One of the UK’s last remaining coal mines is to shut with the loss of up to 650 jobs.

Britain’s biggest coal producer moved a step closer to securing its future today but warned one of its largest mines remains under threat.

UK Coal posted its first profit in four years today after higher production and coal prices sparked a turnaround at its collieries.

The UK’s biggest coal mining firm warned of further production delays today after a “difficult” final quarter of 2009.

The recovery of the UK’s biggest coal producer was dealt a blow today after it revealed it would make a loss in the current financial year.