Coal

South Africa’s power industry will remain plagued by significant challenges with blackouts weighing on economic growth.

Coal production in the US fell sharply for the week ending July 4. The declines from last year steepened, with production off 16.6% from last year’s levels according to the latest report from the US Energy Information Agency for the week.

A round-up of some of this week’s key news items from the international coal industry, from the latest developments and corporate affairs to challenges facing coal.

Ukraine see significant drops in coal production in1H15.

Weakness in demand and competition from natural gas remain the story in the US coal industry with prices continuing their downward spiral.

Edenville Energy has met with Chinese contractors, SEPCO2, in Tanzania to discuss the development of the Rukwa coal-to-power project.

Electricity generated from natural gas surpassed that generated from coal for the first time in US history in April.

Following the potential sales of three operating affiliates, Alpha Natural Resources has issued WARN notices to certain mining operations and their employees.

Weir Minerals will acquire Delta Industrial Valves for US$47 million, expanding the division’s presence in the mining market through increasing its portfolio of valve products.

Peabody Energy has entered into an agreement with Sekitan Resources to sell its Wilkie Creek mine and associated assets in Queenland’s Surat Basin.

From 8 August, Indonesia will impose a 1.5% tax on coal exports for firms with IUPs mining licences.

Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. has reached an agreement to acquire all of the remaining White Oak equity interests, including operating control of the White Oak Mine No. 1.

Mongolia plans to increase economic growth by selling stakes in state-owned enterprises, including the largest coal mine in Mongolia.

Prices for Polish coal will remain under pressure through 2016 as state-owned miner floods the market with cheap coal.

A round-up of some of this week’s key news items from the international coal industry, from the MATS ruling to the latest situations of coal-fired power plants.