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The closure of the controversial Ffos y Fran mine in November this year will be a “sad day” for the local area, a community councillor has said. 

The coal mine, which is located in Merthyr Tydfil – less than five miles away from Fochriw – is set to close on November 30, according to the operator Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd.

The site has been the subject of controversy after its owners continued to extract coal despite planning permission coming to an end in September 2022. 

Appeals followed to both Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council – which was turned down – and the Welsh Government. 

But now, Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd has notified the Welsh Government of its closure.

All 180 employees at the site will be made redundant. 

Independent councillor Eddy Blanche who represents Fochriw and Pentwyn on Darran Valley community council said: “It’s a disgrace.

“This is a sad day for the local area. We have been saying for a long time that the area would not be restored and unfortunately we have been proved right.”

Cllr Blanche continued: “Either Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or the Welsh Government should take over ownership of the mine and start restoration works.

“There is £15 million in the pot for restoration and the guys that work there should be kept on and start work immediately.”

Cllr Blanche said the mine owners are “walking away” but have little to do with “the running of the mine”. He added: “The expertise is already on site and ready to work.”

Cllr Blanche continued: “This would give people work and fulfil the promise to the local people that was made all those years ago: ‘To restore the tips and return them to public use.’”

What happened at Ffos y Fran?

In 2005, the Ffos y Fran land reclamation scheme won planning permission.

In 2007, coal extraction began on a 15-year licence. 

In September 2022 planning permission comes to an end. Operations at the site continue. 

In April 2023, an application to extend the mine’s permission to operate until March 2024 was denied by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council on climate grounds. The owner was given until the end of July 2023 to stop extraction. 

Despite lacking an active license, Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd, the owner of the mine, persisted in operating.

In May 2023, it was reported that the operators of the opencast coal mine were told by Merthyr Tydfil Council to stop mining.

Following legal advice, the local authority then issued an enforcement notice giving the owners of the Ffos y Fran coal mine 28 days to stop extracting coal.

This was set to come into effect on June 27, 2023, but the owners appealed the decision to the Welsh Government – further complicating and delaying matters.

On July 5, Extinction Rebellion blockaded the entrance to the mine with their well-known pink boat with plans to shut down operations and stay for at least a week. 

On August 15,  Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd notified the Welsh Government of its closure date.

The mine is set to close on November 30.