First coal leaves Bradley surface mine

Work at Banks Mining’s newest surface mine reaches latest landmark with first coal deliveries

WORK at the new Bradley surface mine in Co. Durham recently reached its latest landmark when the first coal to be mined was dispatched from the site.

Banks Mining formally commenced the winning and working of minerals at the site in May this year and have since been putting the infrastructure required in place to allow mining operations to progress.

Thirty-four jobs are being directly supported at the Bradley site, alongside others in the local supply chain. Around half of those working there live within five miles of the site, with almost all living within a 15-mile radius.

Restoration of the site will include the creation of new woodland and a nature reserve area, as well as the return of some of the land to agricultural use, whilst the related community benefits fund, which will provide funding  support for eligible local community improvement projects and initiatives, will go live in the next few months.

Lewis Stokes, community relations manager at The Banks Group, said: ‘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.

‘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.’

Founded in Tow Law, Co. Durham, in 1976, Banks Mining have operated and restored 111 surface mines across Scotland and northern England over the last four decades, and currently employ around 200 people at their Shotton and Brenkley Lane surface mines, near Cramlington, in Northumberland.