Milestone for new County Durham surface mine as first coal dispatched

The first load of coal sourced from the Bradley surface mine in County Durham has been dispatched, marking the latest milestone in operations at the new facility.

Banks Mining formally started the winning and working of minerals at the mine in May.

Since then, the firm has focused on putting the infrastructure required in place to enable mining operations to progress.

Ongoing restoration works on the site will include the creation of new woodland, a nature reserve area and land for agricultural use.

The mine currently supports 34 jobs directly and others in the local supply chain. Coal produced so far has been supplied to Banks Mining’s industrial customers around the UK.

Banks Group community relations manager Lewis Stokes said: “The UK still requires coal to meet a range of essential industrial uses, including steel and cement production, as well as for household and electricity generation needs and there is strong demand from our customers for the high quality coal that is now being produced at the Bradley site.

“The Banks Group has been creating highly skilled and well-paid jobs in County Durham and around the North East for more than 40 years, and we are proud to be living up to our commitment to create even more new local job opportunities through this project, most especially for the young people who are taking their first steps on the career ladder.”

He continued: “Work is continuing to progress well at our Bradley site, with a local highly skilled and growing workforce now in place, and we remain fully committed to operating the site in the safest, most efficient and most environmentally responsible way possible.”

Banks Mining was founded in 1976. To date, the firm has operated and restored 111 surface mines across Northern England and Scotland.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →