining works. Nottingham Trent University and Nottinghamshire-based firm Alkane Energy believe it could be used as a renewable heat source to […]