The site, located in the Vale of Neath, was originally part of the Cwmgwrach Colliery, which opened in 1898 under Empire Collieries Ltd and produced anthracite, steam, and manufacturing coals. Mining activity in the area dates back even further to 1814, when Edward Protheroe first worked the Cwmgwrach levels. A disused sandstone quarry nearby has also caused confusion in recent years, having been mistakenly identified as a spoil tip, raising questions about its safety classification.
Contractors working on behalf of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will begin reinforcing the site’s drainage infrastructure using blockstone and rock rolls. The operation is expected to run until October 2025, with access via Heol-y-Graig road and no road closures planned. Heavy Goods Vehicles will operate between 8am and 6pm on weekdays, with limited weekend activity.
The site is part of the Welsh Government’s coal tip safety programme, which includes regular inspections and reclassification of high-risk tips. One nearby tip, T67079, has recently been upgraded from category B to D, reflecting increased safety concerns. The programme also includes community engagement efforts, such as drop-in sessions and online events to address local concerns—particularly those raised about the proximity of the tip to a nearby primary school.
David Garth, Projects and Programme Consultant, Natural Resources Wales, said:
“We are committed to improving safety at the disused coal tip in Cwmgwrach and reducing the risk of colliery tip movement in the area. This important work will reinforce the existing drainage infrastructure.”
“We appreciate residents’ patience while this work is carried out and will do everything we can to limit the disruption caused.”
The improvements come amid a wider national focus on coal tip safety, following incidents elsewhere in Wales and the introduction of new legislation aimed at managing disused mine and quarry tips more effectively.
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