The Coal Authority has been informed by RJB Mining (UK) Ltd., of their intended closure of Ellington Colliery, near Morpeth, Northumberland.

Ellington Colliery operates under a licence issued under Part II of the Coal Industry Act 1994 and a 99-year lease for the coal.

RJB Mining have stated that they intend to cease coal production at Ellington in February 2000, and have advised the Authority that they are willing to offer other prospective operators the opportunity to continue production at the mine before the preparation work for closure commences.

Meaningful enquiries from interested parties must be made before December 24, 1999, directly to: