The UK's First Deep Coal Mine in 30 Years

As the UK has officially been given the go-ahead for a new coal mine in Cumbria, the coal mining industry will increase production and exportation from UK borders. Although, this decision hasn't come lightly and comes with backlash, as it contradicts the UK's green emissions targets and 2050 net zero policy. Regardless of the politics behind the decision, safety will be one of the mine's most significant focuses as activity begins on the Cumbria site.

As this is Britain's first new deep coal mine in 30 years, many stakeholders will join forces to make sure the planning and running of the mine are efficient and safe as possible for all involved in the endeavour. The mining industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the world; it poses a risk to workers within the mines and people living and working in the nearby area and environment. The mine is currently set to be the size of 60 football pitches (23 hectares) and will employ over 500 people, over 80% of which are expected to work in coal production.

Considerable risk of working underground in mines is the presence of harmful gases, especially the hazard of carbon monoxide, methane and oxygen deficiency/enrichment. Gas detection has been an integral part of the safety protocol mining industry. Did you know that in previous years, canaries were placed in mines to test for gas as they would sign if gas were present? Thankfully, the gas detection industry has come a long way since then, and we no longer rely on animals to warn us. Instead, we have industry-leading technologies in the latest gas detectors. Depending on the mine area, the gas detection required can vary from fixed systems to personal detectors or a combination of both. Even if both fixed and portable detection is in place, workers should consider whether a pre-entry check should be carried out before entering these spaces.

Frontline Safety has many specialist gas detection systems suitable for various mining industry environments. As well as fixed systems, we have an extensive range of single and multi gas detectors in diffused and pumped modes of monitoring equipped to cover all grounds of the mining application. We also have industrial safety equipment such as fall protection, confined space rescue kits, escape devices and more. If you would like to discuss your application needs, please do not hesitate to contact our specialist sales team, who can provide tailored solutions for your requirements.