ATH victory in mine extension
COAL miner ATH Resources has been given a boost by winning planning permission for an extension to its Muir Dean mine in Fife.
The Doncaster-based group said it will mine 0.35 million tonnes of coal from the Annfield extension. The miner, which has been hampered by poor geology and legacy contracts, said it has to conclude a number of matters before work can start, with first production due later this year.
Chief executive Alistair Black said: “This planning approval provides continued employment for 70 direct employees in the area and is an important contributor to the future of the ATH business as well as the local economy.”
Muir Dean is expected to finish production in 2012.
ATH last week said talks with potential takeover partners have ended.