The UK Government has approved plans to develop a new coal mine in Cumbria.

West Cumbria Mining welcomed the decision of the Secretary of State to formally approve the Woodhouse Colliery planning application.

In a statement the company said: "The decision of the Secretary of State, which is supported by the Planning Inspector following on from last year's planning inquiry, means the project can now move forwards to deliver the world’s first net zero mine supplying the critical steel industry with a high-quality metallurgical coal product.

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"We look forward to taking the project to the next stage of delivery and jobs creation and thank all of those in West Cumbria and across Britain who have supported the project throughout."