Coal Authority joins the British Drilling Association

The public body known for its work managing Great Britain’s mining legacy has joined the British Drilling Association (BDA) as a client member.

The Coal Authority’s membership take-up signifies a significant expansion of the BDA’s outreach and influence, the association said.

BDA chair Paul McMann expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership and said that he was “thrilled” to welcome the Coal Authority to the association.

“Their expertise in managing coal mining legacies and commitment to environmental and public safety aligns perfectly with our objectives. Their involvement will provide a valuable real-world client perspective, enhancing our ability to represent and elevate the drilling sector effectively.”

Coal Authority head of development Gareth Thomas said that being a client member of the BDA would enable it to “collaborate with the BDA and its members”.

“This partnership will improve standards and ensuring the development projects  we facilitate in former coal mining areas are not only sustainable but  create a better future for people and the environment in mining areas,” he said.

McMann added: “With the BDA’s recently revamped Audit, which is a hallmark of our members, the partnership with the Coal Authority underscores the importance of safety, quality, and professionalism in the drilling industry. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to these values.”

The client membership category of the BDA is designed for organisations that procure or specify ground drilling services, offering them a platform to engage with and contribute to the drilling sector’s continuous improvement.

Following workshops between the BDA and the Coal Authority, a new permit fee charging scheme has also been introduced. This is designed to incentivise and reward those who prioritise safety and due diligence in their operations.

Under this new scheme, permit application fees will be reduced for applicants who engage a contractor. The contractor’s operations must have been BDA Audited or gone through other nationally recognised, externally verified, and independently accredited auditing service, within the 15 months preceding their permit application.

“This new permit fee charging scheme is a clear indication of the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration between industry bodies and regulatory authorities,” the BDA said in a statement.

“It underscores a shared commitment to enhancing safety, reducing operational risks, and promoting sustainability within the drilling and mining sectors”.

The BDA is encouraging all of its eligible members to take advantage of the opportunity

 

Source: https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/coal-authority-joins-the-british-drilling-association-20-02-2024/

 

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Source: GEPlus.co.uk