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| Thu, 11th Jun 2020 12:55:00 |
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Nant Helen opencast mine to close after licence rejected over climate |
A licence for the extraction of fossil fuels in Wales has been refused by the Welsh Government for the first time.
Coal mining at an opencast site in the Dulais Valley is to end after ministers refused to allow the site to continue to operate because of climate change.
The 850-acre Nant Helen site employs 110 people, with 50 working at the adjacent washery.
Celtic Energy, the mine's operator, said it was "shocked" by the decision.
Continuing to extract coal from the site would have "environmental and climate change impacts", a Welsh Government spokeswoman said.
The site in Coelbren, on the border of Neath Port Talbot and Powys, includes the adjacent Onllwyn washery and distribution centre which now only serves the Nant Helen operation.
The company said a significant number of employees will be required for the restoration of the area, which is due to be the location for a train testing facility announced by the Welsh Government.
Officials at the Coal Authority had issued a licence to 31 December 2021, and Powys council had granted planning permission.
But Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths' decision means Celtic Energy does not have the necessary licence for mining operations at Nant Helen.
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