Coal producer ATH Resources wins mining approval

The Doncaster-based group, one of the UK's biggest coal miners, said the plan to mine the coal reserves from its Duncanziemuir mine had been approved by the local planning authority in East Ayrshire.

ATH said some matters still had to be concluded before work begins but production was scheduled to begin next year and would continue for four years.

The Duncanziemuir mine is an extension to the completed Laigh Glenmuir mine which finished coaling in 2009 and will use the existing infrastructure by bringing coal through the Grievehill mine to the Group's railhead at New Cumnock.

Tom Allchurch, chief executive of ATH Resources, said: "This planning approval is part of ATH Resources' longer term coal production and employment plans in East Ayrshire, where we have been a major employer for 12 years.

"This mine, which will directly employ 36 people, is an important contributor to the future of the ATH business and the local economy and we are very pleased to be able to continue our operations in this part of East Ayrshire."