Written question WQ96303
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 3 days
Question
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the possibility of extracting coal in Wales for steel production in the UK?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The established policy of Welsh Government is to bring to a managed end the extraction and use of coal. The opening of new coal mines or the extension of existing coaling operations in Wales would add to the global supply of coal, having a significant effect on Wales’ and the UK’s legally binding carbon budgets as well as international efforts to limit the impact of climate change.
There is only one operational mine in Wales, and its authorisation to extract coal expires in 2039. In November 2024 the UK Government confirmed it will legislate to restrict future licensing of new coal mines by the Mining Remediation Authority (previously called the Coal Authority), except for safety and restoration. This will prohibit any new or extended coal mining operations.
Currently, there are no active coking ovens in the UK. The major steelworks, such as those in Scunthorpe and Port Talbot, have closed their coking ovens in recent years due to economic, environmental, and strategic reasons. The focus at Port Talbot has shifted towards more sustainable low carbon steel production.