Committee publication · Correspondence · 18 December 2024
Letter from Lisa Pinney regarding the Coal Authority changing its name to the Mining Remediation Authority
From: Welsh Affairs Committee
Inquiry: The environmental and economic legacy of Wales' industrial past
Summary
The Coal Authority has rebranded to the Mining Remediation Authority, effective 28 November 2024, marking its 30th anniversary. The statutory responsibilities remain unchanged, but the new name reflects expanded remit beyond coal to metal mine remediation, environmental work like mine water treatment, and low-carbon opportunities. Operational changes will roll out in phases starting with website, email, and branding updates.
Key findings
- Statutory responsibilities under the Coal Industry Act 1994 remain unchanged; the name change reflects evolved work across three nations managing historical mining effects and environmental remediation
- Organisation handles approximately 1,000 mining hazards and subsidence claims annually, inspects 896+ tips per year, and treats billions of litres of mine water to prevent pollution
- In 2023/24 delivered 9,000+ planning consultation responses, 1,600+ permits/licenses, and 120,000+ mining reports to support development and conveyancing
- New name encompasses metal mine pollution prevention, tip safety, mine water heat recovery, and low-carbon opportunities from nationalised mining assets
- Phased implementation approach: immediate changes include website, email addresses, letterheads, and signage; trading name expected to become full legal change in due course
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Lisa Pinney, Mining Remediation Authority, Coal Authority, Welsh Government, UK Government, Scottish Government
Notable line
“Our new name better reflects the work we do across our three nations to manage the effects of historical mining in England …”
Key Quotes
“Much has changed since 1994, and our roles and responsibilities have evolved as a result. Our new name better reflects the work we do across our three nations”
“The statutory responsibilities of the organisation will not change as we continue to have primary responsibilities for managing the coal assets and legacy”
“We couldn't do any of this – or fulfil our mission to 'make a better future for people and the environment in mining areas' without the continued support of our partners”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