The Mining Remediation Authority protects communities and the environment in mining and former mining areas. It manages safety issues associated with mining, for example access to safe drinking water and ground stability. It licenses British coal mining and provides advice on land acquisition, planning and developments relating to mines and former mining sites. It was established by the Coal Industry Act 1994 as the “Coal Authority”. It changed its public branding to the Mining Remediation Authority in 2024 but for the purposes of its legal status it is still the Coal Authority. Its stated purposes are to keep people safe, provide peace of mind, protect and improve the environment, help people make informed decisions and create value for taxpayers.
