Coal

The Indonesian government will postpone its plan to raise royalties for the country’s coal mines due to the difficult times companies are facing with low global coal prices.

Vinacomin subsidiaries have swung back to profit in 2Q15, according to reports from the Vietnamese state-owned coal mining company.

According to the latest report from the US Energy Information Agency, coal production in the US rose sharply for the week ending 18 July in comparison with the previous week. However production continues to fall short of last year.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would pass coal ash regulation to the states, bypassing the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Westmoreland losses were down to US$36.6 million in 2Q15 from US$63.4 million in the previous year.

A round-up of some of this week’s key news items from the international coal industry, from updates of on projects and plants to the latest 2Q15 results.

US rail operator, Union Pacific, has seen income drop 11% on significantly lower coal shipment.

Aspire Mining will pay for shipping of medical equipment from western Australian hospitals to hospitals and clinics in Mongolia.

Canadian mining company, Teck Resources, made CAN$215 million before depreciation and amortisation in 2Q15

Chinese contractor, CCCC Second Harbour Consultants, has won a contract to build phase one of a coal storage and transportation hub in Hubei Province, China.

Vale produced 2 million t of coal in 2Q15 with 1.27 million t from the company’s Mozambique operations.

Diversified miner, Anglo American, announced underlying EBITDA of US$589 million from its coal business unit as strong costs cutting offset lower prices.

Weak commodities demand and unfavourable exchange rates saw Caterpillar Resource Industries Group profit evaporate in 2Q15 from US$114 million on the previous year.

Mining conveyor belt manufacturer, Fenner, dipped into the red in 1Q15 on the back of weak demand for its products in the mining sector.

Anglo American has appointed Tony O’Neill to the board as an executive director with responsibility for mining and technology, business performance, projects and safety, health and environment.