Rotherham Councillors oppose new coal mines, acknowledge industry's legacy

They also noted that technological improvements in future might mean a shift in position if the black stuff can be used in a more environmentally-friendly way.

RMBC’s Liberal Democrat group proposed a motion opposing pits after the 2022 planning approval in Cumbria for the UK’s first coal mine in over 30 years.  

Cllr Firas Miro (left) said he was shocked at the government giving the go-ahead for a colliery which will produce 2.8 million tonnes of coal annually, adding: “They go against common sense and climate targets.”

Lib Dem group leader Cllr Adam Carter, seconding the motion at last Wednesday’s RMBC meeting, said: “We note the historic occupation and sector of mining, and the controversies at the time of it ceasing to happen.  

“We are not taking anything away from that. We are merely saying that, looking forward, we should not be investing in this.  

“We believe that now we should, as a borough and a country, not be moved back to the place where coal mining and other non-renewable energy sources take place.”

Cllr Rob Elliott (centre), independent, said coal was still vital in the steel-making process — including when producing environmentally friendly products like wind turbines.  

He pointed out that 80 per cent of coal used in the UK is imported, meaning carbon dioxide is used in transporting it here.  

And the new mine in Cumbria would bring economic benefits to a deprived area, he said — adding: “It’s a win-win situation all around.”

Fellow independent member Cllr Tracey Wilson said now was not the time for such a motion, while Tory Cllr Zach Collingham accused the Lib Dems of “scaremongering”.

He added that the coal mine being discussed had nothing to do with Rotherham and lamented losing his “personal crusade” to get councillors to focus on local issues during meetings.

Cllr Dave Sheppard (right), cabinet member for social inclusion, said: “It’s an emotive subject. We have all got family members who worked in or were connected with the mining industry at some point. They were dangerous places at times. It’s worth mentioning the sheer level of sacrifices that were made by so many in the coal industry.”

He said burning coal now was not the answer and other energy solutions were required — but added the caveat that this opposition to new mines might change in future.

Cllr Sheppard said: “While this is the right motion for now, if carbon capture and storage becomes an effective way of using our resources, then we might want to look at it again.”

Fellow Labour member Cllr Stuart Sansome agreed, saying: “If we can make coal cleaner and better, then I will be both hands up to open that pit.”

The council’s group leaders will write to the government and Rotherham’s MPs calling for legislation to ban the opening of new coal mines in the UK.