Bettercoal Standard

Since the Bettercoal Code was launched in 2013, it has become the internationally recognised standard for assessing, assuring and sustaining stringent ethical, environmental and social performance across the coal mining supply chain.

The Bettercoal Code 2.0, launched in 2021, is the third iteration of the standard. It is now more comprehensive, more rigorous and has even greater alignment with international best practices in mining and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Bettercoal Code consists of 144 provisions, under 12 principles, embedded within the framework of ESG: Environment, Social and Governance.

The Bettercoal Code is regularly reviewed in alignment with ISEAL’s Code of Good Practice to ensure it remains credible, robust and responsive to evolving stakeholder expectations. The next revision is scheduled for 2026.

You can access the Bettercoal Code 2.0 in the language of your choice in our Resources Library.

 
 

Code Guidance

The Code Guidance has been developed to support coal producers in understanding how to meet the expectations of the Bettercoal Code 2.0.

It provides clear explanations of all provisions and includes links and references to additional information and, where relevant, further guidance materials.

You can access the Bettercoal Code Guidance in the language of your choice in our Resources Library.

 
 
 

BETTERCOAL PRINCIPLES

01

02

03

04

Policy and
Management

BUSINESS
INTEGRITY

TRANSPARENCY

MINE REHABILITATION
AND CLOSURE

GOVERNANCE

Companies will conduct their business to a high level of integrity and compliance.

Companies will develop, document and implement management systems that cover the Principles of the Bettercoal Code, and will support continuous improvement throughout their operations and with business partners.

Companies will commit to being transparent in alignment with internationally recognised reporting and disclosure standards.

Companies will implement a process of integrated mine closure and rehabilitation incorporating environmental, social, economic and governance aspects into operations from the earliest stage of mine development.

05

06

07

08

lABOUR RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS

Occupational Health
and Safety (OHS)

COMMUNITIES
AND STAKEHOLDERS

SOCIAL

Companies will respect human rights affected by their operations and take appropriate action to assess, prevent and remedy potential adverse impacts on human rights in a manner that is consistent with international instruments on human rights.

Companies will uphold the rights of workers and ensure dignified and respectful working conditions in line with the ILO eight fundamental Conventions and other relevant ILO Conventions.

Companies will provide safe and healthy working conditions for all workers, both employees and contractors.

Companies will identify and engage potentially affected stakeholders and contribute to the long-term social, cultural, environmental, economic and institutional development of the communities in which they operate.

09

10

11

12

Management of
Emissions and Waste

WATER
STEWARDSHIP

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Biodiversity and
Land Use

ENVIRONMENTAL

Companies will have systems in place that enable the efficient and responsible withdrawal, use and management of water in their operations to contribute to good water stewardship in the area of operation.

Companies will have systems in place to avoid and minimise potentially harmful emissions and to manage waste in line with the mitigation hierarchy.

Companies will have systems in place to measure, avoid and minimise greenhouse gas emissions at all stages of the mine lifecycle.

Companies will identify their impacts on biodiversity, protected areas and land use and apply the mitigation hierarchy to the management of their impacts throughout the lifecycle of the mine.