Plans were drawn up, for 27 pits, 1 giant Steelworks and either modernising the docks at Richborough or building new docks north of Sandown Castle at Deal. Jim can fill in more details about those plans and more info can be found on
http://doverdc.co.uk/kentcoal/intro.asp
If all of these plans had come to fruition, how would that have changed our towns and villages, how would it have changed our communities and our history and today, how much more devastating would losing it all, have been?
Alex.
Follow the link below for more info on UCG, it also includes differences between it and fracking, quite a long read but very interesting and should answer all your questions.
Paul.
Talks are underway to restore some of the track but I don't have much info, at this time. I can say that EKR are very excited about restoring another Engine that was used in mining, you will have to visit them to get more info on that. View their History Page to see full track layout in Kent.
http://www.eastkentrailway.co.uk/