Hatfield Colliery Closure

[mushroom25]

the rundown of hatfield colliery has been unexpectedly accelerated, with its almost immediate closure announced -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-33321874
with the only other 2 deep mines already set to close this year, 2015 will see the end of deep mining in the uk after hundreds of years.

with coal now selling at $75 per tonne and more and more of the uk's energy needs now met by oil, gas and alternative sources, there's probably no economic case for the comparatively expensive UK deep mining operation. but, much of our energy needs now heavily depends on other countries, even though there are reserves left still to exploit here. should raw economics be allowed to take precedence over the possibility of maintaining independent sources of energy for the future?

[mikey4444]

Quite right paddy !

[bazwillrun]

"More employment for Oz workers, and less for British workers...what a marvelous fiscal plan. "

but youve got no problem with the shedloads of immigrants swamping us taking over jobs of/for British workers...typical leftie twisted logic...

[New Judge]

“…because the power stations don't have to pay all the Social Security benefits that will ensue, when the Yorkshire miners are sacked,”

The miners can get alternative employment, Mikey. I still don’t understand the “pit villages” in the north (and possibly Wales but I don’t know) that have “Miners’ Social Clubs” when they haven’t had a mine or a miner for thirty years or more. Times change and people have to change with them. There is plenty of work in the UK because, as we are constantly told, hundreds of thousands of people come her from abroad to do it. In my view the closure of deep mining in the UK was an act of pure mercy, relieving the employees from a job that must have been just about the worst imaginable. I have no compunction about burning coal. It is a very efficient and simple way of producing energy (nowhere near so as nuclear, but that’s another debate). I also believe that government strategy (such that it is, and not just this government) is severely imperilling the UK’s ability to “keep the lights on”. But if an alternative is available - especially one that is cheaper - to asking men to go a mile underground and lay on their guts digging all day then bring it on.

[anotheoldgit]

Twenty two replies so far on the subject of mine closures, and not one mention of Margaret Thatcher.

Incidentally where do we get our lead and tin from now?

[Svejk]

There are many different types of coal, not all are suitable for power stations. As has already been pointed out, the hypocrisy of the left is staggering.

[bazwillrun]

"As has already been pointed out, the hypocrisy of the left is staggering. "

theyve elevated it from a science to an artform