BanjoRay ---
   I don't know about British coal mining laws, but in America it is not unlawful to take photos underground unless you are beyond the last open crosscut (where the coal is cut and there typically is more methane) or in the return aircourse (where there also would be more methane and coal dust). For instance, it is not unlawful to videotape in the intake aircourse. The video that Mr. Howard took was not in a prohibited area so it did not pose a safety hazard. By the way, there is no such thing as a "permissible" or "certified"(i.e., explosion-proof) camera. Therefore, the determining factor as to whether videotaping is lawful in America is the location in the mine where it is done.
   Mr. Howard is no doubt the only American miner EVER to show a video of unsafe conditions to federal mining officials in a public forum. That is when his troubles with his employer began.
                        Best wishes --- Tony