Planning boost for ATH Resources

The Doncaster-based group, one of the UK's biggest coal miners, said East Ayrshire council had granted its application to mine the coal reserves and resources from its proposed Netherton site.

ATH said it expects to begin coal production in the final quarter of this year, subject to planning formalities. This is in line with analyst expectations, it added.

The mine will continue to produce coal for six years, ATH said.

Tom Allchurch, chief executive of ATH Resources, said: "This planning approval ensures not only the long-term continuation of the group's coal production but also generates further employment in East Ayrshire, where we have been a major employer for 12 years now.

"Netherton, which will employ 110 people, is an important cornerstone in the future of our business and the local economy and we are extremely pleased to secure this important planning approval."