core sector communique

World Coal Association Welcomes Two New Members

China National Coal Group and Katowicki Holding Wȩglowy strengthen the growing WCA corporate membership

LONDON, 5 October 2011–

The World Coal Association (WCA) is delighted to announce two major additions to its membership. Both China National Coal Group (ChinaCoal) and Katowicki Holding Wȩglowy (KHW) join the WCA as Corporate Members from September 2011, increasing the WCA’s overall membership to 40.

ChinaCoal and KHW (Poland) now form an important part of the WCA’s strong, global network of major coal producers, national coal associations and other non-profit bodies with an interest in the future of the coal industry.

The WCA membership now includes eight out of the top ten global coal companies. ChinaCoal follows China’s largest coal producer, the Shenhua Group and the China National Coal Association (CNCA) to become the third Chinese Member to join the WCA in the past year. KHW is the WCA’s first Polish Member and the second largest coal producer in Poland. Together both companies produce approximately 122 million tonnes of coal per year.

The addition of ChinaCoal and KHW further cements the WCA’s position as the voice for the global coal industry and highlights the increasing geographic coverage and political influence of the WCA.

Fredrick D. Palmer, Chairman of the WCA (pictured above), welcomed the new Members: “It is truly an exciting time for the World Coal Association. That two of China’s biggest coal producers and Poland’s second largest coal company have decided to join the WCA is testament to the significant work we do on behalf of the coal industry. The geographic spread of our Members ensures the WCA can actively engage with the challenges the industry faces in developed and developing countries as well as increasing the global influence of each Member.”

Milton Catelin, Chief Executive of the WCA, commented: “We are looking forward to working with ChinaCoal and KHW particularly in our shared goal of positioning coal as a strategic resource and key contributor to sustainable development. Our ability to remind policy makers of the importance of coal to our economies and societies has been greatly enhanced.”