Opencast Coal Mining

Wimpey Mining was one of the United Kingdoms major Opencast Coal Mining Contractors with more than fifty years experience in the Opencast Coal mining Industry, this all ended when George Wimpey PLC sold Wimpey Mining to Miller Mining 1996, this short photo show covers four Opencast Coal Mining sites worked by Wimpey Mining in the Gwendraeth Valley West Wales and covering a period from 1978 to 1995

[@IanDavies-ht7md]

Just looked at these again Richard, brings back memories

[@aduffy1976]

Great photo's I always imagined it to be much wetter some how.
We inherited a lot of those machines up in Scotland (I work for Finning as well) remember the 5130 backhoe which was at Hall Of Auchencross and ended up in Morroco.

[@stephenhughes3754]

My family farm was just above the Rhyd -y-Maerdy site ..Remember sitting on the fields watching them work fantastic photos

[@MYRDDINAPGERAINT]

Another amazing set of pictures.

[@dmstoucan]

My Father worked on the open cast coal fields at Blackrod near Wigan in the 50s

[@TheSk8rsam]

Good to see pictures of Glyn Tai again having worked there during my sandwich year in 84/85

[@1Plantmechanic]

The face shovel being worked on was a Ruston 195B, it was having a reconditioned drive tumbler fitted and was fitted with a modified 14 cubic metre bucket for loading Cat 785B dump trucks.

[@BOMAGBANDIT]

I WORKED FOR WIMPEY FROM 1976 TO 1997 SOME ON COAL SITES BUT MOST ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.THEN TO THE END WITH MAXXIOM PLANT IN UPHALL GREAT TO SEE WIMPEY YELLOW AGAIN

[@1Plantmechanic]

All these mines have finished production, All Opencast Coal Mines have to be restored to agricultural land by law, the last site on the photo show called Ffoslas has been developed into an exultant hoarse racing course, all the Opencast Coal Mines on this photo show produced anthracite coal, there are only two Opencast Coal Mines working in Wales at this time.
Many thanks and best regards.

[@IanDavies-ht7md]

I used to pick Robert up in the morning gave him a lift to work

[@jasonv2500]

More great pics mate, are you still working on the plant, I currently work with Finning. Must've been heavy doing the tracks on the 285, although with the tracks being a combined pad-link, I'm guessing theyre easier to split?
I think those 5130s were the first in the country. There were a fair few up here in Scotland, however there are only two left in the UK, one working. Tarmac has one in Swinden quarry in the peak district, and one is parked near me with a broken slew ring

[@generationll]

Great shots of the Cat 245 front shovel.Halfway thru this the mining equipment got considerably bigger.Love the shot at 6:00.Is the shovel being worked on at 6:52 a 190/195?

[@rlewis1946]

Are these mines still being worked? Does the government of Wales require reclamation of this land? Finally, what kind of coal was/is mined in these open pits? Thanks for posting! Roy Lewis Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@x17aerialconsultancy51]

Where is this?

[@andrewtoyotarees1379]

Did Robert Jones from ysrsdgynlais work here.

[@Richlloydgreen]

Yes Robert work on these projects

[@IanDavies-ht7md]

I used to pick Robert up in the morning

[@IanDavies-ht7md]

Wonder where Robert is now

[@1Plantmechanic]

You have to be 18 years old to operate machines in the opcast coal mining industry.