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Coal facts, figures, and information

The UK coal flow from origin to destination

These are the most recent official energy statistics for coal from the UK Government for 2024 (compare to 2023, 2022, and 2021). They show a trend of declining mining, imports, and consumption of coal within the UK. What alternatives exist to the 2.1 million tonnes of coal the UK still consumed in 2024? See our illustrated solutions.

DASHBOARD - UK coal trends for 2024

Coal mining

The Global Energy Monitor estimates 7.2 billion tonnes of coal are mined each year, from 3,670 recorded coal mines across 70 countries. Coal mining worldwide emits around 52 million tonnes of methane per year (equivalent to 4,320 million tonnes of CO2*), more than oil (39 million tonnes) or gas (45 million tonnes)....

Burning coal emits more CO2 than any other fuel source for the amount of energy it produces. Burning coal also pollutes our air with many other hazardous gasses, including nitrogen oxide, mercury, and sulphur dioxide – with global and local consequences for climate change...

COAL UPDATES

New advice shows Government how coal prohibition can prevent all new coal prospecting

In November 2024, the UK Government announced its commitment to legislating a ban of new coal mining licences. This was a commitment that Coal Action Network had secured a manifesto commitment from the Government for, along with four other major parties…

Barristers tackle tip law and licensing

Coal Action Network has obtained new legal advice from expert Barristers Estelle Dehon (KC) and Rowan Clapp of Cornerstone Chambers, London. Examining relevant…

Consultants enabling massive restoration cut

We informed each contractor what this mining company was up to, and the long record of criminal fraud, physical violence, and belligerence of David Lewis, the company’s director. Of those contractors, the ones listed below refused to rule out continuing to aid Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd dodge…

Lifting the lid on damage done by David Stanley Lewis of Pontypool

In 2015, David Stanley Lewis took over operations at the sprawling Ffos-y-fran opencast coal mine from the previous operator, Miller Argent. The company became ‘Merthyr (South Wales)…

Cross-party support at Senedd drop-in session to act on coal legacy

On July 1st, 2025, CAN organised drop-in session at the Senedd, spotlighting the urgent need for action on Wales’ coal legacy issues. The event saw strong cross-party engagement, with Members of the Senedd (MSs)…

Countering fake news in the Senedd

We’re actively setting the record straight when fake news about coal is spread through public figures, social media, or the press. The rise of populist politics and politicians tend to drive statements that are don’t entirely match the evidence, but may win them some votes…

360 exploration of Ffos-y-fran opencast coal mine

Explore the landscape via the images below, drag around the viewpoints and go full-screen for the immersive experience. This is what the 58,000 residents of Merthyr Tydfil face every day…and with a new plan by mining company, Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd, to evade its responsibility to restore…

Tip closest to residents to remain untouched

This information seeks to clarify which tips are included in ERI Ltd’s proposal to mine and then flatten certain coal tips in Caerphilly. The tips selected appear to be on the basis of which would be most profitable to mine of the ‘waste coal’ they contain…

The Bill that risks reigniting coal mining in Wales

The Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister, in his response to the CCEIC’s Stage 1 Report, admits the “Bill does not prevent the extraction or burning of coal” but adds “I cannot envisage a scenario in which the extraction and burning of coal will arise as a result of the Bill”…

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