It is reported that UK Coal is to start mining operations on its Lodge House site near Heanor after protesters were evicted.

As per report, a million tonnes of coal will now be recovered from the site, enough to meet the energy needs of more than 400,000 homes or the power requirements of more than 100 hospitals for a year.

The start of the mining follows the eviction of anti coal demonstrators from derelict Prospect Farm ordered by Derby County Court.

Around 14 protestors have been arrested during the week long eviction. The old farm building has now been demolished.

The first seam will be extracted this autumn, with the coal to be transported to Ratcliffe on soar power station.

Mr Jon Lloyd CEO of UK Coal said that "It is time to move forward. We have got a job to do and we are going to do it."