The Federation of Independent Unions of Mine Workers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will not leave the miners of the Zenica Brown Coal Mine alone in their struggle for the right to pay, and tomorrow in Sarajevo in front of the building of the ruling company Public Company Elektroprivreda BiH will hold the announced protest, President of the USSR FBiH Sinan Husić said today in Zenica.
After today’s session of the Presidency of the USSRRFBiH in Zenica, he announced that tomorrow at the protests in Sarajevo, which will be organized from 11 am to 2 pm, there will be 500 workers from seven mines of the JP EPBiH Concern.
“We are not asking for anyone to receive us tomorrow. We are coming to express our huge dissatisfaction with everything that is happening… Tomorrow we want to say that we are united,” said Husić, reports Fena news agency.
As he said, they tried to direct them from some structures of the EPBiH to some other addresses, in order to solve the issue of salary payment for Zenica miners.
“But we say: Miners are always at the right address and the state, what are you waiting for?! If what we are going to do does not bear fruit tomorrow, the state must do what the state needs to do and end the suffering and suffering of 830 workers of RMU Zenica,” said Husić.
He underlined that the Zenica miners must receive their salary for June, as they received for the month of May according to the Agreement signed on July 3, after last month’s suspension of production in that mine.
He noted that they have already sent a letter to the address of the new FBiH Minister of Energy, Industry and Mining, Vedran Lakić, in which they request that “RMU Zenica must be the first issue to be dealt with.
“We need to carry out an analysis from beginning to end, see on the human resources plan what we have, what is possible, with incentive severance pay, retirement, what is possible to do on the mutual termination of the employment contract, what is possible to redirect from certain services to production processes… at the end of the day, we need to re-examine where those people are, who only on paper claim to be workers of RMU Zenica, because that’s what production and workers from the production process are telling us these days, there are such people. We put it on paper,” says Husić.
As he added, he has information that this morning the director of RMU Zenica was ordered by the relevant ministry “to do what we are talking about”.
Regarding the need to review the relationship between the mines of that concern and the governing society EPBiH, Husić expressed the hope that the new Government of the Federation of BiH and the future leadership of the EP BiH “will not be afraid of the determination of the Trade Union for those processes”.
As a reminder, due to the situation in the Zenica Brown Coal Mine, the board of directors of the Association of Independent Unions of Mine Workers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina recently made a decision to organize a protest that will be held tomorrow, August 1, in front of the building of the Public Enterprise Elektroprivreda BiH in Sarajevo.
They point out that due to the unpaid salary for June and allowance for a hot meal for the month of May, the Zenica miners stopped production on Tuesday, July 25 in the second shift, when a group of 30 miners decided not to leave the “Raspotočje” pit where they spent two nights.
They stated earlier that according to the Agreement signed on July 3, the Zenica miners should have received a reduced salary by July 25, but that this did not happen.
They had a similar situation when they had agreed on almost the same conclusions with the City of Zenica for account unblocking and when they had the support of JP EPBiH, while this time they have no understanding from the current management of the governing company of the seven coal mines of the Federation of BiH.
Elektroprivreda Bosnia and Herzegovina previously said that the payment of wages is not their responsibility, but the responsibility of the director of the Zenica Brown Coal Mine.
The copper giant is one of the world’s most trusted silver producers. KGHM Polska Copper S.A. has been certified for the next consecutive year by the London Base Metals Exchange (LBMA) for responsible silver production in 2022. The certificate confirms Polish Copper’s compliance with the requirements set out in the LBMA Responsible Silver Guidance and allows it to gain entry to the LBMA’s prestigious Good Delivery list of the world’s most trusted silver producers.
– The highest quality of both the product and the entire production process is the strength of the KGHM brand. Our customers know that we are a trusted partner who adheres to the highest standards throughout the supply chain. The LBMA certificate confirms that it is not a matter of declarations, but of actual actions – said Tomasz Zdzikot, CEO of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
EXORBITANT STANDARDS
The LBMA’s guidelines for responsible sourcing of gold and silver are designed, among other things, to combat human rights abuses and the financing of terrorism, avoid supporting military conflicts and ensure compliance with the highest possible anti-money laundering standards. The guidelines recommend the use of a five-step, risk-based supply chain examination procedure, in line with the OECD Guidelines for a Responsible Supply Chain for Minerals from Conflict and High-Risk Areas.
