Government to ban coal mining projects

NEW coal mining schemes will be banned in the UK, the Government has said.

Ministers have confirmed that legislation will be introduced to restrict the future licensing of new coal mines, as they said phasing out the fossil fuel worldwide is a crucial step to limiting global temperature rises and improving air quality.

The move comes after Britain became the first major economy to stop burning coal for power in October, as the last coal-fired power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottinghamshire, closed.

With a few exemptions, the ban will cover coal extraction for all uses, such as for fuel and for coking coal for steel production.