Kier Mining has scooped a Gold award at this year's Scottish Green Apple Awards.

It was awarded the prize in the category of 'Green Practices', for its work regarding the Greenburn surface coal mine in New Cumnock, Ayrshire.

In their decision, the judges were said to be impressed by the firm's sustainable water supply work during the construction of a bentonite slurry wall located adjacent to the mine. The wall was constructed to ensure the stability of the mining excavation walls and the river; this was due to the location of the site which is near the head of the River Nith. The river contains sensitive salmonid spawning beds.

Through a series of sustainable design changes, the bentonite wall had a reduced width of 40%, therefore reducing the quantities of bentonite and water needed for construction. As Kier also used recycled rain water for the project, some five million litres of potable water were saved.

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A second project by the group was also recognised on the night. A Bronze award was given to its scheme to permanently divert a 500m length of the River Nith near the coal mine. In relation to this, Kier was able to successfully diverted the river flow and allow access to significant mineral resources to extend the existing mine. The preservation and enhancement of the natural environment was retained.

As a result of the project, access has been created to an additional 1.2 million tonnes of coal.

Commenting on the awards, Mark Harrington, Kier Mining director, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised by the award of two Scottish Green Apples, reflecting our team's continued environmental works in and around the Greenburn surface mine, and we are particularly proud to have won Gold.

"During these two projects, we have not only enhanced the productivity of the mine, but paid close attention to the sustainability and biodiversity opportunities that these works have afforded us."

Kier Mining's two projects have now been entered into the UK Green Apple Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the House of Commons in November.

(JP/IT)