As part of the certification process, an attestation service by an independent, LBMA-accredited auditing firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers Poland) was required. A positive assessment of KGHM’s procedures for the production, storage and sale of silver, as well as of the Policy and Procedure for a Responsible Supply Chain for Gold and Silver of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. provided the basis for the auditor’s positive recommendation to award the certificate.
SILVER MARKET LEADER
KGHM has been on the podium of global silver producers for years. According to the World Silver Survey 2023, it ranks first in the list of “largest silver mines in the world”. In the category of “largest silver producers”, the copper giant was ranked second. Polish Copper produced 1,298 tonnes of silver in 2022.
KGHM sells silver in the form of pig sow and granulate. Silver customers include, among others, financial institutions, the jewellery industry, the electronics and electrical industry, the photovoltaic industry, catalyst manufacturers and coin, bar and medal producers. Around 16% of the copper giant’s revenue comes, precisely from the sale of silver.
FROM BLACK MUD TO SHINY PIG SOW
Silver production at KGHM is carried out at the Głogów smelter, in the Precious Metals Division. PMD was established exactly 30 years ago specifically to recover the precious metals – silver and gold – present in the copper ore. These are found in the so-called ‘black mud’, i.e. the anode slime produced during the electrorefining of copper. From cathode silver with an Ag content of more than 99.99 per cent, metallic silver is produced in the form of granules packaged in 25 kg bags and pig sows of approximately 1,000 troy ounces, which amounts to about 31.1 kg.
JSW has been publishing integrated reports since 2018 in response to the growing needs of the Group’s stakeholders, who require detailed information beyond the traditional set of operational or financial indicators to fully understand the directions of JSW’s development.
It is worth adding that in 2022 JSW won first place in “The Best Annual Report” competition organized by the Institute of Accountancy and Taxes in the 2021 integrated report category. This confirms the Company’s great contribution to the creation of value in use for shareholders and investors and the promotion of best practices in non-financial reporting in the area of sustainable development.
The 2022 integrated report will familiarize readers with the context of the Group’s market environment, explaining the unique status of the Group’s core products, i.e. coking coal and coke, against the backdrop of the changes taking place in the economy in light of the energy transition and the pursuit of climate neutrality. Both financial and non-financial data were presented using interactive tools to facilitate analysis and allow references to indicators recorded in previous years.
In 2022, after a full-scale invasion, Ukrainian producers significantly reduced iron ore extraction.
All of these factors have had a negative impact on Ukraine’s economy. To quickly compensate for such losses, new avenues for economic development need to be explored. One potential solution is the extraction and processing of lithium and other rare minerals that exist in Ukrainian subsoils and are in demand globally.
The German car maker says the 300-million euro Future Mobility Development Center (FMDC) will play a key role in the company’s development of automated driving.
The former mine site has been transformed into an innovation hub employing more than 100 skilled workers.
The terrain offers the necessary real-world conditions for the testing of highly and fully automated driving and parking, aimed at supplementing the current virtual simulation of driving situations.
Through a combination of virtual simulation and real-world testing, BMW says it plans to “meet the highest safety requirements of its customers”.
The FMDC in Sokolov rounds out BMW’s existing group of test sites in Aschheim, near Munich; Miramas, in France; and Arjeplog, in Sweden.
“With our new FMDC, we have created a one-of-a-kind test site, designed exclusively for the highly demanding testing of automated driving and parking up to level 4,” says BMW development board member Frank Weber.
“On 600 hectares of land, we test all possible driving conditions with maximum flexibility and tremendous efficiency – city, countryside, freeway, as well as automated parking.
“The special thing? We can run our test modules one after the other without stopping.
“This makes our testing as realistic, reliable and customer-oriented as possible.”
“Together with our partners, we were able to develop a former surface mine site here in Sokolov into a modern and efficient test site and create new, attractive jobs,” says BMW people and real estate board member Ilka Horstmeier.
The FMDC and its charging infrastructure are supplied with 100% green electricity from renewable energy sources.
The site is also equipped with a water management system that collects rainwater and uses it for track irrigation.
Around 2.2-million cubic metres of soil previously excavated by nearby mining were used to build the site.
This comprehensive report delves into the company’s performance during this quarter, analyzing key metrics such as gold production, sales, revenue, net earnings, and the notable progress made in the Skouries project. Despite encountering a 4% decline in gold production, the company managed to offset this setback with a remarkable 2% increase in sales. This, coupled with an impressive 8% surge in revenue, led to net earnings of $1.5 million. Let’s dive into the details of Eldorado Gold Corp’s Q2 2023 results and explore the factors that contributed to its success amidst the challenges.
