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Metallurgical coal project planned in UK

Despite the well-documented news that two of the UK’s last operating coal mines could close by 2015, new plans have been announced that would see a new coal mine built in West Cumbria.

West Cumbria Mining has unveiled plans to open a new colliery next to the former Haig Colliery in Whitehaven, West Cumbria.

The Haig coal mine was closed in 1986 and tonnes of metallurgical coal had been extracted since it commenced operation.

West Cumbria Mining is investigating an area of around 200km² where it believes there is more than 750 million t of metallurgical coal.

The company has raised £14.7m to fund the first stage of a project.

West Cumbria Mining CEO Mark Kirkbride said: "The UK is currently a substantial net importer of coking coal for industrial use, the majority of which is sourced from Australia and the USA."

"It therefore makes economic sense to source available coking coal on our own shores if sufficient amounts can be accessed and mined economically," Kirkbride added.

The company will discuss the plans with local authorities and organisations.

Initial plans include onshore drilling and data reprocessing later this year to provide more details about the coal and an offshore drilling programme will be carried out in 2015.

Source: worldcoal.com