About WCI

World Coal Institute

The World Coal Institute is a global industry association comprising the major international coal producers and stakeholders (see Members page). Membership is open to companies and not-for-profit organisations with a stake in the future of coal from anywhere in the world, with member companies represented at Chief Executive level.

History

WCI was founded by coal producers in September 1985. Originally called The International Coal Development Institute, the name was changed to the World Coal Institute in 1988. The Institute was established to provide a forum for the exchange of information and the discussion of challenges relating to the coal industry. This role continues to the present day. WCI will celebrate its 25 year anniversary in 2010.

Objectives

The coal industry, including both internationally traded and domestic coal, needs to present a united front to the challenges it faces this decade and beyond. The orthodoxy that views coal only as a CO₂ emitter - without regard to its role in economic and social development, essential to electricity generation and steel manufacture - may be at a turning point. However, the industry needs to cooperate to ensure that this turning point occurs. For that reason, the WCI has adopted a forward looking strategy that aims to position:

• coal as a strategic resource that is widely recognised as essential for a modern quality of life, a key contributor to sustainable development, and an essential element in enhanced energy security; and
• the coal industry as a progressive industry that is recognised as committed to technological innovation and improved environmental outcomes within the context of a balanced and responsible energy mix.

The strategy can only be achieved with the commitment of leading coal producers and stakeholders.

Mission

WCI and its member companies engage constructively and openly with governments, the scientific community, multilateral organisations, non-governmental organisations, media, coal producers and users, and others on global issues, such as CO₂ emissions reduction and sustainable development, and on local issues including environmental and socio-economic benefits and the effects from coal mining and coal use.

The World Coal Institute’s mission is to:

Deepen and broaden understanding amongst policy makers and key stakeholders of the positive role of coal in addressing global warming, widespread poverty in developing countries, and energy security.

Assist in the creation of a political climate supportive of action by governments to include:
    - Coal in national and regional energy portfolios
    - CCS in climate mitigation strategies and plans
    - Coal technologies in environmental strategies
    - Coal to liquids technologies (CTL), with CCS, in energy security considerations

Inform and educate communities of the benefits of coal, the contribution that can be made through CCS and other advanced coal technologies, and the constructive role played by the coal industry in improving its environmental performance, enhancing energy security, and strengthening social and economic development.

Support improved performance in mine safety globally.

Who We Work With

The World Coal Institute has Category II Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and Consultative Status with the UN Industrial Development Organisation. WCI also attends meetings of the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change (as an NGO observer).

WCI is a member of a number of organisations active in the energy sector, including the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, European Commission Berlin Forum, International Chamber of Commerce, International Council on Mining & Metals, International Energy Agency Coal Industry Advisory Board, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the World Energy Council. WCI is a founding member of the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute.

Benefits of Membership

As a participant in these global forums – and as the organiser of its own annual policy roundtables – WCI is ideally placed to advance the interests of coal enterprises and those interested in ensuring a sustainable role for the coal industry. These roundtables are a regular opportunity for Members to meet with Ministers and senior officials critical to their future and, of course, to meet with their corporate counterparts from around the globe.

Members’ determine the WCI work programme through annual meetings and committee work and directly benefit from WCI activities which shape and influence the development of coal’s international operating environment. Members of WCI receive:

• Access to the secure area of the WCI website;
• Regular policy updates and analyses on issues such as national/regional emissions trading schemes, Kyoto Protocol negotiations, legislation on energy and the environment and major reports;
• Weekly media monitoring emails;
• An opportunity to share and exchange information with like-minded associations and companies.

Membership

Membership of the WCI falls into two categories:

• Corporate Members - Corporate bodies engaged in the production, sale or use of coal, or manufacturers of equipment used for the same.
• Associate Members - any non-profit association representing the coal industry, power sector or equipment manufacturers, including research organisations.

If you have any questions regarding membership of the World Coal Institute, please email info@worldcoal.org