Closure of Kellingley Colliery Ends Deep Mining
December 18th, 2015
December 18th, 2015
How Long Ago?
9 years, 2 months, 25 days ago
Location
Kellingley, North Yorkshire, England
Category
Economics & Industry
Links & References
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Closure of Kellingley Colliery Ends Deep Mining
Kellingley Colliery, located in North Yorkshire, was the last deep coal mine in Great Britain and officially closed its operations, marking the end of an era for deep mining in the country. The site had been operational since 1965 and was a major employer in the local community. Its closure was part of the wider decline of the coal industry in Britain, attributed to changing energy policies and economic conditions. The last shift worked by miners at Kellingley was met with both sadness and reflection on the industry's storied past.
Kellingley was the last deep coal mine in the UK.
The mine operated since 1965, impacting local economy.
Closure reflects broader decline of coal industry.
Shift towards renewable energy sources influenced closure.
What Happened?
Kellingley Colliery, situated near Pontefract in North Yorkshire, was the last deep coal mine to operate in Great Britain. The closure was finalized after more than fifty years of production, with the mine first opening in 1965. Throughout its operational years, Kellingley was a significant employer and produced millions of tons of coal, contributing to the nation’s energy supply. The advent of cleaner energy sources and changes in government policy regarding coal mining led to a sharp decline in the industry, culminating in the eventual closure of Kellingley. The final shift on this historic day was marked by a mix of nostalgia and acknowledgment of the wider impact of the coal industry's decline on local communities and the national market.During its peak, Kellingley was considered one of the safest mines in the country and utilized progressive mining technologies. However, as the global energy landscape shifted towards greener alternatives, the need for deep coal mining diminished. The decline affected thousands of miners and their families, leading to long-standing socioeconomic changes in regions dependent on coal for employment. The end of operations at Kellingley signified the last chapter in Britain's deep coal mining history, prompting discussions regarding the fate of former coal communities and the future of energy production in the UK.
Why Does it Matter?
The closure of Kellingley Colliery represents a significant shift in Britain's energy policies and the declining importance of coal in the national energy mix. It serves as an emblematic point in the history of industrial Britain, marking the end of an era dominated by coal mining. This event is fascinating due to its implications on workers' lives and the transformation of local economies that had depended on a once-thriving coal industry.
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