The Longwave is expected to depart the Port of Tyne at midnight tonight. This marks a historic moment bringing an end to a long-standing mining heritage in the North East.
The history of coal goes back thousands of years – it’s thought to have been exported since the 13th Century.
The coal industry was extremely important during the 18th and 19th century Industrial Revolution.
Coal was used to heat buildings, generate electricity and power steam engines.
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In recent years further coal mines have shut and jobs cut globally.
Coal burning has also declined amongst rising concern that burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change.
Plans for the first deep coal mine in the UK for more than 30 years could also be scrapped by the council after a rethink.
