July 2026

World Coal Issue 2 2026 is here, packed full of the latest coal insights on key topics. The issue features a cover and lead article from Longwall Associates Inc., along with two special reports and our usual collection of technical content. The first report, by Freelance Energy Writer Andreas Walstad, highlights upcoming EU methane legislation and its projected impacts; and the second, by Emily Arthun, CEO of the American Coal Council, discusses the reliability, modernisation, and future of coal as a dependable energy resource. Technical article contributors include Komatsu, Deswik, Martin Engineering, Global Air Cylinder Wheels, and many more – examining topics relating to Longwall Technology, Safety, Automation & Digitalisation, Trucks & Tyres, and Material Handling.

This month's front cover is brought to you by Longwall Associates.

Guest Comment

Industry News

EU Methane Rules Start To Bite: Is The Coal Industry Prepared?
Andreas Walstad, Freelance Energy Writer, highlights how, with stricter EU rules for monitoring and reporting methane emissions for imported coal taking effect in January 2027, there are broad concerns that the obligations under the EU Methane Regulation will push up costs and jeopardise security of supply.

Coal At A Crossroads
Emily Arthun, CEO, American Coal Council, USA, discusses the reliability, modernisation, and future of coal as a dependable energy resource.

Building A Legacy In Longwall
In conversation with World Coal, Longwall Associates, Inc., celebrates its key milestones from the last 30 years of longwall mining and its unique company history.

Beyond Uptime
Hassan Farooq, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), Pakistan, explains why human safety is the core of cyber-physical resilience at Thar Coal.

Digital Continuity In Coal Planning
Tom Banks, Senior Consultant, Deswik, Australia, outlines why handoffs and iteration latency remain persistent sources of friction, and how a practical ‘digital backbone’ workflow supports faster scenario testing and more robust life-of-asset decisions.

Closing The Gap
Karl Steinbach, Komatsu, USA, breaks down how smarter use of automation can strengthen underground coal mining.

Rethinking A Costly Tradition For Haulage Systems
Harmen van Kamp, Global Air Cylinder Wheels, USA, evaluates the role of pneumatic tyres in mining operations, and considers the potential for alternative wheel systems to enhance safety, reduce costs, and meet evolving performance requirements.

Safely Clearing Silos & Hoppers
Travis Miller, Global Engineering Manager for Flow Aids, Martin Engineering, USA, explores the consequences of clogged hoppers and silos, and proposes solutions for avoiding obstructions and maximising uptime in mining operations.

The True Cost Of Carryback
Chris Bias, Flexco, USA, illustrates how material loss undermines safety, labour, and operational excellence.

Intrinsically Safe Ultrasonic Level Measurement For Surge Bins And Hoppers
Sage Miles, Migatron Corporation, USA, emphasises the importance of real-time level measurement of surge bins and hoppers for both operational and safety requirements.

July 2026

Contents