KRU (Kuzbassrazrezugol) the leading Russian coal producer and the International Association of European coal consumers Bettercoal signed a Protocol on Cooperation under the Continuous Improvement Program, which the Company had been jointly carrying out with Bettercoal at KRU’s coal-mining enterprises since 2014.
In accordance with the Protocol, KRU officially became a coal supplier for Bettercoal, confirming its commitment to continuous improvement and implementation of the Company’s activities in accordance with international advanced industry standards and principles.
As the leading exporter of high-quality coal, KRU became the first Russian coal company, which passed the three stages of Bettercoal’s assessment, conducted by leading international audit companies at the Company’s enterprises, including Krasnobrodsky, Bachatsky and Taldinsky branches (open pit mines) and washing plant “Krasnobrodskaya-Koksovaya”.
European auditors highly praised the openness and the transparency of the Company, and found the KRU’s activity to be in full compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation. They also recognized the high professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the personnel, the effectiveness of the applied standards in the field of social responsibility, industrial safety, environmental and labor protection.
Bettercoal is a global, not-for-profit initiative that was established by leading European energy companies (Dong Energy, EDF, Enel, E.ON, Engie, RWE and Vattenfall) to promote the continuous improvement of corporate responsibility in the coal supply chain, with a specific focus on the mines themselves. Bettercoal’s core principles are based on protecting the environment, respecting human rights and promoting the welfare of workers and local communities, including ensuring effective management of ethical, social and environmental risks.