Access to mining data will help emergency response, says Coal Authority

Releasing its new data and information plan earlier this week, the Coal Authority confirmed that it will now provide access to its data free of charge to public authorities to support projects and activities funded by the taxpayer.

The Coal Authority’s authoritative data includes underground mine workings that sit beneath approximately 25 per cent of properties in Great Britain. It is used to identify hazards, respond to incidents and emergencies, and to design systems that help prevent mine water from polluting drinking water, rivers and the sea. 

“We hold a unique and extensive collection of data and information that details Great Britain’s mining legacy and its impacts on the environment. We believe that wider and more innovative use of this data will transform how we and others succeed in making a better future for people and the environment in mining areas.”

Paul Frammingham, Chief Finance and Information Officer at the Coal Authority

Previously, emergency services would have had to pay for access to data to help them plan for and manage risk in their areas. The commitment to remove commercial data licensing fees for public sector organisations from April 2024 is a welcome move by the Coal Authority who last year became a Cat 2 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act.

The Coal Authority says it is working with the Geospatial Commission to look at how, by working together with partners, ‘It can help to find solutions to society’s biggest challenges including climate change, energy security, economic growth and national security.’

For more information on the Coal Authority’s use of data, read the Data and Information Plan 2024 – 2027.