The World Coal Institute has appointed Dave Murray to succeed John Slater as chairman of the Institute.
South African born Murray is a mining engineer with a wealth of experience in the coal industry gained during his career with Trans-Natal Coal Corporation and Ingwe Coal Corporation.
A director of the World Coal Institute for over seven years, Murray is currently chief executive officer of Billiton Coal SA and chairman of Ingwe Coal.
Billiton Coal is now one of the key global players in the international coal industry, with operations in Australia and South Africa - and most recently Colombia via its acquisition of Carbocol with consortium partners Anglo American and Glencore. The company also has business development projects in Indonesia, South America and China.
On his new appointment, Murray commented: “I appreciate the support and confidence from my fellow directors and look forward to my new role as chairman of the World Coal Institute. I am honoured to take over the position so ably undertaken by John Slater. We will be looking to further develop the work commenced by the institute under John’s stewardship.
“The global coal sector continues to face growing political pressure, particularly with regard to environmental and sustainable development issues. As the international body representing the coal industry worldwide, the World Coal Institute has an increasingly important task. I welcome the opportunity to participate in promoting one of the key global energy and industrial inputs of today – and in protecting and promoting access to energy markets worldwide.”
Ron Knapp, chief executive of the institute, said: “I am delighted to have this further opportunity to work with Dave Murray in the role as chairman of the World Coal Institute. The coal industry has recently undergone a period of consolidation and Mr Murray represents a company with a global perspective. His understanding of the international coal trade and his recognition of the importance of coal as an abundant, safe, secure and cost-effective fuel source and the significance of clean coal technologies to assist in delivering environmental solutions will be an asset in furthering the Institute's aims and agenda. Coal has a major part to play in delivering energy worldwide and underpinning industries such as steel in an environmentally-friendly way.”
