Surface mining profits rose from 500,000 in 2006 to 8.5 million last year as the company brought its prices more into line with world prices.

Limited surface mining resumed in the late 2000s.

Surface mining began in 1945 and underground mining had ceased by 1954.

Surface mining lasted a little longer but by the mid-20th century, mining was no longer a major employment option in the region.

A number of permits for surface mining have been issued.