About us
Bettercoal is working towards a global responsible coal supply chain. We were established in 2012 by a group of major European coal buyers to promote the continuous improvement of sustainability performance in their coal supply chain. We do this by assessing the performance of coal mining operations against the ten principles of the Bettercoal Code through the Supplier Assessment Process. Responsible mining is essential to the sustainable growth of our societies.
And coal still has a significant role to play in the economy through its multiple uses as a source of energy for electricity generation, steel and cement manufacturing, carbon fibre, mobile phones and even household use. Therefore, it was important to create an internationally recognised standard for the coal mining industry allowing both the producers and the buyers of coal to have confidence and manage the risks in their supply chains.
Our purpose
Our purpose is to promote the continuous improvement in the mining and sourcing of coal for the benefit of all people impacted by the industry, workers and coal mining communities.
Theory of Change
In 2020, Bettercoal revised its Theory of change to define our long-term goals and short to medium-term outcomes, connected with the Bettercoal purpose and values.
Our Theory of Change also sets out the impact we aim to have as an organisation, growing and improving the Bettercoal Standard, driving more sustainable practices in our supply chain, rewarding this with more business from members, while also engaging stakeholders and communities along the way.
As captured in our Theory of Change, all the work we do is underpinned by our values, ongoing engagement with our stakeholders and of course, the Bettercoal code, which is the backbone of our organisation.
Our Values
Continuous improvement
Bettercoal promotes the continuous improvement of coal mining by assessing its Supliers and of coal sourcing by working with its Members to improve their sustainability practices. Our Approved Lead Assessors engage with Bettercoal Suppliers from the outset of the Supplier Assessment Process and impart their knowledge of best practice throughout the entire process.
Transparency
Bettercoal commits to high levels of transparency by reporting on our Members' obligations and performance, sharing the high-level outcomes of our Supplier Assessments and publishing all the relevant documentation on the Bettercoal website.
Stakeholder Engagement
Bettercoal engages with a wide variety of stakeholders through our Technical & Advisory Comittee (TAC), actively participating in industry initiatives, in-country workshops, meetings and sector related events. Our Complaints Mechanism is used as a tool for constructive feedback and exchange of information.
Risk-Based Approach
Bettercoal follows a risk-based approach in its assurance to increase the efficiency of the Supplier Assessment Process and provides pertinent information to Bettercoal Members on responsible mining practices, while reducing the assurance burden for mining companies.
SDG's as a common language
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Bettercoal’s purpose is to promote a responsible coal supply chain, working with local and international stakeholders to continuously improve coal mining operations according to the highest standards and ensure that the coal supply chain maximises its positive impacts on the SDGs whilst minimizing the negative ones.
Bettercoal is currently developing its actions framework to ensure we can clearly measure and map out these impacts.
Secretariat
The Bettercoal Secretariat is led by its Executive Director, Anne-Claire Howard, who is in charge of the daily management of Bettercoal operations and reports to the Board of Directors. She is supported by a dedicated team and together they focus on the implementation of the Bettercoal Code, the Supplier Assessment Process and Assurance System Review, Bettercoal Members’ Implementation and Reporting Obligations, communications and engaging with stakeholders.
