Understand the impact of the Ukraine conflict from a cross-sector perspective with the Global Data Executive Briefing: Ukraine Conflict


UK Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove could approve the launch of the country’s first deep coal mine in three decades, reported the Telegraph citing sources in the UK Conservative Party.

Located near Whitehaven, West Cumbria, UK, the Woodhouse Colliery underground metallurgical coal mine is being developed by West Cumbria Mining (WCM).

The approval for the deep coal mine, despite opposition from climate activists, would help the country in reducing its dependence on Russian coal in the wake of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cumbria County Council initially approved the plan for the Woodhouse Colliery. However, activists objected to the mine approval, resulting in the launch of an inquiry by the ministers in 2021 ahead of the Cop26 climate change conference.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Gove, who received a report on the mine from the UK Planning Inspectorate earlier this month, has until 7 July 2022 to decide on the project.

A Tory party source told The Sunday Telegraph: “I don’t know for certain, but I get the impression he is going to approve it.”

Recently, WCM said in a press statement: “Until recently, Russia was supplying almost half of all Britain’s steelmaking coal alongside other long-distance imports.

“A decision to support the WCM project will help slash the need to import foreign coal, deliver the levelling-up agenda for Cumbria and support Britain’s steelmakers with a new local and reliable critical raw material.”

The Woodhouse Colliery mine comprises coal in two main seams including Bannock Band and Main Band.

Coal produced from the mine will be transported through an underground conveyor belt to the surface. It will then be delivered to the new processing and storage building on the old Marchon site near Whitehaven.