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Carmarthenshire Council Nixes Wales' Last Opencast Coal Mine

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Carmarthenshire County Council rejected Bryn Bach Coal Ltd’s application to open a new opencast coal mine in Wales.
The refusal ends Wales’ final opencast coal mine, a milestone praised by environmental groups.
Coal Action Network said there are now no live applications for new coal mines in the UK, calling the decision strategic climate leadership.
Bryn Bach Coal Ltd has six months to appeal the council’s refusal.

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Story summary

Carmarthenshire County Council rejected Bryn Bach Coal Ltd’s application to open a new opencast coal mine in Wales.
The refusal ends Wales’ final opencast coal mine, a milestone praised by environmental groups.
Coal Action Network said there are now no live applications for new coal mines in the UK, calling the decision strategic climate leadership.
Bryn Bach Coal Ltd has six months to appeal the council’s refusal.