Closure of Ellington Colliery

RJB Mining PLC
1 November 1999


                                                             1 November 1999
                                      
                               RJB Mining PLC
                                      
                        Closure of Ellington Colliery

RJB Mining PLC announces the closure of Ellington Colliery in February due
to deteriorating geological conditions at the mine.  The colliery, near
Morpeth, Northumberland, will cease development work with immediate effect
and will end production in full next year.

Ellington currently employs 400 people and where possible alternative
employment will be offered at the Selby Coalfield in North Yorkshire.

  
Enquiries:

Gavin Anderson & Co
Financial           Gerald Gradwell/Fiona Grant Duff             0171 457 2345

RJB Mining PLC
Operational         Stuart Oliver                                  0374 231178