Efforts to restore open cast mines in Scotland will be discussed today in light of the collapse of a major mining company.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing will lead the latest meeting in Cumnock, East Ayshire, one of the areas affected by the liquidation of Scottish Coal.
Speaking before the taskforce meeting, Mr Ewing said there have been significant developments on job preservation.
Of the 648 people made redundant, between 300 and 500 new jobs will be replaced, he said.
“This positive news is down to the hard work of the taskforce, the co-operation from those affected and the engagement with councils, with workers and with coal operators,” he said.
“Today’s taskforce meeting will focus on the issue of restoration, and its importance for both the environment and for job creation.”
A shortfall of up to £62 million has been found in the costs of restoring open cast mines in the local authority area, it emerged last month.
Just over £27.6 million is thought to be in place to pay for work estimated as high as £90 million, a report to the council stated.
The figures were provided by liquidators KPMG which estimated restoration costs between £48 million and £90 million.
Bond coverage in Scottish Coal totals £16.1 million, with a further £11.5 million in sites run by collapsed firm Aardvark.
At the upper end, the difference would amount to just over £62 million.
Urging caution with the calculations, the council report still warned of the potential for “significant shortfall” in restoration costs.
The taskforce includes councils from affected areas, the Coal Authority, relevant unions, Scottish and UK governments, politicians and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.