MINEX Forum

Tag: coal mine

  • North Macedonia’s ESM Plans to Open New Coal Mine Near Greek Border

    North Macedonia’s ESM Plans to Open New Coal Mine Near Greek Border

    North Macedonia’s state-owned power utility, Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM), has announced plans to open a new coal mine in Zivojno, close to the Greek border, according to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.

    The ministry is currently seeking public feedback on the environmental impact assessment study for the project, with submissions open until May 15.

    ESM intends to begin operations at the Zivojno mine in 2026, following a three-year preparatory phase. Despite its ambitious start, the mine is projected to have a relatively short operational life of just four years, local broadcaster Telma reported.

    The announcement comes amid North Macedonia’s broader strategy to phase out coal-fired energy production. The government has committed to closing its two existing coal plants, REK Bitola and Oslomej, by 2030, as part of its efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources.

  • Poland’s Coal Mine Leisure Lake Proposal Sparks Debate Over Economic Viability

    Poland’s Coal Mine Leisure Lake Proposal Sparks Debate Over Economic Viability

    Poland’s Bełchatów, Europe’s largest coal mine, is slated for a transformation into a leisure lake by 2070 under the state-owned utility PGE’s plan. While PGE views the lake as a way to reuse the land, critics argue the project diverts from urgently needed green energy infrastructure that could bring more immediate economic benefits. Local officials emphasize renewable energy would create more jobs and help the area transition economically, while the lake project’s timeline raises concerns in the coal-dependent community.

  • UK’s Approval of Deep Coal Mine Ruled Unlawful by High Court

    UK’s Approval of Deep Coal Mine Ruled Unlawful by High Court

    Britain’s High Court has ruled that the approval of the country’s first new deep coal mine in decades was unlawful, following a legal challenge from environmental campaigners. The case was brought forward by Friends of the Earthand South Lakeland Action on Climate Change, challenging the 2022 decision by the former Conservative government to approve a coking coal mine in northwest England.

    The British government decided to drop its defense after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which stated that planning authorities must consider the environmental impact of burning, not just extracting, fossil fuels when making decisions. This case is the first to be decided since that ruling, marking a significant precedent.

    According to Friends of the Earth senior lawyer Niall Toru, the ruling against the mining company could have international ramifications, as similar challenges are being made against fossil fuel projects worldwide.

    West Cumbria Mining, the company behind the project, argued that the mine would be a “net zero” mine, extracting coking coal for steel manufacturing rather than for energy production. However, Judge David Holgate ruled that the assumption of no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions was legally flawed.

    West Cumbria Mining has stated it will review the implications of the High Court judgment and declined further comment.

  • UK Court Rules Approval of New Deep Coal Mine Unlawful

    UK Court Rules Approval of New Deep Coal Mine Unlawful

    The High Court of London has ruled that Britain’s approval of its first new deep coal mine in decades was unlawful. This decision comes after a legal challenge from Friends of the Earth and South Lakeland Action on Climate Change, who contested the 2022 approval by the previous Conservative government for a coking coal mine in northwest England. The ruling follows a Supreme Court decision earlier this year, which clarified that planning authorities must take into account the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, not just their extraction, when approving projects.

    Despite the British government dropping its defense, West Cumbria Mining, the project’s developer, continued to argue that the mine, intended to extract coking coal for steel manufacturing rather than electricity generation, would be a “unique ‘net zero’ mine.” However, Judge David Holgate rejected this claim, stating that the assumption that the mine would not result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions was legally flawed.

  • Climate Groups Challenge UK’s First Deep Coal Mine in Three Decades

    Climate Groups Challenge UK’s First Deep Coal Mine in Three Decades

    In a significant legal battle, climate groups have branded the decision to open the UK’s first deep coal mine in over thirty years as unlawful, arguing that the approval overlooked the full extent of the harmful emissions it would generate. On Tuesday, lawyers representing Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change contested the planning permission granted to the Woodhouse Colliery project in Whitehaven, northwest England, at the High Court.

