Xiwu was appointed following the WCA’s recent meeting in Brussels, succeeding outgoing chairman and Peabody senior vice president Frederick Palmer, who had served for two years.

“The World Coal Association is the global body representing the world's leading coal producers,” Zhang said of his appointment.

“It is a great honor to be asked to chair the WCA at one of the most exciting times in the history of the industry and also of the organization.

“My wish is to serve my international colleagues in the sector, to broaden the understanding of cleaner coal's strategic role in economic and social development and to contribute constructively to accelerating environmental and other improvements in the industry.”

Group chief Milton Catelin called Zhang’s placement “highly significant” at a time when China and Asia were becoming such an important facet of the coal industry in terms of production and consumption.

Catelin also spoke highly of Palmer and his leadership of the WCA to guide its work program and interact with global issues facing the coal industry.

“More specifically, Fred has been instrumental in engaging with the coal industry in China to strengthen WCA's international reach and China's commitment to coal on the global stage,” he said.

The membership of the WCA, established in 1985, includes companies as well as not-for-profit organizations that have a stake in the coal’s future internationally.