Mining group creating 80 jobs with resumption of work at Muir Dean

Mining group Hargreaves says it will create 80 new jobs as it begins work at the Muir Dean opencast mine near Crossgates.

The company said it had resumed mining at the site, and was working with Fife Council over plans for the reinstatement of the colliery.

Work is expected to last just over two years with “minimum disruption to local communities”.

Efforts to find a permanent solution to the highly polluting Fordell Day Level will continue, alongside the Coal Authority.

“It’s great to get started at Muir Dean and to re-engage with the workforce that was sadly let down following the closure of the mine earlier this year,” Hargreaves production director Graham Hindmarsh said.

Fife Council deputy leader David Ross praised the work of council staff, Sepa and the Coal Authority, and called for regular meetings between the company and residents.

Hargreaves took on responsibility for the works last month after the council secured a £7m deal over restoration bonds for the mothballed site.

The firm will mine remaining reserves at the northern end of the 225-hectare site before beginning restoration efforts.

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