Controversial, polluting coal mine approved despite expert’s warnings

The UK’s climate credentials could be undermined, as Michael Gove has approved a new coal mine in Cumbria which will emit tonnes of carbon emissions.  

The Secretary of Housing and Communities has given the first new coal mine in 30 years the go ahead, despite the project facing staunch criticism from Conservative MP’s and experts who say the demand for coal is declining.  

Chair of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), Lord Deben, said the proposed plans were ‘absolutely indefensible’, as the advisory group pointed out that 85% of coal produced would be exported.  

The mine will release an estimated 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, with critics suggesting this could encourage other countries to follow suit, despite experts being clear that no new coal production can take place if net zero is to be reached.  

At COP26 the UK had been a vocal supporter of phasing out coal and just a few weeks ago at COP27 prime minister Rishi Sunak said the UK would be a ‘clean energy superpower.’  

Lord Deben said the CCC ‘condemn’ the decision: ‘This decision grows global emissions and undermines UK efforts to achieve Net Zero. It runs counter to the UK’s stated aims as COP26 President and sends entirely the wrong signal to other countries about the UK’s climate priorities. The UK’s hard-fought global influence on climate is diminished by today’s decision.’  

COP26 President Alok Sharma also made his opposition to the decision clear, highlighting the fact that two major UK steel firms will not be using the coal due to its sulphur content and the fact that they want to transition away from coal.  

He tweeted: ‘Opening a new coal mine will not only be a backward step for UK climate action but also damage the UK’s hard-won international reputation, through our @COP26 Presidency, as a leader in the global fight against climate change.’  

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Opening a new coal mine will not only be a backward step for UK climate action but also damage the UK’s hard-won international reputation, through our @COP26 Presidency, as a leader in the global fight against climate change

— Sir Alok Sharma (@AlokSharma_RDG) December 3, 2022

Supporters of the project have said it will create 500 jobs in Cumbria, but the Local Government Association has said there is potential for 6,000 green jobs in the area.  

Campaigners are already planning to protest at the proposed site on Saturday, while others are investigating ways they could legally challenge the development, as the coal mine would leave the UK’s climate targets in jeopardy.  

Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner