Coal Mining Risk Assessment
ESP undertakes coal mining risk assessments that identify mining-related hazards and support safe site development
A coal mining risk assessment is a desk based technical report identifying any specific coal mining risks that could impact a development project. In designated high-risk development areas, where historic coal mining activity has left a legacy of subsidence risks, mine shafts, and gas emissions, a CMRA is often a mandatory requirement for planning approval.
At Earth Science Partnership (ESP), we have over 30 years of experience conducting coal mining risk assessments, ranging from preliminary hazard appraisals— such as:
- Our ESP My Search Report
- Phase 1 Mining Risk Assessments
- Intrusive site investigations
- Mitigation solutions to reduce subsidence risk
What Is a Coal Mining Risk Assessment (CMRA)?
Recent Coal Mining Risk Assessment Projects
We have an excellent track record in discharging planning conditions and this is often achieved without the need for intrusive investigation. In particular, we have a strong understanding of errors inherent within Coal Authority records, which we have been able to demonstrate no risk, where the records suggest one exists:
- Our assessments are undertaken in general accordance with BS5930:1999 Code of practice for site investigations, BS EN 1997-1:2004 & BS EN 1997-2:2007 Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design and CIRIA SP32.
- Should coal mine workings be suspected or proved, exploration and/or treatment for small and large developments need not be onerous. We have successfully and efficiently helped many schemes through to development.
- ESP are very experienced in the assessment of sites across the UK from individual houses to regional scale developments.
Case Study 1: Coal Mining Risk Assessment & Analysis in Dordon, Warwickshire, UK
- Overview: Our Client had applied for planning permission for a residential development. The Local Planning Authority granted planning but included a planning condition requiring a Coal Mining Risk Assessment by suitably qualified persons.
- Assessment: We reviewed an intrusive investigation undertaken previously and completed a desk-based Coal Mining Risk Assessment per the Coal Authority guidance which identified unrecorded shallow workings within the Seven Feet coal seam at less than 10m depth beneath the west of the site, and the same seam to be present at very shallow depth (within 3m of the surface) beneath the east of the site.
- Action: We provided a risk management strategy for the development with options for mitigation of subsidence risks and risks from possible combustion of the very shallow coal.
Case Study 2: Identifying Unrecorded Shallow Coal Mining Risks In Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Overview: Coal Authority information stated “no probable unrecorded shallow workings” were present.
- Assessment: Our desk-based and intrusive coal mining risk assessment confirmed the presence of unrecorded shallow coal mining features including probable bell pits on a leisure development site in Pembrokeshire. Our preliminary Conceptual Ground Model has enabled design discussion/alteration in advance of planning.
- Findings: Our initial investigation confirmed the likely presence of unrecorded historic mining features that pose settlement, subsidence and ground gas risks.
We can help you overcome planning objections based on coal mining risk and satisfy the requirements for Coal Mining Risk Assessment. Our qualified staff are experienced at providing Coal Mining Risk Assessments within the coalfields of England, Wales and Scotland for various residential, commercial and industrial sites, for example this site in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire and this site near Swansea.
A Preliminary Hazard Appraisal can be obtained using the ESP MySite report here: ESP MySite Report
Our comprehensive Coal Mining Risk Assessments comprise a phase 1 desk study (geological and historical data, Coal Authority records, and local/regional records), site walkover and reporting.
Please get in touch to discuss how we can help overcome specific challenges. You can also learn more about our services by watching our video here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Stages of a Coal Mining Risk Assessment?
Typically there are four stages involved with a CMRA:
Stage 1: Understanding The Site
- ESP complete an initial site assessment to establish the practicalities and costs of a site investigation.
- Depending on the assessment results we will advise whether a desk based or intrusive investigation is needed.
Stage 2: Desk Based Study
- If a desk-based study is undertaken we examine potential sources of ground gas on site or locally.
- We will also collect regulatory information from the Coal Authority including abandonment plans.
Stage 3: Intrusive Investigation
- If the desk study concludes that there are site risks then intrusive site investigation will be completed.
