LABOUR MEP Glenis Willmott says she is disappointed by the Government's decision to allow Thoresby Colliery to close.
The announcement means at least 600 jobs will be lost by the time the mine closes next year.
Business Minister Michael Fallon announced on Thursday that the Government had agreed a £10 million commercial loan deal with UK Coal, which owns the mines.
Ms Willmott, East Midlands MEP and Labour's leader in Europe said: "The closure of Thoresby Colliery could see up to 600 people lose their jobs and will be a huge blow to the local community.
"The Government originally told unions that EU rules prevented them from giving state aid.
"But in a meeting with mining unions, the European Commission were clear there was nothing preventing the UK from using state aid, and said they would be open to working with the UK to find a way to keep the mines open."
The deal will allow UK Coal to implement a phased closure of the pits by the autumn of 2015.
The Government says the deal is in the best interests of taxpayers and employees.
