Coal & Society
Supporting global economic development
In addition to its direct role as an energy resource, coal plays a significant global role in sustainable development. Coal mining is a critical contributor to many economies. From providing employment, export and royalty revenues through to local services and the development of infrastructure, coal mining makes a substantial contribution to improving the livelihoods of many. This is especially true in developing countries where coal mining makes a major contribution to national economies allowing them to grow stronger and address the challenges of poverty and development.
These challenges also include widening access to affordable energy supplies. Today there are 1.3 billion people across the globe without access to electricity. Affordable, secure and reliable electricity supply enables economic development which is a prerequisite for poverty alleviation.
Coal plays a central role in supporting global economic development, alleviating poverty and is an essential resource to meeting the world's energy needs. Coal currently supplies 30.3% of primary energy and 41% of electricity generation. Coal use is forecast to rise over 50% to 2030, with developing countries responsible for 97% of this increase, primarily to meet electrification rates.
Coal is also a key component of important industrial processes such as steel and cement manufacturing - both of which are central to building the essential infrastructure of growing economies.
It is important that we maximise the value to society from the production and use of coal while at the same time minimising any negative impacts. The coal industry is committed to delivering value across the whole coal chain - from production, transportation, right through to utilisation and legacy issues.
In this section
Coal & Local Communities
One of the challenges for mining investments is to ensure a positive contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development at the community level.Coal provides a significant direct contribution to economic development at a local level, particularly in developing countries.
Safety Issues
Modern coal mines have rigorous safety procedures, health and safety standards and worker education and training.
Coal & Energy Security
As global demand for energy continues to rise - especially in rapidly industrialising and developing economies - energy security concerns become ever more important.
