New mine opens on museum site in the Forest of Dean
A new coal mine has opened in the Forest of Dean as part of efforts to attract young people into the industry.
The mine is located on the Old Hopewell Colliery site, making it the fourth in operation in the district. Chairman of the Freeminers Association, Richard Daniels, said: "There's a whole generation who didn't get a chance and that's what we're trying to change." The organisation has applied for Heritage Lottery Funding to help train people for the industry. The new site is also where the Hopewell Colliery museum is located and the organisation said there is still plenty of coal to be exploited. Apart from coal, there are other sites in the Forest which contain deposits of stone, ochre and iron ore. Freeminer is the ancient title given to a Forest of Dean miner who has earned the right to work personal plots. To qualify, freeminers have to have been born in an area known as the Hundred of St Briavels and to have worked underground for more than a year and a day. "Traditionally you had to make a start for yourself but over the years that has waned somewhat. If we can get enough people to carry on the right, that's what we're aiming to do," added Mr Daniels. Several hundred Forest of Dean men used to work in small mining operations although in recent times their numbers have declined.