Written question WQ84420

The ongoing metal mine remediation programme funded by the Welsh Government, and led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), has been designed to address the polluting legacy impacts of Wales’ mining industry. Leaching of metals from spoil heaps and discharges from mine adits present significant sources of water pollution. The main objective of our programme is to improve water quality and reduce metal pollution in our rivers through proactive surface water management and mine water treatment.

While pollution reduction is the principal aim our remediation programme, nationally important heritage and habitat conservation features at abandoned mines are carefully considered in the design of anti-pollution works.

Lead-Zinc Mines in the Gwydir Forest are included in the current remediation programme. Capital funding for 2021-22 has been prioritised for mines in Mid-Wales and in the Gwydir Forest. More information about the programme of work can be found at NRW’s website: https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/what-we-do/water/metal-mine-water-pollution/?lang=en.

Publically available information indicate the 1983 survey report and feasibility study was produced for Snowdonia National Park. The aim of the feasibility report was to identify sites that might benefit from landscape and safety improvements using low-cost techniques undertaken by the National Park. The main consideration of the proposed projects was archaeological interest, habitat conservation and reclamation. Some of the works identified were funded by the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and have been completed, although some restoration work is still outstanding.

Some of the mines in the Gwydir Forest are located on private land. Visitor safety on NRW-managed land is in line with industry best practice and the risks are considered using visitor safety group principles. Safety on private land is the responsibility of the landowner and the inspection duty lies with local authorities under the Mines and Quarries Act 1954.