ATH win Muir Dean development appeal

ATH Resources, one of the UK’s largest coal producers, have been successful in their appeal for permission to develop the company’s Muir Dean opencast coal project in Fife. The planning decision was made by the Scottish Executive following Fife Council’s initial refusal of the Group’s planning application.

The development, which will now commence in 2008, occupies a total area of about 181ha and will involve the working of approximately 2 million tonnes of coal at an extraction rate of 450,000 tonnes each year. The project will also create 118 new jobs in the local community.

Several independent environmental surveys have been commissioned by the company to describe the existing situation within the site and to identify and mitigate the potential sensitive environmental issues. ATH say they will work closely with leading experts to make sure that all necessary requirements are met to minimize the environmental impact on the site and to ensure that, post production, the site is improved to meet its full potential.

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Allchurch, chief executive officer of ATH Resources, said: ‘We are naturally delighted that the Scottish Executive has ruled in our favour, as we believe that the site will have many benefits for the local community. ATH have a proven track record in the successful operation and regeneration of coal sites and I am confident that Muir Dean will represent a huge success for the local community and environment.’

ATH Resources are currently the third largest producers of coal in the UK, producing approximately 1.7 million tonnes per annum. For the year ended 1 October 2006 the Group achieved a turnover of £54.1 million, up 38% compared with the previous year, and EBITDA of £19.2 million, up 68% on 2005. In September 2006 ATH received an environmental award from the Coal Authority in recognition of their exceptional environmental work.