New coal mining in England Banned!

Yesterday the UK Government released its updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in which it has banned new coal mining in England. This is welcomed by Coal Action Network and our supporters who have worked to oppose new coal mines for many years. This updated policy prevents local authorities from approving new coal extraction in England. 

Nature and climate issues dominate consultation

At the beginning of 2026 we asked our supporters to make submissions to the NPPF consultation, supporting the introduction of this policy. Of the 20,572 total consultation responses, Coal Action Network supporters were the third largest group of responders behind Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. This highlights the support for strengthened nature and climate policies. 

Democratic mandate to end coal extraction

In response to the question “Do you agree with the proposed prohibition on identifying new coal sites and to the removal of coal from the list of minerals of national and local importance?” 56% of respondents agreed, 33% were neutral, and 12% disagreed (rounding errors in government statistics result in this not totalling 100%). 

In response to the question “Are there any other exceptional circumstances in which coal extraction should be permitted?” 75% of respondents said no. 

This shows the overwhelming levels of support for ending coal extraction. With legislation due to ban new licensing of coal extraction across the UK in this parliamentary term, the government has a democratic mandate to ban all types of new coal extraction.

One remaining commercial coal mine in England

One small commercial coal mine, Ayle Colliery, remains operational on the Northumberland/Cumbria border and is unaffected by this ban. It currently has permission to mine until 2069, but it only provides small quantities of coal for local domestic use. There is also a large underground coal mine in South Wales, but England’s Planning Regulations to not apply to this.