    The UK government had greenlit the mine’s development in 2022, with West Cumbria Mining Ltd. planning to export coal primarily for steel production overseas. However, legal representatives claimed that the developer’s climate assessment failed to account for the emissions resulting from burning the coal, erroneously labeling the mine as net zero.

    “No reputable standard-setting or governance body involved in the voluntary carbon market endorsed West Cumbria Mining’s approach,” stated the lawyers for Friends of the Earth in their hearing documents, calling the net zero claim “pure greenwashing.”

    The case gained momentum last week when the UK’s new Labour government declared it would no longer defend the mine’s approval. This decision followed a Supreme Court ruling mandating that all emissions, whether produced on site or downstream, must be fully considered when approving new fossil fuel projects.

    In response, West Cumbria Mining‘s legal team vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that the development proposals, evidence, and official appraisals were all lawful and accurately represented.

  • Coal Mine Pays €2.37 Million Debt to Pljevlja Municipality Amid Dispute

    Coal Mine Pays €2.37 Million Debt to Pljevlja Municipality Amid Dispute

    The coal mine in Pljevlja has unexpectedly paid €2.37 million to the Municipality of Pljevlja, settling the total debt as per a Court of Appeal ruling from March. The debt, stemming from a 2004 contract on compensation for the development of construction land, was paid without prior notice, contrary to ongoing negotiations for an installment plan. The coal company expressed surprise and concern, stating that this abrupt decision will impact planned investments and operational stability during a challenging period.

    Despite previous public assurances from both Municipality President Dario Vraneš and Rudnik Uglja Pljevlja (RUP)Board President Milan Lekić about negotiating a feasible payment plan, the company received no advance warning of the decision. The local government emphasized that the company initiated the payment voluntarily, while legal opinions held that the proposed installment model was unlawful without assembly consent.

    The repayment coincides with the completion of a two-month overhaul at the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant (TPP), which relies heavily on coal from RUP. Further operational difficulties are anticipated in 2025 when the TPP undergoes an eight-month ecological overhaul. Lekić highlighted that the TPP’s downtime would severely affect RUP’s primary income source, stressing the need for municipal support during this period.

    The court’s judgment mandated RUP to pay within eight days of receiving the ruling, including default interest. The debt covers various infrastructure projects, including a wastewater treatment plant in Židovici and water treatment facilities in Pliješa. Vraneš assured that the municipality’s intent was to facilitate debt repayment lawfully, rejecting any model contrary to legal provisions.

  • Chinese Company Expresses Interest in Montenegro’s Berane Coal Mine

    Chinese Company Expresses Interest in Montenegro’s Berane Coal Mine

    An unnamed Chinese company has shown interest in purchasing the coal mine in Berane, a northeastern town in Montenegro, which has been inactive for several years, according to local media reports. Representatives from the Chinese firm have already visited Berane for discussions regarding the potential acquisition, though the current status of the negotiations remains unclear, as per broadcaster RTCG.

    Nikola Scekic, head of the mining company, stated, “It is about a serious company that has expressed interest in our mine. We hope that the further talks will result in a good decision.” The Berane coal mine, owned by Serbia-registered company Metalfer, halted production in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the mine has been without electricity since November 2022 due to a power substation failure.

    In January, Montenegro’s energy ministry announced its goal to restart production at the mine, promising to conduct an economic analysis to determine the best approach. Restarting operations will require new investments and strategic partnerships, with the government needing to evaluate both existing and potential production capacities, energy minister Sasa Mujovic stated.

    At its peak, the Berane coal mine employed 150 workers and supported a supply chain of 20 smaller firms, as noted by RTCG.

  • Fatal Cave-In at Myslowice-Wesola Coal Mine Claims Two Lives, One Miner Still Missing

    Fatal Cave-In at Myslowice-Wesola Coal Mine Claims Two Lives, One Miner Still Missing

    A tragic cave-in at the Myslowice-Wesola coal mine in southern Poland early Tuesday has resulted in the deaths of two miners, with one still unaccounted for, according to mining authorities. The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m., took place 870 meters (2,800 feet) underground in a section where 15 miners were working, as reported by Rajmund Horst, the deputy head of the mining company.

