UK Coal Authority

Coal Mining Records, Data, Deeds and Documents - Access Guidance

The Mining Remediation Authority (formerly Coal Authority) provides guidance on accessing historical UK coal mining records. The interactive map viewer allows free viewing of selected coal mining information online. The Mining Heritage Centre in Mansfield holds over 120,000 coal abandonment plans dating to the 17th century and 47,000 British Coal photographs. Records available include coal abandonment plans, the coal holdings register for title investigations, the licence register for current mining licences, and property deeds from the National Coal Board and British Coal Corporation.

Mining Remediation Authority Permit Step-by-Step Application Guide

The Mining Remediation Authority published its permit application guide covering the process from application receipt through permit closure following completion of permitted works. The document was last updated 6 October 2025 to reflect a revised online portal address. Recent amendments include updates to indemnity caps (capped at £10 million), insurance sufficiency requirements, processing turnaround times (20 working days standard, 10 days expedited), and inclusion of Incidental Coal Agreement requirements.

Free Coal Mining Data for England, Scotland, Wales

The Mining Remediation Authority updated its guidance on accessing free coal mining data for England, Scotland, and Wales held in the national coal mining database. The guidance describes map viewer and web mapping services available at no charge for property owners, planners, and developers to check coal mining risk areas, mine entries, and development constraints.

Planning Advice Service for Developing on the Coalfield - Development High Risk Area

The Mining Remediation Authority (trading name of the Coal Authority) updated its planning advice service for developers considering proposals within the Development High Risk Area of former coalfields. The service name changed to 'planning advice service for developing on the coalfield' and the contact email was updated to planningadvice@miningremediation.gov.uk. The service helps ensure that risks from historical coal mining legacy are considered throughout the planning, design and implementation of projects.

Guidance on Obtaining Permits for Coal Mine Work Updated

The UK Coal Authority and Mining Remediation Authority updated guidance on obtaining permits to enter, disturb or change coal mines or coal under private property. The guidance covers permit requirements for capping, filling, drilling boreholes through coal seams, and building near mine entrances. Applications must include supporting documentation per work type checklists, agree to terms and conditions, and pay the applicable fee before processing.