Improving the Bettercoal Assessment Program

The Bettercoal Code – a comprehensive framework of health, safety, social and environmental best-practices for mining – was launched in July 2013 with the purpose to establish the norm for operating standards for coal producers. Since then, Bettercoal’s energy utility Members have sought verification of the performance of coal mines in their supply chain against the Code through the Bettercoal Assessment Program. The Assessment Program comprises Self-Assessment by the coal mines, a third-party Site-Assessment, the development and implementation of Continuous Improvement Plans, and periodic Re–Assessment and Reporting.

Over the last 2 years more than twenty Self-Assessments and five Site-Assessments have been completed of different coal mines around the world. The first Site-Assessment took place in August 2014 at Drummond Ltd. in Colombia; in the last six months, Site-Assessments were conducted in Russia (Kuzbassrazrezugol Coal Company OJSC), South Africa (Canyoncoal Pty Ltd) and Indonesia (PT Adaro). A Re-Assessment took place at Drummond Ltd. to verify the implementation of its Continuous Improvement Plan.

A strong and credible Assessment Program is critical to the success of Bettercoal as it provides assurance to its Members and stakeholders and recognition of coal producers that adhere to the principles and practices of the Code. Rather than a compliance driven certification, Bettercoal is an enabling and participatory system, the purpose of which is to assess the current performance of coal suppliers against international norms, and then to encourage and assist mine operators to improve their performance over time. The information gathered to date from the Self and Site-Assessments and useful comments from our Members and suppliers have given us the opportunity to better understand which elements of the Assessment Program are robust, and which areas can be improved and strengthened.

A goal for Bettercoal in 2016 is to ensure that the Assessment Program is fully aligned with and strongly supports the Bettercoal system. To that end, we have assembled a dedicated project team consisting of Assheton Carter (the Dragonfly Initiative) and Michèle Brülhart (RCS Global), which will work with Bettercoal and the multi-stakeholder Technical & Advisory Committee to:

• Develop a risk-based approach to assurance to increase the efficiency of the Bettercoal Assessment Program, reduce the burden for suppliers and enhance the quality of information for Bettercoal Members;
• Increase the transparency of Bettercoal procedures, system elements and outcomes;
• Develop practical assessment tools and guidance for independent assessors, and
• Review and make recommendations for effective implementation of the continual improvement plan at suppliers operations.

Bettercoal looks forward to working with the Technical & Advisory Committee and interested stakeholders during this process. We will publish updates on the Bettercoal website and in the newsletter in the coming months.