Peter Hetherington

Peter Hetherington is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) with nearly five decades of experience in mining engineering, specialising in electrical systems, safety management and technical leadership.

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He began his career as a student apprentice with the National Coal Board in 1971 and went on to hold senior engineering posts across UK Coal and RJB Mining, culminating in more than a decade as Head of Engineering at UK Coal, where he oversaw a multi-disciplinary team supporting fifteen deep mines.

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Since 2013, Peter has worked as an independent consultant, supporting major mine development projects in the UK and overseas, including feasibility studies, detailed design, regulatory compliance, and risk management. He is widely recognised for his contributions to engineering standards, competence development and the safe application of modern mining technologies.

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Key points to note include:

• Independent engineering consultant for UK and international mining projects, including feasibility studies, detailed project reports, and design of electrical and mechanical systems.

• Former Head of Engineering, UK Coal – responsible for equipment, systems and services across deep mine operations.

• Extensive expertise in underground mining systems: power distribution, coal clearance, hoisting, ventilation, methane drainage, pumping, communications, and transport.

• Actively contributed to industry qualifications and competence standards as a member of professional bodies and committees.

• Chairperson, UKCEF Mining Engineering Liaison; Member, Safe Man-riding in Mines Committee.

• Fellow of the IOM3, Honorary Treasurer and Trustee of the Midlands Institute of Mining Engineers, Fellow of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers.

• Past member of BSI, IECEx Forum and Euracoal committees, contributing to the development of European and international mining standards.

• Experienced in project management, asset management, safety auditing and the application of NEBOSH and risk assessment tools.

• Regular presenter at international mining conferences on topics including longwall design, safety, asset management and mine engineering innovations.