THE row about an illegal open-cast coalmine in Merthyr Tydfil intensified today as the Senedd’s climate change committee demanded urgent answers from the Welsh government.

Scrutiny committee chair Llyr Gruffydd wrote to Climate Change Minister Julie James demanding answers about the Ffos-y-Fran open-cast mine.

The company, Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd, has continued to mine without a licence which expired in September 2022.

Its application for more time was refused by Merthyr council on climate grounds in April and the company had until the end of July to stop all coal extraction.

The company has since appealed the council’s decision to the Welsh government.

The call for urgent answers followed a legal letter sent to the council and the Welsh government by the Good Law Project and Coal Action Network asking for a stop notice to be issued by August 1 2023 at the latest.

The scrutiny committee has asked if mining would continue while the appeal is considered, what measures the government could take to speed up the appeal process, how the minister would mitigate the environmental impact, and how the government would support the 180 staff when the mine closes.

It has also asked how the climate minister will ensure the company pays the £125 million cost of restoring the land when it has only set aside £15m.

A Welsh government spokesperson told the Star: “We are unable to comment at this stage, as to do so may jeopardise any future decision ministers may have to make on the matter.”

But Mr Gruffyd said: “The Welsh government is accountable to the Senedd, and this committee has a duty to ask questions of ministers on behalf of the people of Wales. 

“Ffos-y-Fran mine not only affects thousands of people in the local area but also our national carbon reduction targets as we play our part in tackling climate change,” Mr Gruffyd said. 

“I would urge the Welsh government to answer the questions asked by the committee as soon as possible.”

A company spokesperson said: “We can confirm that an appeal has been lodged with Welsh ministers.

“It would not be appropriate to comment further while the appeal process is ongoing.”