UK High Court Blocks Plans for New Deep Coal Mine in Cumbria

Plans to build the UK’s first deep coal mine in over three decades have been blocked by the High Court, marking a significant victory for environmental groups. The proposed mine, located in Whitehaven, Cumbria, faced legal challenges due to its potential contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, with campaigners arguing that its impact had not been adequately assessed.

Friends of the Earth (FOTE) and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC) brought the case, contending that the environmental consequences of burning the extracted coal were not properly considered. Judge Justice Holgate ruled in favor of the campaigners, stating, “The assumption that the proposed mine would not produce a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or would be a net zero mine, is legally flawed.”

Environmental groups have hailed the ruling as a major win. Victoria Marsom from Friends of the Earth called it “a massive victory,” while Duncan Pollard, a trustee at SLACC, described it as a “huge relief” and urged that the coal mine proposal be permanently shelved. Professor Rebecca Willis of Lancaster University said the decision could set a global precedent, emphasizing that opening new coal mines is incompatible with climate targets.

The ruling may have implications beyond the UK. Friends of the Earth lawyer Niall Toru highlighted the potential global impact, stating, “The case against it is overwhelming: it would have huge climate impacts, its coal isn’t needed, and it harms the UK’s international reputation on climate.” Toru noted that similar legal challenges are being pursued abroad, suggesting that this judgment could contribute to the broader movement against fossil fuel projects.

Local supporters of the project, including former Conservative mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie, expressed disappointment. Starkie called the decision “devastating” for West Cumbria’s economy, noting that the mine was expected to bring 500 jobs and significant infrastructure improvements to the area. Former Conservative MP Mark Jenkinson also warned that the UK may now have to import metallurgical coal from countries like Russia, stating, “If we don’t mine coking coal here, then we import it.”

West Cumbria Mining (WCM), the company behind the project, has said it will consider the implications of the ruling before making further comments.