Scottish consultation seeks views on mine regulation

A Scottish consultation has been released seeking views on more effective regulation securing restoration at existing surface (opencast) coal mines where coaling is incomplete, and for future sites including extensions on existing mines.

The consultation document poses the question 'How can we achieve a balance between the need for flexibility of site operations whilst ensuring compliance with planning conditions?'

To assist the answering of this question, the document states that it is estimated that 12 million t of coal remains to be worked at sites that currently hold Coal Authority licences. Where they secure planning permission, performance on restoration from hereon in is crucial to establish future confidence in the sector. According to the document, the future of surface coal mining requires effective regulation.

To read the full terms of the consultation, and to download the ‘Consultation on Opencast Coal Restoration: Effective Regulation’, please click here.

Edited from various sources by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/09012014/scottish_mine_consultation_released_391/