The firm said the construction phase would create hundreds of new jobs while the surface mine site could be tapped for geothermal energy to provide heating and cooling for the homes.

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More than 60% of all coal mined in the UK is produced by the Doncaster-based company at collieries or surface mine sites principally located in the west and east Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East.

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Enveloped in a smog of coal dust that softens the sunlight into a hazy glow is the An Tai Bao surface coal mine.

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The company has been in South Africa for about 10 years and is beginning surface infrastructure for the underground mine.

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Mine is a profession that might on the surface appear to suit the passive personality.

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Further alterations were later made, including changes to the mill's second waterwheel to drive a surface water pump and haul trucks from a neighbouring gypsum mine.

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They and one other miner later emerged safely from the mine and told officials that three others were also making their way to the surface.

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