Thank you for taking the time to write to me and to share your concerns regarding the potential re-mining of coal from disused tips in Wales.
As you will be aware, planning matters are dealt with by local authorities rather than Members of the Senedd, and so decisions about whether or not to permit developments such as the one proposed in Bedwas rest with the relevant local planning authority.
You rightly acknowledge that the safety of some coal tips is a serious concern. Where remediation is required to make these tips safe, it is important that all practical options are considered. These works can involve significant costs, and if some of these can be borne by private companies rather than the taxpayer, then that is something that, in principle, should be open for discussion—provided environmental standards are met and local communities are fully consulted.
I am also aware of the broader concerns around coal extraction and use. While the UK has almost completely ended the use of coal for electricity generation, coal is still used in certain industrial processes, such as the production of virgin steel.
As you may know, the blast furnaces at Port Talbot, which required large quantities of coal, are being closed and will be replaced by an electric arc furnace—a move which represents a significant shift towards cleaner steel production in Wales. However, the UK Government has recently made the decision to maintain blast furnace steel production in Scunthorpe, which will continue to require substantial volumes of coal. At present, this coal is likely to be imported, which in itself carries a significant carbon footprint. There may, therefore, be a legitimate argument for considering whether limited domestic coal use in certain strategic industries could reduce overall emissions when compared to importing coal from overseas.
Please be assured that the Conservative Party remains fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That said, it is also important that we do not simply offshore emissions and the jobs that go with them. We must find a balanced approach that safeguards both the environment and our economic resilience.
Thank you once again for writing to me. I appreciate your engagement on this important issue.