66127 approaches Onllwyn washery in frosty conditions at the end of the 16 mile stretch of line from Swansea Burrows, with 21 HTA coal hoppers in tow brought up from Margam (4O32). The train will load with coal for the return journey to Immingham (6E09).
It’s also the end of the line in terms of coal trains. Permission was granted by Powys Council to enable Celtic Energy to continue mining at the Nant Helen open pit until December 2021. There are currently 1-2 trains running per week hauling coal to Immingham and Scunthorpe. Whilst dump trucks are still bringing in coal to the wash plant from the pit, I suspect it is stockpiled coal as I gather the accessible coal reserves have been mined out. The only other coal mining operation in South Wales still active is at Cwmbargoed near Merthyr Tydfil. It’s days of operation are also numbered with its closure scheduled in September.
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