Coal Action Network
Climate love
Climate love
Sarah Chabane
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UK's largest opencast coal mine to shut
One recent climate victory in the UK as the largest opencast coalmine, Ffos-y-Fran, located near Merthyr Tydfil, in Wales will finally close its doors after 16 years of excavation. This outcome comes after an extension request to continue operations until 2024 was rejected due to inconsistencies with Welsh government policies on climate change.
The Ffos-y-Fran land reclamation scheme, granted planning permission in 2005, aimed to not only extract 11 million tonnes of coal but also restore the land, which had been scarred by the remnants of past industries. Local residents have been fighting this project for years and have opposed the mine due to concerns about pollution and noise, as well as its proximity to homes and businesses.


The rejection of the extension request has been met with joy from campaigners who have tirelessly fought against the mine as it sends a strong message that Wales is committed to moving away from coal and embracing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The closure of Ffos-y-Fran also sets an important precedent for future coal mining in Wales. Haf Elgar, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, emphasised the relief felt by environmental advocates, remarking that this outcome signals that no more coal should come from Wales. It underscores the urgency of tackling climate change and transitioning to renewable energy alternatives. While concerns about the cost of restoring the land remain, estimated at £75m-£125m, and the future of the site is uncertain, the closure of Ffos-y-Fran represents a significant milestone and also highlights the power of community activism in driving positive change. #WeCanDoIt.

Merthyr Tydfil: UK's largest opencast coalmine to shut
Plans to extend the working life of the UK's largest opencast coalmine are turned down.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-65399546


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This is incredible
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This calls for a celebration... It's time w UK to phaseout Fossil fuels once and for all
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Incredible decision
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This is quite a relief and a big win for environmental justice
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Down with coal mines
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Nice one
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This decision is welcome and it goes a long way to show that we can do without coal and choose life instead of extinction.
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@tabitha_kimani It's a great decision indeed
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incredible
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This is quite remarkable
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@Kevin truly