CWMGRACH, Wales (GroundReport) – Reports say that ten years ago mining had a dismal future, and the Unity Mine was just another jagged blemish scarred into a South Wales hillside.
Unity Mine was a mine that was abandoned as coal prices fell. However, that has changed drastically with oil running close to $100 a barrel. Coal is making a rerun in Britain, adding jobs — and misgivings — that seemed to have disappeared.
With coal in great demand in India and China, coal prices have tripled, according to statistics. Prices added from $28.80 a ton in 1999 to $86.60 last year, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, reports The Associated Press.
Europe reportedly holds a third of the world’s reserves, and people are talking about coal-fired power again. Britain has already made plans to open seven new coal-fired electricity plants.
The Unity mine at Cwmgrach has drawn in some fortunes and that is indicative of coal’s new appeal. It was deserted 12 years ago when the falling price made it unviable.
The mine now employs 60 men — most of them former miners who had jobs in other areas but are still happy to return to their old profession, reports AP.
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