World Coal celebrates CEO recognition as Global Inspirational Woman in Mining

World Coal Association (WCA) Chairman, July Ndlovu, today congratulated WCA CEO Michelle Manook for being recognised as one of the worlds 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (WIM100).

Ms Manook, CEO of the WCA for 3.5 years, was acknowledged for her courage in leading the global coal alliance through one of coals most vexatious but transformative periods.

Said Mr Ndlovu: Despite coals public vilification, including attempts to cancel coal entirely, Michelle has been stoic, pragmatic and unflappable in having the difficult conversations that no-one wanted to have about coals role in the energy transition, energy security and development. She has compelled us as a coal value chain to continue to focus on modernisation and transformation through technology.  

Significantly, global energy events have now confirmed that there is an ongoing role for coal, validating the work Ms Manook has been leading.

She continues to conscript a new wave of coal leaders who are not climate denialists yet understand the critical importance of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, so that neither development nor decarbonisation is compromised.”  

Ms Manook says she is honoured to be recognised as a recipient by the WIM alumni.

Taking this role was a difficult decision but one which I believed in, given the impact coal has on billions of people. Coals existential crisis has provided the coal chain the opportunity to re-evaluate its collaboration and future contribution to our global community.

I believe we have started to challenge perceptions about coal which are hard to ignore given the reality we are confronted with. I also believe we have challenged our industry to look beyond at a future, which will be based on innovation, transformation, and responsible coal stewardship; with a new group of coal leaders emerging to take this forward.” 

Women in Mining Managing Director UK, Dr Stacy Hope, said:

“Congratulations to Michelle for her recognition as a WIM100! The WIM100 is a celebration of the inspirational contributions women make to mining so that it is a safer, more sustainable and stronger industry for all. 

Michelle has been recognised for leading the World Coal Association and communicating the essential role coal plays in economic and social progress for billions of people. Since becoming CEO, she has sought to disrupt the conversation about coal and help coal industry participants understand the need to work together in reaching the development and decarbonisation goals of the global community.”