    Rescue teams managed to bring two miners to the surface who were subsequently declared deceased. Another miner, who was retrieved from the site, is currently receiving medical treatment. Of the 12 miners who sustained injuries, nine remain hospitalized, while the others have been treated and released.

    Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing miner, with six rescue teams actively involved in the search. The area where the cave-in occurred, near the coal face, is known for its heightened risk of cave-ins and methane gas explosions, which are prevalent hazards in many Polish coal mines.

    This incident marks the second cave-in at the Myslowice-Wesola mine this year, following a previous incident on April 17 that resulted in the death of one miner. Additionally, two other miners have lost their lives in separate mining accidents in Poland this year. In 2023, the Polish mining sector saw 15 fatalities due to workplace accidents.

  • Court Decision Allows Polish Coal Mine to Continue Operations Amidst Environmental Concerns

    Court Decision Allows Polish Coal Mine to Continue Operations Amidst Environmental Concerns

    In a recent development amidst a series of conflicting court verdicts, a Polish coal mine near the Czech border, the Turów mine, has been granted permission to continue its operations, albeit temporarily. This decision comes after a prolonged legal battle between the mine and environmentalists, highlighting the ongoing tensions between industrial interests and ecological concerns. The Voivodship Administrative Court’s ruling provides a reprieve for the mine, allowing it to operate under a temporary concession despite environmentalists’ objections.

    Andra Apanasionek, the press officer for PGE GiEK S.A., emphasized that the court’s decision does not imply a halt to the energy supply from the Turow complex. Apanasionek pointed out that the mine is diligently adhering to its environmental obligations as stipulated by the General Director for Environmental Protection. Measures are being undertaken to implement various investments and environmental initiatives aimed at mitigating the mine’s impact on its surroundings.

    Amidst these legal and environmental debates, miners at the Turów mine are contemplating their future job prospects. Some are proactively seeking training in alternative professions, particularly in the green energy sector and wind farms. Marcin Potempa, one such miner undergoing retraining, expressed his motivation to secure an alternative career path to ensure a smooth transition in case the mine shuts down. He highlighted the similarities between his current work in the mines and potential roles in the renewable energy industry, albeit acknowledging the challenges, particularly the dangers associated with working at heights in wind energy installations.

  • Polish Coal Mine Near Czech Border to Continue Operating Amid Legal Uncertainty

    Polish Coal Mine Near Czech Border to Continue Operating Amid Legal Uncertainty

    A Polish coal mine situated near the Czech border has received temporary reprieve and will continue its operations for the time being, as per a report by the state news agency PAP on Wednesday. This decision follows a series of contradictory court rulings that have left the mine’s fate uncertain.

    Under the previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government, efforts led by environmental activists to close the Turow mine were staunchly resisted. The mine, which supplies lignite to a nearby power plant contributing to 8% of Poland’s energy, has been a focal point of contention.

    According to PAP’s report, a recent court ruling overturned a decision from 2022 that permitted the mine to continue operating. However, the court refrained from passing judgment on policy matters, allowing the mine to remain operational despite the ruling.

    The primary case concerning the Turow mine is still pending in a Warsaw administrative court, which will decide on a government directive issued in February 2023. This directive granted permission for Turow to continue its mining activities until 2044.

    The court’s statement, as cited by PAP, clarified that the ruling pertaining to environmental concerns does not immediately halt the mine’s operations, and it did not evaluate the state’s energy policy.

    Environmental organizations have long criticized the environmental impact of the Turow open-pit mine and have filed multiple lawsuits aimed at ceasing its activities.

    In response to the latest developments, the state-controlled utility PGE unit, which owns the Turow mine and the adjacent power plant, stated that it is awaiting the written justification of the court’s decision and is assessing its next steps in this ongoing legal battle.

    The current government, elected in October, has expressed its commitm