First new UK coal mine in 30 years to open in the North West

The government has given permission for the first new UK coal mine in 30 years to open in the North West.

Michael Gove approved the mine despite concerns regarding the climate impacts from both Conservative MPs and experts.

According to the BBC the mine would be located in Cumbria, and would be digging for coking coal to be used in steel production – both in the UK and across the world.

However, critics have said that the new coal mine would undermine climate targets, also pointing out that demand for coking coal is declining.

On the other hand, supporters of the project say it will both create jobs and reduce the UK’s need to import coal.

But supporters claim the mine, near Whitehaven, will create jobs and reduce the need to import coal.

The West Cumbria Mining project – which will be located near Whitehaven – has been in the balance for two years.

The local county council initially approved the mine in 2020, but this approval was suspended in early 2021 before the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

The government’s climate change adviser said at the time that the coal mine would increase carbon emissions.