The two will also work together on the promotion and organisation of workshops and conferences as part of the new deal. 

Bettercoal executive director Anne-Claire Howard said the group was “delighted” to sign the MoU it believes will ensure the continuous improvement of the coal supply chain.

“We recognise the role of coal in energy production and in the steel and cement industries, and so are very pleased that both organisations can work together on issues of common interest,” she said. 

“It is an important step forward because we now have a structured framework to further promote our agenda and achieve our common goals through joint projects and activities,” WCA chief executive Benjamin Sporton added.

“This is a new chapter in our collaborative work, which will ensure that we support each other’s work to promote sustainable coal mining.”