Open cast coal firm creates more than 50 jobs in West Lothian

More than 50 jobs are being created in West Lothian as work presses ahead on an open cast coal mine.

The Banks Group, a development company that runs mines as well as wind farms, is preparing to open the Rusha surface mine near the village of Breich.

The Durham-based company, which has an office in Hamilton and runs other mines in Scotland, says Rusha should yield about 850,000 tons of coal.

It also believes the mine could yield 100,000 tons of fireclay, used in the manufacture of ceramics.

The firm plans to mine the 154 hectare site over four years, spending some £5 million a year including wages for up to 57 workers. After that, the site will be landscaped and fully restored to a mixture of woodland and agriculture.

Preparatory work on the site is under way and Banks hopes to start mining in late spring or early summer.

All of the coal extracted will be sold to Scottish solid fuel distributor Fergusson Group, which sells to both retail customers and power stations.

Mark Dowdall, environment and community director at Banks, said coal continues to be a key part of Britain’s energy mix, although the firm is investing the profits from its mines in wind farms. However, the group remains a major coal producer in the UK and has operated in excess of 100 surface mines over more than three decades.

Dowdall said the firm operates some sites with a lifespan of more than ten years.

“Coal will play a significant role in meeting the UK’s energy requirements for the foreseeable future, and we’re pleased to have reached an agreement with a well-regarded, locally-based supplier for the sale of the coal that we are producing in Scotland for use in Scotland,” he said.

As part of the deal to develop the site, Banks will also deliver a range of community and environmental improvements in the area, with a benefits fund that will offer support for a range of projects. A liaison committee has already been formed to work with the local community.

It will also use noise reduction technology it has developed to help reduce the impact of the mine on local residents.