The battle for mineral resources [print version]
A global competition is under way to secure access to minerals such as lithium and cobalt, crucial to technological development…
Mining
Mining
The battle for mineral resources
24 June 2025
A global competition is under way to secure access to minerals such as lithium and cobalt, crucial to technological development…
No mine here: threat to industry
11 October 2024
The assault on British industry in the name of the environment and net zero continues. The latest step is halting the development of a coal mine in Cumbria, aided by the courts and the new government.
It’s a material world – and mining is essential
A working class asserting its right to be an independent nation, with control over its industry, should make the materials critical to energy and advanced manufacturing very much its business…
1942: Betteshanger Colliery
Employers have always tried to make strikes illegal and ineffective. One group of workers stood up to intimidation in the middle of war…
Cumbria coal mine goes ahead
9 December 2022
The government has finally given the go-ahead for a coal mine in Cumbria which provide high-grade coal for steelmaking. It needs to stick with the decision.
New factory on the Humber
A new rare earth refinery – the Pensana development at the Saltend Chemicals Park, Humber (Port of Hull), is to be operational by 2023.
Rare earths and the fight for independence
Without the minerals known as rare earths there would be no modern industry. And though Britain has little in the way of rare earth reserves, it must become a centre for manufacturing them if it is to maintain its independence…
Minerals and the future: the new dig for Britain
Modern life is inconceivable without metals, and the exploitation of Britain's mineral riches means jobs, skills and an increase in technological sovereignty. What's not to like?
Coal still needed in Wales
12 November 2021
The Welsh government is trying to close Aberpergwm colliery, the only anthracite mine in Europe. Its "net zero" dogma also puts the Port Talbot steel plant at risk.
Deep mining again in Cumbria
17 January 2021
The first new deep coalmine in Britain for over 30 years will go ahead in Cumbria. It will supplying coking coal for steelmaking.
Electric Cars - Cornish promise
In a big boost for electric vehicle battery production in Britain, mining exploration company Cornish Lithium announced significant investment...
Consett mine closes
The final lump of coal was extracted from one of England’s last remaining coal mines on Monday 17 August.
Coal free
16 May 2016
On 10 May 2016 no electricity was generated by burning coal in Britain. The previous day the National Grid had to issue a crisis call for additional generation to avoid power cuts. Deliberately taking out one source of power is reckless when Britain's energy supply is uncertain.
Last deep mine closes
The decision to close Kellingley Pit, the last of Britain’s deep coal mines, sounds the death knell not only for coal mining but electricity generation from coal.
Mining: Union loan saves pit
Hatfield Colliery in South Yorkshire, one of the three remaining deep British mines, has been handed a lifeline in the shape of a £4 million loan by the National Union of Mineworkers.
Pit faces early shutdown
The withdrawal of Hargreaves Services from the funding package to keep Kellingley pit in West Yorkshire open for a further two years of managed closure has brought to the fore the prospect of an early shutdown.
Minerals: Tungsten mine for Devon
The first new metal mine in Britain for 40 years will open next year in Devon following the approval of £130 million of investment.
Britain needs coal. Why can’t it be British coal?*
Britain’s coal industry is to be reduced to one deep pit and a handful of opencast mines. While the government drags its feet and the opposition remains silent, it falls to organised labour to put energy security on the agenda…