FIFE COUNCIL has thrown its weight behind a proposal which could help restore former opencast mine sites around the Kingdom.

Earlier this year, operators Hargreaves asked the UK Government to extend an existing exemption from Carbon Price Support (CPS) to cover coal associated with the restoration of opencast sites abandoned after the collapse of the previous operators Scottish Coal and ATH Resources.

After an “unsatisfactory response” to the council’s first calls backing the plans, depute leader Lesley Laird has written to Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, urging change to assist the industry and help transform abandoned sites.

“The government says it is actively exploring options for addressing the environmental liabilities associated with unrestored opencast coal mines in Scotland,” she said. “But I’m very concerned this matter is being kicked into the long grass and may not receive the attention it deserves.

“We’re actively supporting the Scottish Coal Task Force and other stakeholders in seeking to explore solutions for the restoration of opencast sites in Scotland. We believe that the proposed Coal Price Support Tax Exemption on coal from restoration sites offers a positive opportunity to address this issue.” Exemption from the CPS tax currently only applies to coal slurry, the sludge-like waste usually found in abandoned colliery spoil tips, but Hargreaves argued that if it was extended, it would allow all abandoned coal sites in Scotland to be restored to their full potential, including West Fife sites like St Ninians and Loch Fitty. The exemption scheme would only apply to “orphaned” restoration sites where responsibility has fallen back on the state, such as in cases where the owners have gone bankrupt, but all outstanding restorations in Scotland could be addressed within five years if the exemption is put in place quickly.

“With the continuing fall in the price of coal, the early introduction of Carbon Price Support Tax would greatly assist the industry at this time,” continued Cllr Laird. “It will also ensure that restoration works could be completed to the highest standards of health, safety and community amenity. Delaying this decision may jeopardise the final restoration of sites across Scotland, which would be highly regrettable.” Cllr Laird concluded by urging the minister and the treasury to reach an early decision on the matter. The minister has been invited to Fife to see one of the sites concerned, so she can fully understand the urgency of the problem.