Coal Authority

Who we are

The Coal Authority exists to manage the legacy from Great Britain’s coal mining past. So much of our 3 nations’ history has been shaped by the natural minerals under our soil. None more than coal, which provided heat, steam and power for hundreds and hundreds of years.

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Coal was nationalised in 1947, which is why the UK government own the majority of underground workings and remaining coal reserves under England, Scotland and Wales, along with the responsibility for many of the associated challenges and hazards.

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As domestic mining has reduced, and humanity recognises the impacts of burning carbon on our climate, we are seeking alternative ways to maximise low carbon opportunities from closed and abandoned mines such as mine water heat networks.

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These can provide heat for homes and businesses, across communities whose identity was shaped by coal, while also supporting decarbonisation outcomes for communities who could now benefit from low carbon, social and economic benefits from the warm water in the historical mining assets.

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We work with partners, communities and customers to listen, learn and take practical action to support them to create safer, cleaner and greener communities.

We are a 24/7 emergency response organisation, with staff across Great Britain ready to respond and take action to keep people safe and provide peace of mind.

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Extensive coalfields exist across Great Britain and it is estimated that 25% of homes and businesses are located above former coal mines. The vast majority of people will never experience any problems from that, but for those who do we are here to provide support and expertise.

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The Coal Authority is a non-departmental public body and partner organisation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

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We’re responsible for:

• licensing coal mining in Britain

• managing the safety issues that have resulted from years of coal mining

• dealing with water pollution caused by historical coal mining

• making our data and information available so that informed decisions can be made