Posted by Peter H on October 21, 2007 at 15:56:36 from 86.130.126.71 user Peter_H.
In Reply to: Re: Prospecting posted by Jock on October 21, 2007 at 08:46:25:
the likelihood of such a hypothetical proposal receiving the appropriate permissions.
I agree, Jock. You and Laurence are right to focus on this aspect. The Lake District National Park Authority has stated (7 Feb 2006) that its policy is that no new mineral extraction or waste deposit should be approved in the National Park. Note that it says ‘new extraction’. It could be argued that copper pyrites extraction at Coniston is anything but new. It may be significant that the Honister Quarry (for Westmorland green slate) is still allowed to function. It is possible that a controlled mining operation in Copper Mines Valley would be approved. If it was not, the Government has power to intervene, as has recently happened in Wales (although there the Government wanted more control, not less). We won’t know till it happens, but Squashy Hats should not be deterred . . .
BTW, there is still much activity in the Coniston copper mines – of an archival and preservative nature – chiefly at Levers Water mine, which has been re-opened. Further details:
Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society