Katowice provides perfect backdrop for Bettercoal workshop

The new complex of buildings of the Silesian Museum situated in the former Katowice coal mine provided the perfect location for a workshop held between Polish coal mining companies, Bettercoal members (EDF, Engie, Fortum and Vattenfall) and Bettercoal. This was the first country-specific workshop where Bettercoal had the opporutnity to meet directly with the country’s main coal mining companies. The result was a constructive session and a model that Bettercoal and its members will likely  repeat in other key coal producing countries.

The guests were welcomed by the main supporters of the event: Janusz Olszowski – Chairman of the Mining Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Adam Bocheński – CEO of EDF Paliwa. They both set the industry context and encouraged a frank and open discussion about corporate responsibility in the Polish coal mining sector.  This certainly resulted in a lively and open debate on the requirements and benefits of engaging with Bettercoal for continuous improvement.

“The workshop allowed us to engage with coal suppliers on the Bettercoal assessment program, to fully explain our model of continuous improvement and to answer concerns regarding the self- and site-assessment process,” said Martin Christie, Executive Director of Bettercoal.

He added: “The workshop also demonstrated the clear commitment of Bettercoal members who were able to explain their responsibility for supply chain due diligence and how they incorporate the assessment results into their commercial decisions when making coal purchases.”  Representatives of Engie, Fortum and Vattenfall joined Adam Bocheński in referencing their own purchasing policies and codes of conduct and the efficiency that the Bettercoal model brings for both buyers and suppliers.

As a result of the workshop, Bettercoal is now engaging with Polish coal companies to support them on the next steps of the assessment process.