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| Mon, 11th Jul 2022 10:15:00 |
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Extinction Rebellion activists occupy Aberpergwm coal mine in expansion protest |
More than 60 Extinction Rebellion activists have ended an occupation at a coal mine that is due for expansion.
The protesters arrived at Aberpergwm mine, near Glynneath, Neath Port Talbot on Sunday afternoon.
Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, South Wales Police confirmed.
Demonstrators object to the "silence" of the Welsh government after approval was given for another 40 million tonnes of coal to be dug at the site.
The Welsh government previously stated it did not have the powers to make a decision on these expansion plans, which now faces a judicial review.
Extinction Rebellion members, some dressed in white hazmat suits and carrying black flags bearing the group's logo, began setting off flares and climbing onto roofs after entering the site about 16:30 (BST) on Sunday.
What is Extinction Rebellion and what does it want?
'I'm really scared about what the future will hold'
Welsh ministers 'could have stopped mine go-ahead'
They claim the licence contravened the Senedd's own climate change targets as well as the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015, which requires public bodies in Wales to consider the long-term impact of their decisions.
The last remaining protesters had left by 11.15 BST on Monday.
Accountant and protestor Mel Price, 55, from Swansea added: "We are destroying our climate and our wonderful biodiversity.
"The technology is here to allow us to transition away from fossil fuels but we need to do it now."
Speaking to Radio Wales Breakfast, activist Grug said: "The Welsh government has remained silent on this issue - there is a judicial review which Coal Action Network have taken forward.
"It's really important to highlight this to the public.
'Keep the pressure on'
"If this expansion goes ahead there will be 100 million tones of C02 released into the air, so it's really important that we keep the pressure on.
"The Welsh government signed up to the Glasgow Climate Pact, that came from COP26 and specifically mentions coal, as well as the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance.
"If they can't do anything about [this expansion] then they should at least be asking that the decision is overturned and stating they don't want this to go ahead because they are committed to investing in renewables and a transition to green energies."
Read original full article
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