But it is unclear whether doing this will be allowed on the nature reserve of Spurn Point.

BBC: Natural invasion causes health problems

Spurn Point was once an important military base during the two world wars.

BBC: Spurn Point 'not disappearing'

As environmentalists point out, rich countries that spurn coal-fired power while exporting the rocks to countries with less ambitious emissions targets are merely shifting the problem around the globe.

ECONOMIST: What is good news for miners is bad news for the environment