Asfordby Colliery,[Super Pit] ,Melton Mowbray,Leicestershire - 1991 to 1997.

Subscribe to my you tube channel for 300+ more coal mine tributes and counting. Asfordby Colliery, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, was a short-lived "super pit" developed by British Coal in the 1980s and 90s, aimed at tapping the Vale of Belvoir coalfield. Despite an investment exceeding £300 million, the mine closed in 1997 due to severe geological issues—specifically volcanic sills—and unfavorable financial conditions following privatization. Background and Construction Location: The colliery was located near Asfordby Hill, west of Melton Mowbray. Development: Sinking of the two shafts (upcast and downcast) began in August 1985 after the miners' strike, using modern, high-tech methods.The "Super Pit": It was designed to be one of the most advanced, efficient mines in the UK, often referred to as a "super pit" by the coal board. Operation and Challenges Production: The first coal was produced in 1991, with the first long-wall face beginning full production in July 1995.Operational Period: While the project was conceived earlier, production only lasted roughly two years (April 1995 – August 1997). Production Volume: Total production was only 1.5 million tonnes, significantly lower than the intended capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum.Employment: At its peak, the mine employed around 490 people.Geological Issues: The site was plagued by severe geological problems, including volcanic sills situated above the coal seam, which created "bad ground," water seepage, and low oxygen levels.Closure: The mine was closed in 1997 after only a few years of full production due to high costs, technical failures, and the collapse of the coal industry.Post-Closure and LegacyDemolition: The two iconic winding towers were demolished in 1998. Re-use: Part of the site was converted into a test centre for trains in 2007, connected to the 14-mile Old Dalby test track.Industrial Site: The area was largely redeveloped into a business park.