Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has plans to support and encourage domestic production of coking coal for the British steel industry to reduce reliance on supplies from Russia.

Any proposals for new coal mining projects would be assessed in accordance with the current statutory requirements. To operate a coal mine an operator needs relevant rights and permissions, including planning permission, a licence from the Coal Authority and to notify the Health and Safety Executive; and for projects in Wales, approval of Welsh Government ministers.

There is at least one UK Coal Mine (Aberpergwm, Wales) producing coal suitable for use in the steel industry. A proposal for a new coking coal mine in Cumbria is currently seeking planning approval.