Margam Super Pit

[D107]

Apologies if this has been posted before, but the latest news surrounding the replacement of the Corus brand by that of Tata Steel also coincides with the announcement that the Margam Super Pit is once again on the agenda. The concept of the Margam Pit has been around since the 1970's but this is the latest incarnation where Port Talbot steelworks will in effect have its own mine in the back yard!

The article (see link) gives the full story but in essence, the pit's proposed output will service one half of PT's coal requirement. Economics play a big part of course and it still might prove cheaper to import the coal rather than open a new mine! Link is here...http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11410090

 

[anthony263]

If it does happen I think it will help boost the area around Port Talbot.

Speaking of Margam, I have noticed that although the freight yard is normally very busy this week it seems to be busier than normal.

Finally could this mean some regular freight traffic along the Margam - Tondu branch?

 

[The Planner]

I hope not, its knackered, slow, and takes an age to path anything....

 

[Greenback]

I hope I'm wrong, but I can't see Tata fronting up the money required.

 

[merlodlliw]

Down here one pit spoil heap is being shifted over ten years or so, this was the last pit in Wrexham, strangely CADW tried to get it listed & some Wrexham Councillors also tried to save it, WAG officials used common sense over this issue and overulled those who wanted to keep it, I understand the railway sidings will be built(when) to keep millions of tons of shale transported, by other means than just HGVs. Work as commenced to prepare the site. stories here.

http://glensidegroup.org/BERSHAM.html

and here
http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nwnews.htm scroll down for Bersham