Last week the World Coal Association (WCA) announced that Xcoal Energy & Resources and the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) had joined the association. Xcoal closely follows the addition of Whitehaven Coal in February this year and broadens WCA’s ever-growing, global network of major coal producers, national coal associations and other non-profit bodies with an interest in the future of the coal industry.
Milton Catelin, Chief Executive of the WCA, welcomed Xcoal, commenting: “We are very excited to have Xcoal join WCA. Xcoal joins six other WCA members from the US indicating that coal remains a significant part of the energy portfolio in America. Coal accounted for 40% of US electricity last year, and holds the world’s largest estimated recoverable reserves. With that in mind, the US will continue to be an important market for the global coal industry.”
Xcoal Energy & Resources is one of the largest coal exporters in the US supplying metallurgical coal, thermal coal, and anthracite to customers throughout the world. Xcoal also participates in funding mine development ventures, fostering preparation plant expansions, and developing bulk terminal projects to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of coal to its global clients.
Ernie L. Thrasher, Chief Executive, Xcoal commented: ”Xcoal is proud to join the World Coal Association. We join the association’s efforts to support the utilisation of coal while increasing the awareness of coal’s contribution to global economic development.”
WCA’s ever-growing, global network of major coal producers, national coal associations and other non-profit bodies with an interest in the future of the coal industry. Milton Catelin, Chief Executive of the WCA, welcomed the Minerals Council of Australia to WCA, commenting: “MCA is the third Australian organisation to join WCA as a member. Australia is a global leader in the production and exporting of coal and it’s vital that Australian companies and organisations have a voice at a global level. The World Coal Association is the only organisation working internationally on behalf of the coal industry.
“The affiliation we now have with MCA will encourage a greater sharing of information between the two associations, which will be of benefit to WCA and MCA Members. We very much look forward to working with MCA on advocating for a balanced approach to sustainable development and economic growth through the use of coal.”
The MCA is the peak industry body of Australia’s exploration, mining and minerals processing industry. MCA member companies account for more than 85 per cent of Australia’s annual mineral production and more than 90 per cent of mineral export earnings.
Brendan Pearson, MCA Chief Executive, commented: “Australia’s $60 billion coal industry is helping provide affordable energy and industrial products, including steel, to the world. We are looking forward to working with the WCA to ensure that coal retains its place as one of the world’s most important commodities.”
“The coal industry is under assault from anti-coal activists determined to shut the sector down both in Australia and globally. The MCA and WCA have important roles to play in ensuring the continuation of the significant economic contribution made by the sector both in Australia and globally. As the most abundant, versatile and low cost energy source available coal has an indispensable role to play in raising hundreds of millions of people out of energy poverty around the world.”
