The value of a great CON29M

Across vast parts of the UK, the deep legacy of coal mining lies just beneath our feet, often hidden, but still potentially hazardous. It’s a contemporary risk to UK property – stemming from centuries of extractive industrial activity.

The coal story: a legacy of industry

Coal mining in the UK has long been a vital part of the nation’s industrial and cultural identity, particularly in regional areas like the Midlands, South Wales, and the North East, where mining was once the backbone of local communities. By the 18th century, coal output had surged to fuel the growing demands of the Industrial Revolution, reaching 3 million tonnes by 1700, and peaking at 287 million tonnes in 1913. Today, the UK holds an estimated 3.8 billion tonnes of coal resources.^*

The risks coal mining poses today

For many people, one of the most obvious risks is that of mine entries, such as mine shafts and adits. The difference between the two is that mine shafts are deep, vertical holes in the ground to access a body of ore below ground. An adit is a horizontal, tunnel-like feature used mostly for the drainage of water from the mine, and in some cases for ventilation or access. The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) estimates that there are 150,000 abandoned coal shafts and 25,000km-sq of disused underground coal mine workings across the UK. This number is potentially higher when considering the vast number of such features that have gone unrecorded. 

What is a CON29M report?

• CON29M is a legal search form approved by the Law Society, it’s used during the conveyancing process 

• It provides comprehensive information about historical, current, and potential future coal mining activities, along with related risks such as ground subsidence or mine gas emissions 

• The report includes official data from the Mining Remediation Authority and covers details such as nearby mines entries, recorded workings and zones of influence 

• Historically, consumers and legal professionals would obtain the report directly from the MRA, however, in 2015, their data was licensed out – allowing for market variety, which gave consumers more options 

• Today, Groundsure carries out such reporting on a client’s behalf, whilst still benefiting from official MRA licenced data

• Groundsure offers a comprehensive and compliant CON29M coal mining report for homebuyers and professionals alike. 

A Mine Entry Interpretive Report (MEIR) – included as standard

The Groundsure CON29M is  designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s property professionals. Combining advanced technology with decades of mining expertise, it delivers fast, precise, and dependable results. Our updated residential CON29M fully addresses all 11 questions as outlined by the Law Society’s latest guidance, plus the integrated MEIR. This negates the need for additional reports, saving you valuable time and costs. Additionally, subsidence claims within 50m are included as standard, whilst in comparison, other providers may only include claims for the subject property and then recommend an additional report to look for claims within 50m.

The Groundsure CON29M means no hidden extras, no add-on fees, and no waiting around for supplementary reports.

Where mine entries are identified, your report will include:

• New MEIR, section (4a) will be added when the property is within 20m of a recorded mine entry;

• Included in the new section will be a map, risk statements and  next steps;

• Two-fold definitive risk statements: risk to the main building, risk to rest of property; 

• Detailed map shows the digitised boundaries of the main building and rest of property, plotted mine entry and its zone of influence;

• Identification of  not just the risk posed by mine entries outside of 20m, but where the zone of influence impacts the property;

• Utilises new Ordnance Survey data.

Client testimonial – don’t just take our word for it

“Over the past six months, I’ve been working closely with Groundsure on this project, following feedback we provided on their CON29M report. Previously, we had to purchase an additional mine entry interpretive report, costing over £170, which was ultimately a burden for our clients.”

James Gwilliams, Director at Talbots Law.

Insights from our trusted in-house experts 

In addition, you can rest easy knowing that our GIS and data teams process and QA our data weekly, this ensures compliance with strict data governance standards. Whilst you also benefit from direct access to our team of 13 in house mining consultants and geology experts for any follow up queries and advice you may have. Industry experts offering real support and genuine solutions. Our CON29M is built with the client in mind.

If you’re ready to embrace the next generation of coal mining searches, we’re here to support you. 

Discover how our new CON29M can enhance your property transactions – contact us on 01273 257755 or email us at: info@groundsure.com

^{*According to the Coal In Action Network}