SCOTLAND'S coal industry has reached another major milestone as Hargreaves Surface Mining Limited (HSML) employed its 500th worker.

Achieved in less than 12 months, the employment of 500 workers marks the continued growth of the sector following a difficult period in which two operators went out of business.

HSML now manage seven sites across Scotland including St Ninian’s, Kelty. and Muir Dean at Crossgates.

Restoration is a key task for HSML with enough earth, stone and other material to fill more than 125 Olympic sized swimming pools being moved each week as they continue to rehabilitate the land at these sites.

As new sites are commenced and restoration progresses, even more jobs are likely to be created with HSML Managing Director Peter Gillatt saying this is a positive time for the industry, “Reaching 500 employees was a target we set ourselves as soon as we got involved in the coal industry in Scotland and to achieve this within 12 months is a great indication that there remains a substantial demand for coal, as well as our drive and determination to succeed. Our aim now is simple, to continue building on this success and to create more jobs, contribute to local economies and provide opportunities within our supply chain to secure and develop further employment.”