Gold Production: Insights and Analysis
Eldorado Gold Corp’s gold production in Q2 2023 experienced a slight downturn, dropping by 4% compared to the previous quarter. Although this may seem concerning at first glance, a closer examination reveals essential insights into the contributing factors. Weather conditions, logistical issues, or fluctuations in ore grades could have played a role in this temporary dip. Nevertheless, it’s vital to highlight the company’s ability to maintain overall production efficiency despite encountering these challenges. A well-managed production process and the dedication of skilled personnel undoubtedly mitigated the impact of these hurdles, ensuring a strong foundation for future growth.
Sales Growth: Leveraging Opportunities
While gold production faced a minor setback, Eldorado Gold Corp impressively managed to boost its sales by 2% in Q2 2023. This increase in sales indicates the company’s effective utilization of marketing strategies and market insights to capitalize on opportunities. By understanding customer demands and market trends, the company adeptly positioned its products and services, resulting in an enhanced market presence. Furthermore, a customer-centric approach and strong sales team performance might have played pivotal roles in driving this growth, enabling the company to secure its market position even amidst a challenging production phase.
Revenue Surge: Navigating Market Forces
Eldorado Gold Corp’s revenue witnessed a noteworthy 8% surge in Q2 2023, showcasing the company’s resilience and adaptability in navigating market forces. Despite facing challenges in gold production, the company strategically managed its resources and optimized its operational efficiency. Additionally, fluctuations in the global gold market were skillfully addressed by leveraging hedging strategies and long-term contracts. This allowed Eldorado Gold Corp to stabilize its revenue streams and fostered investor confidence in the company’s ability to manage market uncertainties effectively.
Net Earnings and Financial Stability
Amidst fluctuations in gold production and the market, Eldorado Gold Corp demonstrated its financial strength by achieving net earnings of $1.5 million in Q2 2023. These positive earnings are indicative of the company’s prudent financial management and its ability to generate profits even in challenging times. The net earnings figure serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to maximizing shareholder value while maintaining a robust financial position.
Progress in Skouries Project: A Vision Unfolds
In addition to its Q2 2023 financial performance, Eldorado Gold Corp made significant progress in its ambitious Skouries project. The Skouries project represents a substantial long-term investment for the company and is expected to contribute significantly to its future growth and success. The project’s advancement signifies Eldorado Gold Corp’s commitment to expanding its operations and developing sustainable mining practices. As the project takes shape, it opens up new opportunities for the company and reinforces its position as a key player in the gold mining industry.
If you open Google Maps to look at the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, you’ll notice three large pale patches. They represent three colossal open-pit mines — Inden, Hambach and Garzweiler — where the energy company RWE is extracting brown coal (lignite) from the earth.
Right next door are towns and villages that have stood abandoned for months or, in some cases, years. These “ghost towns” were originally set to be demolished to make way for more mining, but with the German government’s decision to phase out coal, their future is now unclear.
Near the Hambach surface mine, which opened in 1978 and is set to close by 2030, are the two “ghost villages” of Morschenich and Manheim, supposedly fated for demolition to make way for mining.
RWE extracts lignite coal at the Hambach mineImage: Daniela Natalie Posdnjakov/DW
Arriving in Manheim, you see rows of houses with their shutters rolled down and their windows boarded up. The asphalt road is torn up and the street lights are broken. In the center of the village stands a Catholic church, which also has its windows nailed up. Some of the houses still in good condition are surrounded by barbed wire. A sign declares who their owner is: RWE.
‘We’re not complaining whatsoever’
You don’t meet many people here. Technically, there be shouldn’t any at all, as is also the case in neighboring Morschenich. Here too, rows and rows of houses stand empty, their windows sealed off and the grass out front growing tall. At first glance, you might mistake it for another “ghost village.”
But if you look closely, you’ll see that some of the houses in Morschenich have white paper labels tacked onto their doors. On one is a Ukrainian name, another an Arabic one. In one of these lives a Ukrainian couple, Denis and Julia, whose names have been changed to protect their identity.
They have been in Morschenich since December 2022, they told DW. The once single-occupancy house is now home to several people — a Ukrainian family from Donbas and refugees from Syria, a sort of a small refugee shelter.
“We’re not complaining whatsoever. We have electricity, water, heating, even Wi-Fi and mobile internet,” Denis says. “We can call home to Ukraine. People working for local authorities come every week and help us with paperwork. We get social welfare benefits regularly. The only thing we haven’t had yet is language courses.”
