ENVIRONMENT

Coal propping up economy during COVID: WCA

COAL has been an essential resource for multiple economies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Coal Association.

 World Coal Association CEO Michelle Manook.

World Coal Association CEO Michelle Manook.

WCA CEO Michelle Manook said the it is very clear that coal is critical to economic recovery.

"The International Energy Agency Special Report on Sustainable Recovery highlights the huge challenges that we are facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

"An inclusive approach towards economic recovery is more vital than ever; all energy stakeholders must work together to support the clean energy transition.

"This makes it even more compelling that government and investment policies are agnostic and inclusive of all fuels and all clean technologies. This is not an ‘either-or' decision - we need all energy sources and all clean technologies available to us."

Manook said the IEA has made it clear that to boost economic growth, create new jobs and build more resilient and cleaner energy systems, we need a "grand coalition" of stakeholders working together.

"The impacts of COVID-19 mean that we have seen a reset in the discussion from one of ideology to one of pragmatism and inclusivity surrounding transformation, transitioning, and working together meaningfully to achieve the clean energy transition," she said.

"World Coal Association members are committed to shaping a sustainable future for coal, and actively seek collaboration with industries, governments, and investors, to innovate and deliver the clean energy transition we need across the globe to rebuild economies and communities post COVID-19."

Manook said the coal industry has a track record of demonstrating that it can respond to operational and environmental challenges through innovation and technological advancements.

"We can see this today with advances in both carbon capture, use and storage and hydrogen," she said.

"We will continue to support economies by working in partnerships with governments, investors, and industry."

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2023 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of current exploration rates, trending exploration technologies, a ranking of top drill intercepts and a catalogue of 2022 Initial Resource Estimates and recent discovery successes.