FORMER miners are finally back to work as the industry hit a major milestone with 500 workers back in employment.

Hargreaves Surface Mining Limited (HSML) has reached its target across Scotland, 200 of which are in East Ayrshire and a further 62 at Glenmuckloch in Dumfries and Galloway.

Achieved in less than 12 months, the employment of more than 250 workers in East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway marks the continued growth of the sector following a difficult period in which both Scottish Coal and ATH went bust HSML now manage Duncanziemere, Netherton and House of Water in East Ayrshire and Glenmuckloch in Dumfries and Galloway.

The company say that restoration is a key task. They say the move enough earth, stone and other material to fill more than 125 Olympic sized swimming pools each week in order to repair sites.

Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing MSP, who recently saw restoration in action during a visit to Glenmuckloch Surface Mine, has welcomed the news, saying: “I met with Hargreaves this time last year when the coal industry and a number of local communities where having to deal with considerable uncertainty and disappointment following the collapse of Scottish Coal and ATH Resources.

“At that meeting Hargreaves Surface Mining said that securing and creating jobs was a top priority in re-establishing the industry in Scotland and they haven’t disappointed and delivered on their promise, for which they deserve considerable praise.” As new sites are commenced and restoration progresses, even more jobs are likely to be created.

HSML Managing Director, Peter Gillatt, said: “Reaching 500 employees was a target we set ourselves as soon as we got involved in the coal industry in Scotland and to achieve this within 12 months is a great indication that there remains a substantial demand for coal, as well as our drive and determination to succeed.

“Our aim now is simple, to continue building on this success and to create more jobs, contribute to local economies and provide opportunities within our supply chain to secure and develop further employment.”