Ross,
>From the other responses, you have probably got the basic story on the
Forest mines. I've wandered around the surface of several working ones over
the years, all in absolutely beautiful settings. I wonder if anyone has a
photographic record?
Does anyone know what happened to the mine by the B4226 from Coleford to
Cinderford at SO 602 114? Last time I passed (year or so ago) this was being
converted into a Forest Coal visitor centre.
According to the Coal Authority, in December 1999 (the most recent return on
their website) there were then two operating coal mines in Gloucestershire
(and so presumably the Forest), employing a total of two people. Total
declared production for the month from both mines together was a less than
stunning 35 tonnes - though I suspect that the declaration may be on the low
side as there's a per-tonne royalty payable to cover such things as the
Mines Rescue Service. The return for the whole of 1999 shows that three
mines had operated during the year, employing three miners and producing 417
tonnes.
Regards
Martin Potts
For those interested, the page is accessed though:
http://www.coal.gov.uk/departments/licensing/licensing.htm
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