Tango-Tiger

More than 40 Conservative MPs have signed a letter in support of Britain's first new coal mine in 30 years. offerSupporters say it will create hundreds of jobs and produce the necessary coal for UK steel. But the government's climate advisor said the mine was bad for the planet.

What is the case for mine?

The northwest of England is dominated by the massive Sellafield nuclear plant and West Cumbria Mining promises hundreds of well-paid jobs.Coal from mines can support UK iron production and British coal use will save the carbon emitted by shipping from Australia or North America.

Why do environmentalists object?

The United Kingdom, along with other countries, have agreed to significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The slotxo government's advisory committee on climate change is also concerned that allowing the mine to open will cause further problems.Steel companies have to stop burning coal by 2035 unless expensive technology is used to trap emissions and bury them underground.The committee pointed out that 85% of Cumbrian coal will be exported and every tonne of coal on the world market is likely to cut costs and drive emissions.In November, the UK is hosting a major climate summit and some members fear the mine's row will undermine the prime minister's leadership.

Does the UK steel industry need Cumbrian coal?

This is a contentious issue, and few in the industry are prepared to speak publicly.One person said sourcing Cumbrian coal would help his company save cash by making purchases more flexible. But he and other industry people I approached say there is a reliable supply of coal suitable in the world market and Cumbrian coal is not necessary for their business.They also think investors will want to spend their money on clean steel in the future.

What are coal alternatives to the steel industry?

Steel production is a problem for climate change, but companies are developing technologies such as electric arc furnaces, which melt recycled iron and hydrogen, which can be used to make steel for cars.Mine supporters say coal will be a necessity for steel after the 2035 Climate Committee deadline.But Europe's steel industry Eurofer said clean steel technology might be available at that time as long as the government supported research and development and blocked unfair competition from dirty steel imports.

What about work?

The company says the mine will create 500 jobs, but skeptics think it's exaggerated. Local unemployment is less than the national average. But the mine has support from MPs. Sen. Trudy Harrison, who is the Prime Minister's personal secretary. She won't be discussing mining.An independent report next month outlines opportunities for Cumbrian cleaning jobs in areas such as renewable energy, recycling and public transport. But these may seem uncertain compared to the hundreds of jobs in the mine.

Are other countries facing the same problem?

All nations agree that carbon emissions should be cut immediately. But countries with precious fossil fuel reserves do not want to give up these and the jobs they hold, although renewable energy technologies may create more jobs elsewhere.This applies to China and the US - where President Biden has not banned impersonation. The UK has been phasing out coal for its electricity generation since 2024, but ministers suggested there is still a case to produce coal suitable for steel.The issue is embarrassing for the UK as it has initiated a global "Powering Past Coal" alliance of countries that want to persuade others to turn coal jobs into cleaner sector jobs.

So what will happen now?

Cumbrian advisers will reconsider the mine's application in the coming weeks as evidence of climate change was unavailable the last time they considered.If they kill the project, the Prime Minister will breathe a sigh of relief because it is in his hands. If they give approval again, then community secretary Robert Jenric will decide again whether to rule over and over.Under planning law, he should make decisions without referring to his colleagues. But it's almost impossible that Boris Johnson, by his fame, has never found a way to point him in the right direction - no matter what he thinks.