V.

Economy

Although deep mining for coal has ceased, a number of small private mines still exist, and opencast mining also continues. The manufacture of steel and chemicals and oil-processing are the major industries, but vehicle-engineering, electrical products, metal fabrication, and a variety of other light industries are also of importance. Port Talbot, which is also a seaside resort and trade centre, is the site of one of the largest steel-producing complexes in Europe. Its dock facilities were opened in the 19th century, and the town rapidly developed as a coal-shipping centre. The port was enlarged in 1970 to allow the docking of large ore-carrying vessels.