Future coal mining applications are set to be rejected as a matter of policy for the first time in Wales.
New proposed planning rules, which are due to be finalised by the Welsh Government by the end of the year, would only allow permission under "wholly exceptional circumstances".
There are two major opencast operations currently in production in Wales: Ffos y Fran and East Pit.
The Welsh Government said they were analysing consultation responses.
Haf Elgar, director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: "It is a historic moment. This is the end of coal in Wales after a long association and history."
She added: "We have to be aware of our global responsibility and the impact all of the coal has had over the years and to make sure that we really do play our part in Wales now to be globally responsible and to reduce our carbon emissions,"
The chairman of Tower Colliery, Tyrone O'Sullivan, which is in the process of restoring its own opencast site in Hirwaun in the Cynon Valley after six years of production, said the decision to "sacrifice" coal was a mistake.
