Colombia and the Netherlands committed to responsible coal mining

Bettercoal participated in the Responsible Coal Mining Conference in The Hague on 6 May 2015 at the invitation of the Lilianne Ploumen, Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation and Maria Isabel Ulloa, Colombian Vice-Minister of Mines. This event included Colombian coal mining companies, coal buyers in the form of Bettercoal members, financial institutions, port authorities, representatives of civil society and public authorities.

Martin Christie, Executive Director of Bettercoal, took part in a panel discussion where individuals representing the Responsible Mining Index, the energy company Vattenfall and the Colombian Mining Association discussed the challenges and opportunities for a responsible coal supply chain. It was recognised that Bettercoal can play a significant role in this effort.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the two countries during the conference, marking cooperation on Corporate Social Responsibility and transparency through the application of international standards such as the Voluntary Principles and EITI. It includes joint work on technical aspects to improve water management and the environment, as well as a review of the relationship between local communities and mining companies, including efforts to resolve past grievances.

The Netherlands recognizes its position as an important coal buyer and both countries see a shared need to strengthen their economic relations.