Clean Coal Technology can play a very important role in a sustainable green energy policy, but it can also generate wealth. Wales and the U.K. have tremendous coal reserves. It would be a tragedy, if we had to turn to imported coal and miss the chance to create the jobs and revenue that those coal reserves could bring. But, to mine coal you need miners.
In 1986, there were 200,000 working coal miners in Britain. Today, there are less than 3,000. If we are going to take full advantage of the benefits that Clean Coal Technology can bring, we will have to introduce new training programmes for the mining industry.
In partnership with the University of Glamorgan, the ex-Treforest School of Mines, Tower Colliery could have an extended life, as as part of a future College or University of Mining.
Welsh expertise could also provide training for export. A combined course in the science and practical application of Clean Coal Technology, together with the latest in mining methods and mines safety could be promoted to countries with new, expanding or restructuring coal sectors – like India, Vietnam and some of the countries of Eastern Europe.
Tower Colliery has developed an award winning training programme over the last twelve years, dedicated to safety and efficiency. In addition to training our own workforce, we have run courses for Polish and Indian mining engineers and managers.
Mining skills are also transferable. Our training should be promoted for engineering for infrastructure projects that require tunneling and/or working in confined spaces.