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Last-ditch bid to save Harworth Colliery
By UNION officials are to lobby the Government in a last-ditch attempt to save Harworth pit from total closure.
As this Newsletter was going to press, Dave McGarry – the pit representative for the Union of Democratic Mineworkers – was joining a delegation to meet Geoffrey Norris, Gordon Brown's energy advisor, and Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, to try and convince them the colliery still has a future.
The move follows UK Coal's decision to cease water pumping operations from June, and begin demolition work on buildings on site.
This, along with the international cost of coal – it has almost doubled since the announcement that Harworth pit would be mothballed, in 2006 – has fuelled hopes that a final plea for financial backing might carry some weight.
Mr McGarry told the Newsletter: "UK Coal have agreed to hold back until we have had this final meeting. We wanted to see the prime minister himself.
"It is scandalous that all the reserves at Harworth should go to waste, and at this point, we are prepared to accept any offers from investors.
Co-operative
"We will suggest that a co-operative is formed between the government and energy producers, with split investment and a Government representative on the executive board of UK Coal."
However, hopes are not high that the trip to London will bring a transformation in the fortunes of the pit, which has up to 40 million tonnes of coal still intact.
This would take up to four years to access, with a minimum 80 million investment needed.
"If Tony Blair didn't act when the pit was still operating – and he was fully aware of the situation here – then we really can't pin too many hopes on what we're doing now. It is our final bid," added Mr McGarry.
A UK Coal spokesman said that notice had been given to the Coal Authority of their intention to cease pumping water from June this year.
He said: "This is a technical requirement which could be rescinded at any time, should an offer of investment be made.
"We have made numerous attempts to gain interest from investors but so far have failed to attract it. Buildings on the periphery of the complex are now set to be demolished.
"We would still prefer mining as a first option, and have no other plans for the site at present although it is obviously an area of massive potential development."
Speaking of an approach made to UK Coal by an Austrian company recently, the spokesman added: "An enquiry was made, based on the false assumption that the two arms of the company – in mining and housing – were two separate companies.
"Their bid was clearly ruled out. The offer came just a couple of weeks after UK Coal made a 55 million investment at Thoresby, which demonstrated clearly their commitment to mining."
A skeleton staff still operates at Harworth, pumping methane gas from the old works.
In recent weeks, the site has been plagued by theft and vandalism, with constant baiting of security staff by gangs of young troublemakers, and theft of steel cable.
Security has been increased and police have been alerted to the problems.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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