Thorne Colliery ceased coal production in 1956 to permit major shaft repair work to take place. Following the completion of these works the colliery remained open on a care and maintenance basis but coal production never restarted. During the 1980’s a major reconstruction scheme was started which saw the demolition of the old surface buildings and the erection of new head gear, winder houses and associated colliery buildings. A new pit bottom circuit was driven that could provide future access to the High Hazel and Barnsley Seams. The "new mine" project was put on hold in 1992 as a result of HM Government’s review of the coal mining industry and its pending privatisation.

The Thorne Colliery Project has been maintained in this "mothballed" state since 1992. It was acquired by UK Coal Mining Ltd as part of the privatisation package of English mines. The colliery remains under care and maintenance management.

Following a review of the company’s future deep mining strategy UK Coal has informed the Coal Authority of its intention to suspend its care and maintenance management and to abandon the Thorne Colliery Project.

Thorne Colliery has the benefit of a licence issued under Part II of the Coal Industry Act 1994 and a 99 year lease of the coal. Freehold surface land and colliery plant and equipment are owned by UK Coal.

UK Coal has stated that it intends to abandon the Thorne Colliery Project in October 2002 and in conjunction with the Authority is seeking expressions of interest from prospective operators of sufficient financial standing to secure the physical integrity of the existing mine and to invest in its renewed development as an active mine.