Residents in Merthyr Tydfil have been living under the shadow of the now-closed Ffos y Fran opencast coal mine for over 15 years. The community expected a comprehensive restoration plan to be implemented once mining operations ceased, but recent developments have left locals disappointed. The mine, which extracted around 11 million tons of coal between 2007 and 2023, closed in November 2023. Despite this closure, a new restoration plan has been proposed, sparking discontent among residents who are advocating for the original restoration scheme promised back in 2011.
Chris and Alyson Austin, who reside near the site, expressed their frustration with the current “sub-standard” restoration plans. They highlighted that the mining company, Merthyr (South Wales) Limited, had already set aside ample funds to cover the costs of the originally agreed-upon restoration scheme. The proposed new restoration plan falls short of meeting environmental standards and fails to address key restoration requirements that were laid out in the initial agreement.
The local authority initially presented two restoration options, a minimal low-level option and a medium-level option that included filling in the hazardous mining void. Despite selecting the medium restoration plan as the preferred choice, the mining company’s actions have hindered its implementation. The flooding of the mining void has now made it challenging to execute the medium restoration plan, leading to considerations for a reduced, more cost-effective alternative.
Residents are advocating for the dangerous mining void to be filled in, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the promised restoration to green-belt, common land. The community has endured years of coal mining near their homes and believes that a comprehensive restoration is the least they deserve after the significant impact of the mining operations on their surroundings. Calls have been made to the Welsh Government to scrutinize the current planning proposal through a public inquiry to ensure transparency and accountability.
Concerns have also been raised about the environmental impact of the proposed restoration, with campaigners from the Coal Action Network advocating for a high-quality restoration that prioritizes the well-being of Merthyr Tydfil residents. The proposed “low-level” restoration, which significantly deviates from the previously agreed-upon scheme, has raised alarms about potential hazards posed by the water-filled void and coal tips in the area.
Merthyr Tydfil Council and the Welsh Government have acknowledged the submissions for the revised restoration plan and stated that all relevant considerations will be taken into account during the planning process. The revised scheme includes various elements such as re-profiling mounds, preserving water bodies, and preparing habitats for grasslands, woodlands, and other natural features. However, concerns persist among residents and advocacy groups regarding the adequacy and integrity of the proposed restoration efforts.
The ongoing debate over the restoration of the Ffos y Fran site underscores the challenges of post-mining land management and the need for transparent and community-centric decision-making. As residents continue to voice their concerns and advocate for a comprehensive restoration plan, the local authorities and mining company must engage in constructive dialogue and ensure that the final restoration efforts align with the community’s expectations and environmental standards.