Ending new coal mining
Published 4 November 2026
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Factsheet relating to the Energy Independence Bill.
Summary
Ending new coal mining
This measure implements the manifesto commitment to end new coal mining licences in Great Britain.
Renaming the Coal Authority to the Mining Remediation Authority
This measure will align the business and legal names of the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA).
Why are we legislating?
Ending new coal mining
Our manifesto was clear on our intention to not grant new coal licences. The move away from coal is part of a broader global trend in the decline of coal, which is essential as coal power remains the largest single source of carbon emissions globally. We want to end coal licensing to support the transition to clean power to create a new generation of good clean energy jobs and show global leadership on climate action, based on our domestic achievement to phase out coal from electricity generation.
The duty conferred on the MRA by Parliament is to develop the coal mining industry and only the removal or amendment of this duty through legislation will prevent the MRA from potentially having to approve new coal extraction proposals.
Renaming the Coal Authority to the Mining Remediation Authority
The legislative name change supports the movement away from coal licensing and better reflects the organisations work to manage the public safety and environmental legacy from historic coal mining.
What are the government’s objectives with this measure?
Ending new coal mining
The measure supports the overarching Energy Independence Bill objective to deliver homegrown clean energy we control by restricting new coal extraction.
Renaming the Coal Authority to the Mining Remediation Authority
The update to its 30+ year old name better reflects the Authority’s current 24/7 role to manage the effects of historical coal mining in England, Scotland and Wales and its work to seek low-carbon opportunities from the mining heritage for the future.
How will this measure deliver these objectives?
Ending new coal mining
The science is clear: coal power remains the largest source of energy related CO2 emissions globally and needs to be phased out first and fastest to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The global phase out of coal power is well underway but must be accelerated and this measure supports that.
Renaming the Coal Authority to the Mining Remediation Authority
The Coal Authority adopted the business name ‘Mining Remediation Authority’ in 2024. This measure will better reflect the Authority’s 24/7 role to manage the effects of historical coal mining in England, Scotland and Wales and its work to seek low-carbon opportunities from the mining heritage for the future.