Scotland mining industry fears hike in coal transportation costs

Date: 24/5/2013

A potential hike in the cost of transporting coal to England threatens the future of Scotland's mining industry, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has warned.

With the (ORR) Office of Rail Regulation currently consulting on proposals to increase charges for coal freight on a per-kilometre-travelled basis, the Minister said that the increased expense would disproportionately affect the Scottish coal sector.

Indeed, with mining companies relying on trade with key locations in the south of England, the fear is that the increasing cost of freight could kill Scotland's coal industry.

"By far the biggest threat facing the future of the opencast coal industry in Scotland is the proposed increase in track access charges for coal freight," Mr Ewing said.

"The ORR proposal is of grave concern due to the distance travelled element of the charge."

The Minister added that the ORR needs to properly consider the needs of the Scottish coal sector before overhauling transport fees.

Posted by Sarah Bailey  

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