Mine threat to hauliers
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by Sally Nash • Regional bulk hauliers could be hit by the potential closure of many of RJB Mining's pits, the coal producer admitted last week.
A number of mines, possibly more than six, have been earmarked for closure because RJB Mining is producing 10 million tonnes of coal more than is needed. And, although most coal is transported by rail, some 20% is still picked up by truck from the local mines. "Any closures impact on a number of services—transport is just one of them," says a spokesman for RJB.
The Coalfield Communities Campaign has warned that the Nottinghamshire coalfield, the Maltby colliery and some parts of the Selby site could all be vulnerable.
Many coal hauliers have diversified into other sectors over the past decade, but mine closures would still lead to job losses among hauliers.
Last week RJB signed a deal to supply National Power with 18 million tonnes of coal over three years from April 1998.