38 UK indigenous coal reserves

Submitted by National Union of Mineworkers

Congress demands that the Government give serious consideration to the exploitation of the current deep-mined indigenous coal reserves.

The Coal Authority should be tasked with the duty of correlating the deep-mined coal reserves and reporting clearly on how effectively and efficiently these reserves can be exploited.

Whilst criticism is often focused on the heavy reliance of imported energy, including gas, Congress understands that nearly two-thirds of the nation’s coal-burn in UK power stations last year (68mt) was from imported coal. Much of this comes from some of the most politically unstable countries in the Western world, including Russia, where the UK imports up to 20 million tonnes per annum.

Security of supply is a major issue facing our nation. The UK is now a net importer of energy. That cannot be healthy for our island which is rich in natural minerals such as coal.

The world continues its insatiable desire to burn growing amounts of coal, resulting in most coal-producing countries increasing their levels of production. The impact globally sees an escalating trend in coal-burn across the world set to increase from the current levels of approximately 3.5 billion tonnes to 7 billion tonnes in 2030.

The current position regarding coal imports places a huge burden on the balance of payments. Coal generates at least 35 per cent of our electricity. We import at least 70 per cent of our coal requirements. As has been said many times before, ‘It’s the economics of the madhouse.’

Amendment (Accepted)

From: BACM-TEAM

In penultimate paragraph, line 7, replace ’3.5′ with ’5.5′.

Add new paragraph at end:

‘In 2008 UK production stood at 18 million tonnes but capacity could be increased to 20 million tonnes. In addition to the economic benefits, such a target would retain valuable skilled employment and contribute to security of supply. Congress is asked to seek Government support for such a production target.’