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Opencast coal mine ‘needed’
Thursday 30th April 2009, 3:07PM BST.
A proposed opencast coal mine in Telford would make a significant contribution to Britain’s energy needs and cut the nation’s reliance on Russian imports, it was claimed today.
The low-sulphur coal sitting close to the surface at Huntington Lane would be the perfect fuel for Ironbridge Power Station – and the energy-producing equivalent of 141 giant wind turbines, said mining boss Phil Garner.
He said Huntington coal would be far “greener” than transporting Siberian coal and would meet the Government’s policy of maximising domestic reserves.
He was giving evidence at the public inquiry at Gray’s Hotel, Telford Town Centre, into UK Coal’s desire to extract 900,000 tonnes of coal between New Works and Little Wenlock.
Opponents led by Telford & Wrekin Council claim a mine would disrupt the lives of residents and spoil a pleasant rural area.
Mr Garner, UK Coal commercial contracts director, said Britain was now a net importer of energy at a time of rapidly rising household bills for electricity, gas and oil.
The inquiry continues.
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