'The Government will convene a coal forum to bring together coal-fired generators, coal producers and suppliers, power plant suppliers, trade unions, small businesses and other parties in order to help them to find solutions to secure the long-term future of coal-fired power generation and UK coal production. The forum will facilitate dialogue within the industry and work to ensure that we have the right framework, consistent with our energy policy goals, to secure the long-term contribution of coal-fired power generation and optimise the use of economical coal reserves in the UK.'
DTI Energy Review 2006

The Coal Forum is a non-advisory body set up as an arena where important issues facing the industry can be discussed, with Government participation, in an open manner.

The Forum consists of an independent chairman and senior representatives from the coal mining industry, electricity generators, unions, equipment suppliers, others involved in the industry, and Government, including the Devolved Administrations.  Membership is by invitation only and is on a personal basis.

Aims of the Coal Forum

• To bring together coal-fired generators, coal producers and suppliers, power plant suppliers, trade unions, small businesses and other parties; facilitating dialogue and engagement within the industry.
• To work to ensure that the UK has the right framework, consistent with energy policy goals, to:
  o secure the long-term future of coal-fired power generation and coal production in the UK;
  o optimise the use of our economical coal reserves; and
  o stimulate investment in clean coal technologies;

as part of a portfolio of measures to tackle the challenges of climate change, security of energy supply and fuel poverty.

Working Principles

• The Forum is a non-advisory, voluntary organisation. It proceeds  by consensus and partnership, but members not required to commit to any particular solution or programme of work.
• Forum members contribute in their area of expertise to provide collective leadership to the coal extraction and generation industry.
• Forum members will work to develop strategies to maximise the economic production of UK coal from both deep and surface mines.
• The Forum discusses issues that may be commercially or politically sensitive, without prejudicing the interests of the industry or Government.