The fact that the town lacks shops and has no drugstore or doctor doesn’t bother them. Julia drives to the neighboring village to get groceries, she explains. Next to the house is a car with Ukrainian license plates.
The grass grows long near a church in MorschenichImage: Daniela Natalie Posdnjakov/DW
“When we first got here, nothing was clear to us. Later, someone explained to us what kind of place it is. But back home in Ukraine, we had been under fire for three months, and here it is peaceful,” they say.
They point out to the woods beginning just on the other side of a field. “Climate activists live there,” Denis says. “They’ve built houses in the trees. Sometimes we see them, but they don’t bother us.” The police come regularly to check that everything is okay, he adds.
There are several Ukrainian families living in Morschenich these days. Denis and Julia see them when local authorities come by or when they go out for a walk. “It looks boring here at first glance, but we go berry picking,” Julia says.
“Sometimes we go into town, but it’s so loud there that we are happy when we get back to the country,” Denis adds.
The couple say they don’t know how long they will stay in this place. “Apparently they won’t demolish this village. The municipality sent us here, but first we were in a refugee camp in [nearby city] Bochum, so we will stay here until they resettle us,” Julia says.
This bus stop in Morschenich is still servicedImage: Daniela Natalie Posdnjakov/DW
RWE confirmed the plan to DW. “The places mentioned are no longer set to be razed,” the spokesperson said. “We made the houses and flats in question, which we had previously bought from families being resettled, available to people in urgent need of a roof over their heads at the request of local authorities.”
Once a school, now a refugee shelter
Not far away, located near another surface mine called Garzweiler II, are the villages of Kuckum and Keyenberg. Residents here were also bought out of their homes and relocated. Soon, the two towns are set to disappear.
But Keyenberg can still be reached by car. At first glance, it looks just like the other abandoned villages: The same narrow streets with rows of well-built but empty houses surrounding a Catholic church.
A few meters further down the road is the school building, from which several people suddenly emerge. They carry chairs out with them and put them in the schoolyard. It’s a hot day.
“We live here. We come from Syria,” one man says before quickly disappearing. Whether they really reside there is unclear. Nobody is willing to talk, everybody retreats back into the building.
A playground in Keyenberg with few signs of recent visitorsImage: Daniela Natalie Posdnjakov/DW
Next to the school there is a bus stop with a timetable. Keyenberg is still served by public transport. On the door of a bakery opposite the church, the opening hours are displayed — just a few hours on some days of the week. There are no longer any real stores or pharmacies here and almost all the shops are empty. But the presence of several parked cars suggests that some houses are inhabited.
“There are still residents in Keyenberg, but about 80% have moved away after receiving compensation. About 15-20% are still there,” Irina Becker, a local councilor in the nearby city of Bochum of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), told DW.
“Refugees are also currently living here,” added Becker, who sits on Bochum council’s integration committee. “The old school has been set up for them. Several houses also serve as accommodation. Some are used individually, others in the form of shared accommodation.
“There is electricity, water and heating. Language and integration courses have been organized for the refugees living here and the children go to preschool,” she says.
Who is sending refugees to abandoned villages?
There is also a Ukrainian family with a child in Keyenberg. They decline to give their names, but explain that they were “in Poland for a long time.” On social media, they learned that you could go to Bochum and be assigned to a major city like Düsseldorf or Cologne. But in the end, they say state authorities sent them first to the smaller town of Erkelenz, and then to Keyenberg.
Refugees are automatically distributed among Germany’s 16 states and thousands of municipalities according to certain quotas, and homes are assigned according to need.
In Keyenberg, Ukrainian refugees say they will stay if they canImage: Daniela Natalie Posdnjakov/DW
The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia had not yet responded to DW’s questions about placing refugees in empty villages by the time this piece was published, and local authorities in the municipalities of Erkelenz and Merzenich were not reachable for comment.
The Ukrainian refugee family in Keyenberg say they like the village. For the moment, they are alone in the house, but another family from Ukraine is expected to join them soon. They admit that they were initially alarmed. “But it’s better here than lying on a cot in a gymnasium somewhere,” they say, thinking of their acquaintances who still live like that.
As long as there is war in Ukraine, they do not want to return. They might stay in Germany even after the war ends. “Let’s see, at the moment everything is fine,” the Ukrainians say. “The village will not be demolished. Maybe we will stay here if we are allowed.”
