Sustainable coal mining? Revisiting the public’s perception of coal mining in Wales
Kian Yew Nah
“In my lifetime renewable energy has seemed like the inevitable direction for our national energy policy. As a result, the concept of ‘coal mining’ has seemed antiquated and counter-intuitive to our national vision for a low-carbon future. However, a recent discussion framing the possibility of a ‘sustainable Welsh coal mining industry’ within the context of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 has led me to revisit the public’s perception of coal mining in Wales.”
Historical development of coal mining
It is undeniable that the history of coal mining in Wales has been chequered by instances of human tragedy. Nevertheless, the coal mining industry was central to the shaping of social, economic, and political life in Wales. The closure of the pits towards the end of the 20th century, driven by declining profits and changing political agenda, was a highly divisive issue. Whilst the economic implications of the decision to close Welsh mines can still be seen in unemployment statistics for former mining communities, the move away from fossil fuel extraction had considerable environmental benefits.
What’s special about Welsh Coal
The majority of responses to the Welsh Government Consultation- Coal Mining Policy discussed the ways in which Welsh coal was preferrable to imports that produced higher carbon emissions. The ‘Welsh steam coal’ had been known as a premium fuel, that burns with relatively little smoke and limited ash but generates a great deal of heat.
Recent development-Sustainable Coal Mining?
The Welsh Government recently labelled Welsh coal mines as ‘a legacy that lives on’ following an announcement for a £450,000 project to explore whether water from disused mines could be used to heat homes, businesses and industry in Wales. The language of the press release is indicative of the recognised past, present and future role of Welsh coal mines in local communities and the national identity.
The feasibility of sustainable coal mining is still debatable. Some sources state that it is possible, and that there are ways to increase the safety of the process. Nevertheless, development does not seem to have reached the stage where it can be widely rolled out. More research and innovation will be needed that not only reduce the environmental impact but also ensure the process is sustainable and cost-effective. Carbon Capture and Storage is also a possible method to limit the negative environmental implications of coal mining.
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is not without its criticism. It has been criticised as a “use of law for a purely political purpose” and it is in this respect potentially highly detrimental to the perception of the Rule of Law. The court has been refusing to allow permission for proceeding due to the duty under the Act being too general and aspirational in nature. It was again raised as one of the grounds in R (on the application of Catherine Lewis) v The Welsh Ministers v Velindre University NHS Trust [2022] EWHC 450 (Admin) but the permission was refused.
This blog would like to reflect that if the act were to be enacted in the 20th century, coal mining would have fulfilled some of the goals under the Act. The coal mining industry definitely built a more equal Wales as it provided a lot of opportunities for the people from the valleys. It equipped the people with skills, and it improved the infrastructure in the area. It has also definitely created a Wales of vibrant culture. Today, Welsh coal mining is like a heritage in Wales. It is one of the symbols of Wales.
Conclusion
With the recent development in coal mining in Cumbria, there is a possibility that coal mining could be fulfilling more or all of the goals in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. It is certain that it is not the time yet and as it stands. Coal Mining is still harmful for the environment and the cons are more than the pros. This blog has not intended to push for coal mining to be brought back (at least for now) unless the technology in this field is very well developed in the future. Nevertheless, it stresses that Welsh coal mining was once a very important part of a community and its positive impacts towards society should not be undermined. Even today, I believe that Welsh coal mining could mean a lot for some people. There is a perception that environmental law and policy are all about getting rid of everything that is harmful for the environment. Although environmental protection was not the key reason the coal mining industry was declining in the 20th century, the feelings of a local community should play some part in decision-making of environmental law and policy.