Foreword
There are few places in the developed world where the coal industry does not feel that it faces major challenges. Climate change, safety, and a variety of other environmental issues are just some of the concerns. In many cases, such concerns are justified, and certainly in the developing world much more needs to be done to address them. Equally, the industry is working hard to respond. I know this to be true, after 25 years in the industry working with international organizations such as the World Coal Association and Coal Industry Advisory Board of the International Energy Agency. These organisations, assisted by regional and other specialist industry bodies, as well as far-sighted coal companies, are all working constructively to improve the performance of the coal industry across a wide front.
Experience has taught me that one of the biggest issues underlying both the perception and the performance of the industry is the dearth of correct industry information being disseminated to the public, regulators and politicians. The critical role played by coal as a fuel for the generation of power, in both the developed and developing worlds, is still not fully appreciated, although it has improved. The same is true for the role played by metallurgical coals as raw materials in the steel and related industries. However, the contribution of the coal industry to economic development, the jobs it provides, the tax revenue it creates, and the social benefits that arise from it, have more recently become a focus of study and publication.
The need for good information is no less necessary when it comes to understanding the technical aspects of the mineral that is coal, and the many and varied ways in which it is used. It is a vastly more complex mineral than simplistic analysis would suggest. The many processes involved in preparation require careful understanding. Its traditional applications also warrant careful documentation, and there are many new and emerging applications where it has much to offer.
I therefore welcome this book most warmly. Dr David Osborne is eminently well qualified to edit the text, given his very wide experience throughout the industry. I am fortunate to have had him as a company and industry colleague, and as a friend, for many years. He has assembled a team of authors who are well qualified to address the resourcing of coal, coal characterisation, chemistry, processing and treatment issues, and current and new applications for the mineral.
In a world where increasing amounts of information come in bite-sized, easily digestible chunks across the internet, in-depth resources on subjects of importance sometimes seem increasingly rare. I commend the publishers for their willingness to support this venture, and hope that more books, on other aspects of the coal industry, will follow. It is imperative that we increase understanding of this fascinating mineral, which is the most abundant fossil fuel and, currently, the fastest growing in terms of use. It has already provided so much industrial benefit to the world, but henceforth it needs to do so in a much more environmentally responsible manner. Any resource that assists in securing that objective is to be welcomed.