Limited exceptions to the ban may be required for safety or restoration purposes. An exemption is also anticipated to protect the historic rights of freeminers to mine personal gales in the Forest of Dean.
The government has laid a Written Ministerial Statement confirming that it will introduce legislation to restrict the future licensing of new coal mines, by amending the Coal Industry Act 1994, when Parliamentary time allows.
At the very bottom of the page:
Thanks. Makes sense.