European Green Metals Ltd (EGM), a critical metals exploration and development company focused in Europe, has announced positive results from its initial work programme at the 14 km2 Eichigt licence in Saxony, Germany. These results highlight the potential for critical minerals and in particular rare earth elements (REE) in this historic mining district in the industrial heart of Europe, which relies heavily on imported minerals from geopolitically sensitive regions.
Highlights
Initial rock sample results identified elevated levels of multiple critical elements and mineralised structures on a NW-SE trend.
Structure with 1 km of continuous strike identified with workings over a total of 1.7 km strike.
Lithium (Li) up to 233 0ppm (0.233%), cobalt (Co) up to 8280 ppm (0.82%) and nickel (Ni) up to 1890 ppm (0.189%).
REE values higher than expected in select samples – cerium (Ce) up to 8500 ppm (0.85%) and neodymium (Nd) up to 1725 ppm (0.17%).
High manganese content typically >10% in most samples – manganese is a key input to battery performance, longevity, and energy density.
Highest total rare earth elements (TREO) value 1.26% with four samples over 0.5% TREO.
Saxony has excellent geology in terms of the potential for multiple critical metal deposit types and evidence of large mineralising systems and numerous historic mines.
Licence is part of EGM’s strategy to build a portfolio of critical mineral assets in Europe to support the bloc’s green energy transition and net zero ambitions.
EGM CEO, David Hall, said: “These initial results highlight the presence of multiple critical minerals and REEs within the Eichigt licence, located in the vicinity of energy-transition industrial end users in Saxony. Saxony has excellent infrastructure, a long mining history and mining culture, combined with strong links to cutting-edge academic research in the field of various critical metal deposit types.
“We applied for the license following analysis of historic data and now, with our own rock and soil sampling programme yielding results better than anticipated, especially with regards to REEs, the intention is to rapidly advance Eichigt to drill stage. Scout drilling will test the scale of this multi-critical metal system whilst contemporaneously developing new target areas for quantification and development.
“Our strategy is to identify and develop economic critical mineral and REE projects in Europe, to supply Europe. The reliance of European industry on critical minerals produced in regions where geopolitical issues are prevalent means that it is imperative that Europe develops its own supplies; the main theme of the recently announced European Critical Raw Materials Act. With this backdrop, the economic potential of a licence in the heart of Europe prospective for Li-Co-Mn-REE make the Eichigt prospect extremely exciting.
“On a wider level, we continue to advance the Olserum REE and Pajala graphite projects in Sweden, securing our position as an emerging supplier of critical mineral projects in Europe for Europe.”
In total, 35 grab rock samples were taken and are the first from the licence area to be analysed for the full REE spectrum. The analysis was carried out by ALS Minerals at Loughrea, Ireland. These results back up reports by the previous operator of highly anomalous Li, Co, Ni (+/-REE) in an area of old surface workings for iron ore.
REE and critical metals values are highlighted by the selected samples:
AA-4009: Ce 8500 ppm, Nd 1725 ppm, La 965 ppm, Pr 428 ppm, Li 1280 ppm, and Co 8280 ppm.
AA-4019: Li 2330 ppm, Co 3230 ppm, Cu 2300 ppm, Ce 4430 ppm, La 387 ppm, and Nd 306 ppm.
AA-4002: Ce 5610 ppm, La 880 ppm, Nd 821 ppm, Li 1290 ppm, and Co 3090 ppm.
Importantly, samples show low levels of U and Th with <20 ppm and <31 ppm respectively.
Following the results from this initial sampling, EGM geologists carried out follow-up rock sampling, which has expanded the footprint of the mineralisation in all directions, as well as an orientation soil sampling grid. Samples are currently with ALS with results expected shortly. EGM geologists have also scouted the area for drill pads with the aim of carrying out a scout drilling programme in 4Q23.
Coal consumption increased by 3.3% to hit a fresh record high of 8.3 billion metric tons in 2022, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.
According to the Paris-based organization’s Coal Market Update, demand increased “despite a weaker global economy, mainly driven by being more readily available and relatively cheaper than gas in many parts of the world.”
Overall, the IEA said 10,440 terawatt hours were generated from coal in 2022, a figure that accounted for 36% of the planet’s electricity generation.
Looking ahead, the IEA said coal consumption in 2023 would remain near last year’s record levels.
