540 jobs in jeopardy as mining firm battles risk of flooding at colliery

Maltby Colliery, near Rotherham, has been in operation for more than a century, but its current owner, Hargreaves Services, is struggling to overcome problems including flooding.

Last night spokesman Mike O’Sullivan said the company had warned its 540 employees as part of a “statutory process” but added work was ongoing to see if production could continue.

Mr O’Sullivan said: “When we announced our company results last month we said that we were suffering unusual geological problems as we prepare for the next coal face for production.

“We are still working to find a solution to those problems with external experts and absolutely no decision will be made on Maltby’s future until we have the results of their surveys and studies.

“We should have those results by the end of October or just a little bit beyond. At present workers are still underground mining.

“But as we said last month we will not put the safety of our workers at risk from these problems.”

Mr O’Sullivan described comments made yesterday about the colliery’s closure as “not helpful” and added: “It’s not the case. We are looking at every possibility.”

In a statement to London’s Stock Exchange, the firm said: “Initiating this process is considered prudent business practice and does not indicate a decision on Maltby’s future has been taken.

“The board still expects to receive reports later in October that will advise on the geological, financial and health and safety risks. The decision by the board on the future of the colliery will be based on the conclusions of these reports.”