BFI

A demonstration of how open-cast mining is practiced in South Wales, where millions of tons of coal lie so close to the surface that it would be pointless to dig too deeply. Instead, the coal is scooped out of the ground by giant excavators and bulldozers.

As the film acknowledges, this method unavoidably damages the natural environment, but stresses that the surface rocks and soil (or 'overburden') will be replaced afterwards, leaving the area looking much as it did before digging began.

But, as a sop to the more cynical members of the audience, the commentary concludes that this is at least partly an emergency measure to get hold of large quantities of coal quickly in order to address a major shortage.

Michael Brooke

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