Mining Magazine November 2018 | Page 34

LEADERSHIP
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Sporton immediately addresses the selling of coal assets . “ With these major companies selling their coal assets , don ’ t look at it from the perspective of ‘ backing away ’ from coal ,” he says . “ These companies sold these assets for huge prices . For an industry that some say is on its way out , I think that actually shows an industry that is incredibly strong .”
The WCA is the global network for the coal industry , striving to demonstrate and gain acceptance for the fundamental role coal can and will play in achieving a sustainable , lower carbon energy future . In a time where the eyes of the world are constantly looking at ways of reducing the carbon footprint , forcing some companies to move away from coal , the important role that the WCA plays is as crucial as ever before . Sporton recognises that the coal industry is often dominated , and often overshadowed , by the conversation of climate change . In effect , this is what drives WCA . “ It ’ s about obtaining those strategic benefits of coal while addressing the environmental challenges that come with it ,” he says . “ By looking at how

“These companies sold these assets for huge prices . For an industry that some say is on its way out , I think that actually shows an industry that is incredibly strong ”

— Benjamin Sporton , former Chief Executive of WCA
NOVEMBER 2018