- Liasing with the Coal Authority we will obtain permission to borehole into coal seams which are property of the Coal Authority.
- This permit enables us to complete borehole investigations and identify shallow coal seams or historic coal mine workings sub-surface.
Stage 4: Follow-up Consultation & Report Out
- Following the extensive investigation involving a desk study and intrustive examinations of the site we provide you with a risk report and commercial advice allowing you to fully understand the risks involved with the site.
- If borehole investigations discover coal seams, stabilisation works, using concrete injection, may be applicable to stabilise the ground.
Why is a Coal Mining Risk Assessment Important?
A CMRA is essential for developments in Coal Authority designated high-risk Areas, which cover approximately 15% of the UK coalfields. Without a valid CMRA, planning applications may be refused, delayed, or restricted.
Common coal mining hazards include:
- Geological formations (e.g, fissures and fault lines)
- Mine entry points and their zones of influence
- Surface related hazards and instability
- Outcrops of workable coal seams
- Historic and potential shallow coal mining operations
- Mine gas emissions
- Opencast (surface) mining activity
The historical legacy of coal mining in the UK and the impact it can have on development proposals is relatively well understood. However, the quality of the assessments can vary. The potential impact from other forms of mining is less well appreciated.
What is the Role of The Coal Authority in a CMRA
The Coal Authority is a statutory consultee on planning applications for developments within the defined coal mining areas. This is due to their specific responsibilities to manage the coal mining legacy.
The Coal Authority has provided all 179 coalfield Local Planning Authorities in England, Scotland and Wales specific areas of concern.
Specific development high risk areas across the UK including Wales, England and Scotland – areas where the potential land instability and other safety risks associated with former coal mining activities are likely to be greatest.
They include areas of:
- Known or suspected shallow coal mining.
- Recorded mine entries.
- Areas of former surface mining.
It should be appreciated that there was no statutory requirement to maintain colliery records until the 1870’s so, particularly in the older coalfields such as West Wales, records are poor.
Development High-Risk Areas cover approximately 15% of the defined UK coalfields.
How Much Does a CMRA Cost?
A basic desk-based CMRA starts from £500–£1,500, while a more detailed investigation (including boreholes, site surveys, or stabilisation work) can exceed £5,000, depending on the complexity of the works required.
The cost of a CMRA varies depending on factors like:
- Site location (high risk versus low-risk area)
- Size & complexity of the site
- Extent of historical coal mining activity
- Type of investigation required (desk-based study versus intrusive investigation)
How Long Does a CMRA Take?
A desk-based CMRA usually takes 5–10 working days.
While a intrusive site investigation can take multiple weeks, depending on permits, Coal Authority approvals, and site conditions.
If your development site needs ground investigation or mitigation, additional time may be needed for borehole drilling, gas monitoring, and stabilisation work.
What Happens if Coal Mining Risks are Found?
If coal mining risks are identified during a CMRA, further action may be required, such as:
- Additional site investigations (e.g. borehole drilling to assess mine shaft depth)
- Ground gas monitoring (to detect hazardous mine gases)
- Stabilisation measures (e.g. grouting or concrete injection to prevent subsidence)
- Revised development plans (if certain areas are unsuitable for construction)
Your Local Planning Authority (LPA) and the Coal Authority may impose planning conditions requiring risk mitigation before development can proceed.
A well-prepared CMRA ensures these risks are identified early, reducing costly delays.
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Earth Science Partnership is a leading expert in coal mining risk assessments across Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have decades of combined experience in our team of industry-recognised experts.
Our work, for homeowners, land owners, developers, and investors is completed in compliance with the latest, relevant industry best practices and guidance. We understand that every project is unique, so we deliver our services tailored to your needs.
If you’re looking to complete a coal mining risk assessment, the ESP team can support you with a straightforward, cost-effective solution for your planning permission application.
Author
I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad.
I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards.
My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations. For example investigations for new developments and many bespoke studies including:
- Assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks.
- Impact of abandoned mine workings.
- Remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public.