Under new planning advice the Assembly Government said coal mines would have to be built 500m away from houses.
“Including a 500m buffer zone policy is a significant step towards our common goals – planning for a coal industry that works with local communities, that respects the environment and, for the immediate future, continues to contribute to a secure, diverse and sustainable supply of energy and of coke for the iron and steel industry," Environment Minister Jane Davidson told BBC News.
The ruling comes after the controversial Ffos-y-Fran open cut mine in Wales which was allowed to mine up to 40m from homes.
