Overview
Neath Port Talbot is home to a number of historic coal tips, man-made mounds of colliery spoil created during past mining activity which remain a visible part of our landscape and a focus for ongoing land safety management. The Council works with partners to understand the condition of these sites, prioritise those that may present a greater risk, and plan appropriate inspection, monitoring and maintenance activity, particularly following periods of severe weather. Our approach is guided by risk assessments and good practice, with the aim of protecting communities, infrastructure and the environment while supporting the safe long term stewardship of former industrial land. If you have concerns about a coal tip near your home, such as signs of slippage, new cracks, unusual water flow or blocked drainage, please report it to the Council (coaltips@npt.gov.uk) so it can be assessed and, where necessary, action taken.
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is responsible for working with the Welsh Government, the Mining Remediation Authority and other partners to ensure that disused coal tips in the county borough are regularly inspected, monitored and managed to keep communities safe.
Wales has a national programme for coal tip safety, supported by up to date legislation and a single public register of disused coal tips. Neath Port Talbot participates fully in this programme.
Coal tips in Neath Port Talbot
Neath Port Talbot has a number of historic coal tips, reflecting the area’s industrial and mining heritage. These tips vary in size, location, and ownership.
All known disused coal tips in Neath Port Talbot are:
- recorded on the national coal tip register
- categorised according to risk
- subject to a structured inspection regime
The Council does not maintain a separate local public register, as this information is held and updated nationally to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Why there is a single national register
Wales uses a centralised national coal tip register to:
- ensure information is consistent and kept up to date
- avoid duplication or conflicting data
- support effective inspection and funding decisions
- provide clear and reliable public information
This approach is required under the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025.
Inspections and monitoring
Coal tips in Neath Port Talbot are inspected as part of the Welsh Government coal tip safety programme, with inspections carried out by suitably qualified professionals.
Inspection activity includes:
- visual inspections of stability and drainage
- post severe weather inspections where necessary
- monitoring of higher risk sites
- maintenance and remedial works where required
Where coal tips are in private ownership, inspections and works are undertaken in line with national legislation and funding arrangements, with the Council playing a coordinating and oversight role.
What the Council is responsible for
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council:
- works with Welsh Government and national agencies to manage coal tip safety
- coordinates inspections and works within the borough
- responds to changes in risk levels
- manages council-owned coal tips
- takes action where a coal tip poses a potential risk to public safety
What to do if you are concerned
If you are worried about a coal tip near your home or notice something unusual (for example after heavy rainfall), you can:
- report concerns via the Welsh Government / Mining Remediation Authority reporting route
- contact the Council for advice and signposting
More information
- Number of disused coal tips in Wales (spring 2026) | GOV.WALES
- Tip categories | GOV.WALES
- Coal tip safety | GOV.WALES
- Find disused coal tips | GOV.WALES
- Frequently asked questions | GOV.WALES
- Multi-million pound safety works at Welsh coal tips announced at Afan Valley visit - NPT News
- Godre'r Graig landslide
