Coal Controversies

Issue 3B

How has coal production impacted Welsh history, identity, and society?

Mining in Wales dates back to at least the Roman Empire, but the Industrial Revolution launched a particularly intense era for iron and coal. Engineering innovations allowed for deeper shafts and increased extraction, though the mechanisation did relatively little to make life better for those working in the mines. The UK government began shutting down collieries in the 1980s, against popular opinion within mining communities - creating tensions felt to this day.

Palaeontological Origins

As considered briefly in Session 1E, coal in Wales is the result of a long geological history. The lecture below by Dr Chris Cleal explains the climatological implications of coal’s natural creation.

Social Impacts

Coal mining in Wales was a double-edged sword for communities. On one hand, the industry created jobs and fostered a deep sense of pride. On the other, safety conditions led to numerous tragedies in addition to poor health outcomes for everyone involved. Watch the nuanced storytelling featuring schoolchildrens’ artwork about mining life in the video below, and then read more about the Aberfan Disaster that was featured on the popular television show The Crown.

The True Story of the Aberfan Disaster

Economic Pressures; Political Frictions

Why is coal mining such a central part of the Welsh devolution story? The coal miners’ union placed Welsh workers in solidarity with other communities across Great Britain...but as mines became less profitable, the Thatcher Administration’s economic policies disproportionately affected Wales. The resulting inequalities exacerbated tensions that already existed, encouraging Welsh communities to push harder for more localised control over future decision-making. Learn more about Thatcher’s policies, class conflict, and the transition away from coal through the resources below.

Depressed Wales Bearing Brunt of Thatcher's Policy

During the miners’ strike, Thatcher’s secret state was the real enemy within | Seumas MilneSeumas Milne: The Tory leader’s eagerness to brand not only miners’ leaders but the Labour party as enemies of democracy was a measure of her extremism and determination for class revenge

The End of Coal Mining in South Wales: Lessons learned from industrial transformationThe decline of coal mining in South Wales has important lessons for policy-makers and civil society grappling with the challenges of transition—what can be learned from this experience?

Educational Storytelling

How should controversial histories be remembered and shared? Decommissioned mines remain a safety and environmental hazard, and require maintenance. The government of Wales supports an innovative approach to managing a disused mine: turn it into an underground museum teaching about coal mining history. Find out more about how the National Museum tells Wales’ coal stories via the resources below.

Big Pit National Coal MuseumVisit us for free at Big Pit, a real coal mine with underground tours, miner guides and a warm welcome. Explore south Wales’ history of coal and industry, and enjoy our family activities and events.