First Minister seals Disused Mine and Quarry Tips Bill
The legislation will aim to 'ensure the long-term effective management of disused tips and reduce the threat to public safety' according to the Welsh Government.
Last updated 11th Sep 2025
The Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill was officially sealed by First Minister Eluned Morgan at a ceremony in Blaenavon’s Big Pit today (Thursday, September 11).
In July 2025, the Senedd passed the Welsh Government’s Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill.
The legislation will aim to 'ensure the long-term effective management of disused tips and reduce the threat to public safety' according to the Welsh Government.
It follows a coal tip landslide at Cwmtillery tip in Blaenau Gwent in 2024 where over 40 homes were evacuated.
“This investment brings economic growth and employment opportunities to some of the most deprived areas of Wales"
First Minister Eluned Morgan said:
“We're spending millions of pounds on coal tip safety to support our communities living in the shadows of our mining past.
“We've changed the law, and we are going even further by setting up a new organisation to carry on this important safety work for generations to come.
“This investment brings economic growth and employment opportunities to some of the most deprived areas of Wales, bringing land back into use and encouraging investment in new technologies.
“I look forward to working with the UK Government to maintain momentum in this important area and continue to deliver prosperity for the people of Wales.”
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies added:
“Our changing climate, industrial past and landscape mean we must act to keep Welsh communities safe from disused coal tips.
“We are already monitoring and inspecting tips, sharing information, and working with partners to protect communities.
“The recent £118m additional funding for coal tips safety from the UK Government really recognises the shared responsibility to address the legacy of coal mining in Wales, building on the work we in the Welsh Government are doing.
“Combining Welsh and UK Government resources effectively, helps us ensure communities are protected from this pre-devolution legacy.”
The new legislation will establish a new public body:
The new legislation will establish a new public body – the Disused Tips Authority for Wales - that has functions in relation to the assessment, registration, monitoring and management of disused tips.
The new Authority will be established in April 2027.
This will be an expert body with a 'focus on ensuring Welsh communities living in the shadows of disused coal tips are safe'.
In the interim, the Welsh Government’s coal tip safety programme of work is said to carry on.