What will it mean for the community?

The new mine will bring excellent employment opportunities for local people living within Whitehaven and the surrounding communities. In addition to direct employment at Woodhouse Colliery, local businesses can also benefit by becoming suppliers to the mine.

When fully operational, the mine will directly employ a workforce of around 500 people. Our aim has always been and remains that wherever possible WCM will recruit locally, with a target that at least 80 percent of roles will be filled by local people (i.e. living within 20 miles of the mine site). Employment opportunities will include an apprenticeship scheme for all ages including school leavers, skilled and semi-skilled surface and underground roles plus office-based clerical and managerial positions. In addition to this, WCM forecast that more than 1,500 indirect jobs will be created throughout the local supply chain.

Throughout the life of the mine we believe our employees will be rewarded through long-term employment, an excellent pay and benefits package and life-long training.

WCM has detailed plans to create a public open green space adjacent to the mine site, which will include a new footpath to connect High Road to the coastal path.  The area will be planted with local trees and shrubs to encourage biodiversity and will be maintained by WCM to ensure it remains usable and attractive for years to come.

Once into production, WCM will launch the WCM Sustainability Fund to support some of the many local organisations and good causes whose projects support our values and echo our desire to promote health and well-being to our employees and their families through various avenues.  For example, WCM is a keen supporter of the ‘Well Whitehaven’ initiative.

Our vision is that the mine will provide an opportunity for visitors to the area, including walkers, holidaymakers and climbers, to see a thriving community and a business supporting local initiatives.