Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025: A Game-Changer for Safety and Stability

In a significant move to enhance public safety and environmental stability, the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025 was enacted following storms in 2020 that highlighted the potential risks of landslides from disused coal tips. With over 2,500 such tips in Wales, predominantly in the South Wales valleys, the Act targets these sites to prevent incidents like the Tylorstown landslide, which saw 60,000 tonnes of debris cascade into the Rhondda Fach River.

Key Provisions and Objectives:

1. Establishment of a New Authority: The Act creates the Disused Tips Authority for Wales, tasked with assessing, registering, monitoring, and managing disused tips. This body aims to ensure these sites do not threaten human welfare due to their instability.

2. Financial Support and Safety Measures: The Welsh Government has allocated £102 million for local authorities to maintain and remediate these tips. This investment underscores a commitment to long-term stability and community safety.

3. Comprehensive Monitoring and Response: The Authority is empowered to conduct inspections and monitoring activities, categorize tips based on risk levels, and require landowners to undertake stabilizing operations. In cases where owners cannot comply, the Authority can step in to execute necessary works.

4. Public Access and Transparency: An electronic register of disused tips will be maintained, accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and community engagement in safety efforts.

5. Regulatory Framework and Guidance: The Act disapplies parts of the outdated Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969, replacing it with a robust framework tailored to current needs. The Law Commission's recommendations, including the establishment of a single supervisory body and a comprehensive tips register, have been incorporated.

Implications for Wales:

The Act is a proactive step towards minimizing the risk of landslides and other hazards associated with disused mine and quarry tips. By establishing a dedicated authority and providing substantial funding, Wales is leading the way in tip safety management. This legislation not only addresses public safety concerns but also aligns with broader environmental and community resilience goals.

Future Outlook:

As the Act rolls out, the focus will be on effective implementation and continuous assessment of the tips' conditions. The Welsh Government's commitment to consultation and cooperation with local authorities and stakeholders will be crucial in adapting strategies to evolving challenges. With these measures, Wales is setting a precedent for how to manage the legacy of its industrial past while safeguarding its future.