Geographically, the picture in 2023 is mixed. “By region, coal demand fell faster than previously expected in the first half of this year in the United States and the European Union — by 24% and 16%, respectively,” the IEA said in a statement accompanying its report.
“However, demand from the two largest consumers, China and India, grew by over 5% during the first half, more than offsetting declines elsewhere,” it added.
Coal is a fossil fuel. Its use has a substantial impact on the environment, with environmental organization Greenpeace describing it as “the dirtiest, most polluting way of producing energy.”
The U.S. Energy Information Administration, meanwhile, lists a range of emissions related to the burning of coal, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulates and nitrogen oxides.
“Coal is the largest single source of carbon emissions from the energy sector, and in Europe and the United States, the growth of clean energy has put coal use into structural decline,” Keisuke Sadamori, the IEA’s director of energy markets and security, said Thursday.
“But demand remains stubbornly high in Asia, even as many of those economies have significantly ramped up renewable energy sources,” he added.
Going forward, Sadamori said “greater policy efforts and investments” were needed in order to “drive a massive surge in clean energy and energy efficiency to reduce coal demand in economies where energy needs are growing fast.”
Concerns are mounting that coal is still being extracted from Ffos-y-Fran, the UK’s largest opencast coal mine and that the company operating the mine could eventually “walk away” without restoring the site.
The Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee have sent a letter to the Welsh Government’s Minister for Climate Change Julie James seeking answers about the situation at the mine in Merthyr Tydfil.
Despite the expiration of its planning permission in September 2022, mining has continued, with almost 200,000 tonnes of coal subsequently extracted.
Ffos-y-Fran’s owners were refused a planning application to extend operations until March 2024., by Merthyr Council in April.
In May, the local authority issued mine operators Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd with an enforcement notice, which they are appealing, and which could take 12 months or more to resolve according to Committee Chair Llyr Gruffydd MS.
In his letter to Climate Change Minister Julie James MS, Mr Gruffydd points out that the current situation ‘raises significant questions about the environmental impact of the mine, the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory framework, and the effect on the local community’.
He says that the Welsh Government: “must clarify its position to maintain public trust, and must ensure its actions align with its commitments to addressing climate change and protecting the environment.”
Outrageous
Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter told Nation.Cymru he welcomed the letter which which has been sent to the Welsh Government, adding: “It’s outrageous that the mine is still operating when it should have stopped in September.
“What’s confusing to us is that Merthyr Council could have issued a breach of conditions notice and that can’t be appealed.
“In the last few days, we have written to the council to ask why that didn’t happen and we’re now waiting for an answer.”
The Wales Green Party has also been liaising with Coal Action Network and the Good Law Project who have sent a legal letter to Merthyr Council and to the Welsh Government calling for a stop notice to be issued by 1 August at the latest.
Mr Slaughter said he attended the Merthyr Council meeting last May when councillors refused the extension of the planning application to continue to extract coal at Ffos-y-Fran.
“Each and every councillor stood up and had to have their say about how we cannot carry on mining, we’re in a climate emergency, although this has been going on under their nose for several months.
“The local residents have been fighting this for years and it was so good to be there with them when finally, it looked like they’d managed to stop them. Then over the next few weeks it unfolds and they just carry on mining and they could (do so) for another year.
“The Welsh Government have to step up here – you can’t go around declaring climate emergencies and bragging about the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (without) using the powers you’ve got to stop this from happening.”
Environmental impact
MSs on the committee have also expressed concerns that the mine’s operators might continue to extract coal – possibly for another 12 months – while they appeal against the enforcement notice.
Mr Slaughter said: “The news couldn’t be starker in recent weeks about the climate emergency at the moment. We’re seeing southern Europe on fire and we’re seeing flooding everywhere and yet this is allowed to continue (at Ffos-y-Fran).”
Questions have also been raised about the cost of restoring the land at Ffos-y-Fran, estimated at between £75m and £125m.
It has been reported that the mining company has put aside only £15 million for the work.
Mr Gruffydd has asked what steps can be taken by the government to ensure the mining company pays the full restoration costs.
Mr Slaughter agrees that this is “a big worry” and said: “We need really strict enforcement about the restoration of the site once the mining stops. The company haven’t fulfilled their legal obligations, they didn’t put aside the money they promised for restoration. There’s a great fear in the community that once it eventually stops, and hopefully that is in August, they probably will just walk away.
“The Welsh Government have created a mess and that site is there and needs to be restored. Coal is part of Wales’s past and it has no place in its future.”
Nation.Cymru has contacted Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd for a response.
