In 1966, a coal waste tip collapsed onto the Welsh village of Aberfan, killing 116 children and 28 adults - a tragedy that reshaped mining safety forever. This second episode on the Aberfan disaster explores what has changed since and how we can prevent mining waste disasters from happening again.

I examine the world-first safety regulations that emerged from the disaster, ask whether mining is still necessary in a decarbonizing world, and explore emerging innovations - from advanced sensing and monitoring technologies to “surgical mining” techniques designed to reduce or eliminate waste altogether.

Finally, we return to Aberfan today, honoring the resilience of the community, reflecting on the broader social, environmental, and ethical lessons this disaster continues to teach us.

Sources:

https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Geoscientist/Archive/October-2016/Aberfans-engineering-legacy

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/the-crown-aberfan-real-life/

https://www.history.com/news/elizabeth-ii-aberfan-mine-disaster-wales

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/983056.stm

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242193591_A_REVIEW_OF_CATASTROPHIC_FLOW_FAILURES_OF_DEPOSITS_OF_MINE_WASTE_AND_MUNICIPAL_REFUSE#pf3

http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/rescue/pits/Aberfan/Aberfan2.htm

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/aberfan-disaster-1966-survivor-wales-22422962

https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/769/16-mclean.pdf