Residents hold protest over opencast mining proposals

People living in the upper Rhymney Valley are due to stage a protest today opposing plans for an opencast mine at Nant Llesg.

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Developers defend opencast mine plans

People living in the upper Rhymney Valley are staging a protest opposing plans for an opencast mine at Nant Llesg.

The plans for the mine have been put forward by developer, Miller Argent, which also operates the Ffos-y-Fran open cast mine in Merthyr.

Developers say the proposed scheme will bring 'huge benefits', including hundreds of new jobs. a multi-million pound community benefit fund, and much needed investment.

Similar concerns were raised by protestors when we started work on our Ffos-y-fran site, which have proven to be groundless. Extensive local consultation on our Nant Llesg scheme has been carried out and we have made substantial changes to address points raised . The scheme will bring huge benefits to the area, including hundreds of new jobs, a multi-million pound community benefit fund and much needed investment into the local economy. We will continue to work closely with the local community.

As part of our planning application, we have undertaken in depth studies into potential environmental, health, economic and social impacts, and are confident our scheme meets the stringent standards required by government organisations - such as Natural Resources Wales and the local Council . Nant Llesg is designed to bring as much benefit as possible and minimise potential impacts to neighbouring businesses and residents.

– Neil Brown, Managing Director at Miller Argent

Residents due to protest against opencast mining proposals

Some residents are concerned about the potential environmental impact of the proposals Credit: ITV News

People living in the upper Rhymney Valley are due to stage a protest today opposing plans for an opencast mine at Nant Llesg.

The plans for the mine have been put forward by developer, Miller Argent, which also operates the Ffos-y-Fran open cast mine in Merthyr.

Despite the developer saying it would create hundreds of jobs, campaigners are concerned about the environmental impact the mine would have. A decision by Caerphilly County Borough Council on the plans is expected to be made soon.

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