IEA wake-up call

(Posted on 20/12/19)

“The IEA Coal Market Report 2019 is a reminder that coal and coal use is a reality. It’s time for a sensible discussion and collaboration to bridge the gap between the real and ideological worlds,” said Michelle Manook, World Coal Association Chief Executive. The World Coal Association is a membership association, representing the coal industry at the global level.

The WCA Chief Executive, Michelle Manook, has extended her first six months, attending the IEA Coal Market Report 2019 launch in Johannesburg, following roadshows throughout Australia, Canada, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan and the United States, where she met with key government ministers and senior bureaucrats, investors and industry stakeholders. Reflecting on her time she commented:

“The world simply cannot ignore the reality of coal – global demand is expected to reach 5624 Mtce in 2024. If we are to have any chance at meeting our global environmental aspirations – we must come together. Most concerning is that there is messaging being perpetuated that coal cannot be part of the low carbon solution. This is simply untrue. The entire coal value chain needs to unite in support of the coal industry to educate a global public that is largely unaware of how coal contributes to economic growth and everyday life.”

Acknowledging that this cannot be done in isolation of governments or investors, she highlighted:“The IEA Executive Director’s ‘all fuels and all technologies’ mantra is a framework for industry, government and investment policy collaboration and success to deliver both meaningful economic and environmental outcomes. It’s vital that we see a level playing field for all low emission technologies, to ensure rapid and mass deployment of clean coal technologies.”

“This is particularly important in Asia, which is driving demand for coal. These economies require abundant and low-cost sources of energy to power economic transformation and continue to identify a role for coal in their future energy systems. It is for this reason that in 2018 China, India and Southeast Asia have commissioned a total additional 50Gw of coal-fired capacity.”

Latest News

Pilbara production record as Rio Tinto releases Q2 results

Rio Tinto has driven performance to achieve 3% YoY CuEq1 growth in the first half of 2026.Chief Executive... Read more

Record iron ore production helps strengthen BHP growth pipeline

BHP have released its Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2026.Chief Executive Officer, Brandon... Read more

Stranded sulphur cargoes in Gulf face mounting corrosion risk, warns Brookes Bell

Bulk carriers carrying elemental sulphur cargoes in the Strait of Hormuz are at significant risk of... Read more

BHP and Faraday Copper sign definitive San Manuel agreement

Further to BHP’s announcement in February, BHP, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has executed... Read more

Urea price dive hits Australian grain suppliers

Australia’s Federal Government's fertiliser support package has come under scrutiny as global... Read more

SSAB pauses work at construction site in Luleå

SSAB has once again paused work at the construction site for its new steel mill in Luleå, Sweden... Read more

Trafigura issues USD500 million senior bond

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd. has announced the issuance of a USD500 million senior Reg S bond with a five... Read more

NGFA welcomes Senate Farm Bill proposal

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) in the USA has welcomed the release of Senate Agriculture... Read more

Agreement paves way to deliver 2.7 million tonnes of additional copper production

Anglo American plc, through its 50.1%-owned subsidiary, Anglo American Sur S.A., and Codelco, have announced... Read more

SSAB and partners launch closed loop steel recycling initiative in US

SSAB Americas, The Greenbrier Companies and Alter Trading are partnering on a circular economy project... Read more