Boyce has been serving as the board’s deputy chairman since November 2010. Boyce said he was honoured to have been appointed CIAB chairman by the International Energy Agency.

“I look forward to building upon the partnership which exists between the board and IEA,” Boyce said in a statement.

“As chairman, I will ensure that the CIAB continues to work with the IEA secretariat to promote global energy security and find solutions to global energy challenges.”

The CIAB is a group of chief executives and other senior officials from coal-related industrial enterprises around the world. The board was established in 1979 by the International Energy Agency, a Paris-based organization operating under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The CIAB provides a forum for its members to inform the IEA Governing Board on a wide range of issues relating to coal production, transport, trade and utilization through direct consultation and an annual program of research studies and other initiatives. The CIAB membership represents 18 countries, which account for approximately 85% of world coal production.

Doug Ritchie, group executive for strategy at Rio Tinto, was the previous CIAB chairman.

CIAB has recently published its newest report, focused on the technology path the coal industry needs to achieve near-zero emissions.

21st Century Coal: Advanced Technology and Global Energy Solution presents the major advancements in coal generation technology and the steps the industry needs to take to lower carbon dioxide emissions.

"Going forward, we will need all forms of energy to meet growing global demand," said Boyce.

"The 21st Century Coal report highlights the essential role of coal and modern technology in achieving the world's shared energy, economic and environmental objectives."