PRESS RELEASE

Despite disproportionate policing at the 2010 camp, groups of activists persisted in their objectives to witness the destructive operations at Nant Helen open cast mine, owned by Celtic Energy.

The activists entered the coal hole at Nant Helen, where 450,000 tonnes of coal per year are dug out of a hole approximately 150m deep and 1.5 x 1 km wide. Celtic Energy have applied for planning permission for the mine to expand.

This coal is mostly destined for Aberthaw Power Station, to be burnt for electricity, which is one of the dirtiest and most carbon intensive industrial processes.

Activist Ffion Dafys said “ripping up mountains to dig holes hundreds of meters deep destroys the landscape and the local environment. The coal removed and burnt will generate millions of tonnes of CO2 over the next four years.

"Coal seams in Glyn Neath will continue to be exploited and extended by open cast mining corporations like Celtic Energy, causing environmental destruction until these operations cease. Observing from the bottom of the coal hole really brought home the enormity of the destruction."

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