UK Coal announced earlier in the month that it would be shutting the mine at some point this year because of a ferocious fire which shows no signs of receding, putting 650 employees out of work.

There is the possibility of about 100 employees being transferred to the company’s other mines but, according to UK Coal chief executive Kevin McCullough, the fire puts the future of the entire company in jeopardy.

Hayes held meetings with UK Coal and union officials last week which he said were “very positive”

Union officials also described the meeting as "constructive" and said the minister had promised to visit the colliery, the BBC reported.

When UK Coal announced the closure on March 7, Hayes released a statement confirming his support.

“Our priority during this unsettling time for employees is to ensure that everyone is given our full support,” it said.

“Job Centre Plus, the Skills Funding Agency, BIS West Midlands and local skills bodies are ready to offer their considerable expertise if needed.

“I know there is an opportunity for some workers to be redeployed at UK Coal’s other deep mines at Thoresby and Kellingley.”

The future of the company as a whole remains unclear as talks continue.

UK Coal, dogged by loans and losses, avoided an imminent debt default and the closure of operations after completing a major debt restructuring with shareholders in December.

UK Coal produces about 5% of the electricity generated in Britain and its Daw Mill colliery had capacity of about 1.6 million tonnes a year.

About 56Mt of coal is estimated to remain underground there.