THE granting of planning permission for a new mine which will result in millions of tonnes of coal passing through a terminal has been welcomed by an MP.

Planning approval has been given to West Cumbria Mining’s Whitehaven scheme in Cumbria, which will see two million tonnes of coal transported through Redcar Bulk Terminal.

The new mine is expected to create about 500 direct jobs, many of which will be recruited from within 20 miles of the site, as well as more than 1,000 indirect roles through the supply chain.

Redcar MP Anna Turley said the mine would provide a great opportunity to further develop the industrial diversity of the North-East economy, creating much-needed highly skilled jobs.

Ms Turley said: “It is excellent news that West Cumbria Mining have been given the go-ahead for their mine and the contract with Redcar Bulk Terminal (RBT) is another big boost for Teesside.

“I was pleased to meet with the company and RBT to hear their big plans to bring the coal via Teesside, and was happy to support their planning application with Cumbria County Council.

“RBT has adapted brilliantly after the loss of the steelworks, securing new contracts and investing in staff and infrastructure. I know Garry and his team have put a lot of hard work into turning the business around and it is paying off with contracts like this.”

Last year, Sirius Minerals signed a materials handling agreement and a 30-year land lease with RBT,the facility’s biggest deal since the closure of SSI steelworks dealt a hammer blow to the area.

The deal will boost the traffic through the terminal which had been running below capacity since its biggest client, the SSI works, closed in 2015.