Welsh communities are being better protected from the threat of
disused coal tips, with over 3,000 inspections carried out so
far, and updated data published today (Friday 3 October).
In 2023, the Welsh Government published the location and category
of disused coal tips in Wales on a single central database.
Since then, the Welsh Government continues to work closely with
public partners to deliver an effective inspection and
maintenance regime across Wales.
With tips across Wales now regularly monitored to keep
communities safe, updates to the National Dataset are published
twice a year.
Disused coal tips are given categories, which consider many
different factors and reflect which sites may require more
frequent inspections and increased management.
Category R tips pose the lowest risk to public safety, while
Category C and D tips carry the potential to impact public safety
and are therefore inspected at least once or twice a year
respectively.
In today's update, 35 changes have been noted including newly
identified tip landforms and revisions, with the data presented
through an online map.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change,
, said:
"The regular updating of this national, publicly available data
demonstrates our unwavering commitment to coal tip safety across
Wales, and our absolute dedication to protecting people.
“I want to reassure people living near to where tips have moved
categories that this means they will receive increased monitoring
and management as Wales continues to lead the way in addressing
the challenge of coal tip safety, and ensuring our communities
are safe for generations to come.”
The UK Government recently agreed to provide record funding of
£118m over three years for coal tip safety. When combined with
the Welsh Government's investment, it means more than £220m has
been invested in coal tip safety to date.
The Deputy First Minister added:
“This record investment is making real safety improvements for
communities across Wales. Combining Welsh and UK Government
funding effectively helps us ensure communities are better
protected for the future.”
The Welsh Government has also delivered landmark legislation to
address the safety issues caused by Wales's mining past.
The Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act, which received
Royal Assent last month, will establish the Disused Tips
Authority for Wales in April 2027. This new public body will be
responsible for checking, recording, monitoring and managing
tips.
