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Political interference undermining South Africa’s coal potential
– Prevost

South Africa has the potential to be the strongest producer, user and exporter of coal on the continent, but political interference prevents this from happening, XMP Consulting senior coal analyst Xavier Prevost has said.

“We are actually not fulfilling our role the way we should and the reason why is simply because we are blocked by politicians that think they're doing what’s best, but they're not,” he told delegates at nonprofit organisation FFF Carbon’s 2024 Middelburg Coal Conference, in Mpumalanga, on October 17.

Numerous coal industry leaders and politicians gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the South African coal industry.

“We have been attacked by what they call the just transition. I don't call it a just transition. I call it an unjust transition because they want to push us in a direction where we can't go because it's illogical and economically unviable,” Prevost chided.

According to him, coal remains an essential component of South Africa’s energy system and, without it, the country would face severe consequences.

“The idea is that we want coal but the government doesn’t. But that's not the case. It's just some politicians in government. The reality is that we still have to mine coal because without it we are going to perish,” he said.

Prevost also pointed to the broader implications of coal’s role in the economy, noting the dependence of many other sectors of the economy on coal, both for electricity and production purposes, such as steel and cement.

“There’s so much interconnection in this country between coal and the rest of the industry that if we take away coal, we take away the life of the country,” he said.

Despite international pressure to move away from coal owing to environmental concerns, Prevost highlighted a rising demand for the resource.

“There is growing demand for coal, in spite of all these warnings that we get that we shouldn’t be mining it and that companies shouldn't be using coal because it’s bad for the environment,” he said, pointing to the global energy crisis as part of the reason for this.

He also pointed out that major manufacturing nations such as China and India continue to ramp up their use of coal, while simultaneously producing renewable-energy products and components.

“The reality is that the bigger producers, China and India, they are introducing lots of coal. And what else do they produce? Renewables. And what do they produce their renewables from? Coal,” he said.

Prevost expressed frustration with the disparity between what South Africa was allowed to do and what other nations were permitted, saying that political interference was undermining the country’s economic potential.

“However, what they do [in India and China], we can't, because we are not allowed to. For us, it is politically incorrect to use coal, but they can use coal and sell renewables. What's the logic of it? They make the money. The ones that are not doing it, they're not making money,” he said.

South Africa’s coal production has been declining, and Prevost attributed this to aging mines and a lack of new projects.

“The country is going down in coal production almost every year. And it's going down in production simply because the mines are getting older and producing less coal. And new coal mines are not coming,” he said.

He added that the reason for the lack of new mines was not a result of a lack of interest but rather a lack of financial support.

Prevost argued that, although ample financing was available, especially from international investors, political interference and a lack of government support were preventing new projects from moving forward.

“The finances are already there. I know many people, especially from India, that are prepared to put money down on mines. They're prepared to buy the mines. They're prepared to become shareholders of the mines, but they need a project that is viable,” he said.

However, he noted that insufficient investment in preliminary ground investigations was stalling these potential coal projects.

“To get to that point, we need to do some investigations in the ground. And that's where the problem lies. There is no money for that,” Prevost said.

Looking to the future, Prevost predicted that coal prices would continue to improve, making coal investments more attractive.

“The forecast for today until 2027 shows that the prices are to become better and better. So we have a future in coal. And we have a future in exporting,” he said. However, he warned that continued political interference could undermine this potential.

In contrast, Prevost pointed to Botswana as an example of a country successfully capitalising on its coal resources. He explained that Botswana's government takes a pragmatic approach to coal mining.

“The Botswana government and the Botswana coal industry is doing exactly the opposite of what South Africa is doing. What they're doing is they – the government – say, ‘If coal is available in Botswana, can we mine it economically and make some money for the companies? Then we want a share of that. We want to get taxes out of that. So because of that, we are going to push the industry in Botswana,’” he said.

Botswana’s government, unlike South Africa’s, has not embraced the energy transition narrative that advocates reducing coal production. Prevost argued that Botswana’s approach benefited both the country’s economy and its citizens.

“They’re doing well for their country. Why? Because the country needs the resources, they need the coal, and they need the money. And what happens to that money? That money goes to make the country better,” he said.

He contrasted this with South Africa’s approach, which he said was allowing neighbouring countries to step in and fill the gap left by declining coal production.

“Botswana is coming up strong, and not just Botswana. All the neighbouring countries that have coal are looking at South Africa and saying, they don’t have enough coal, let's fill the gap,” he said.

By Mining Review Africa, January 29 2024

This month's top international coal headlines

  • API2: EU futures continued to plummet amidst easing geopolitical tensions
    — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures declined further in bearish market — i-Energy
  • API2: EU futures hit two-week high as gas market tensions mount — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures ride the wave as API2 prices soar — i-Energy
  • Coal has covered more than 90% of the electricity demand growth in ASEAN countries — The Global Energy Association
  • Political interference undermining South Africa’s coal potential – Prevost
    — Mining Weekly
  • South African thermal coal prices edge lower amid weak India demand
    — Platts CTI
  • Tech Boom Puts the Energy Transition on Hold — Substack
  • Thermal coal derivative volumes reach this year’s highest level in September: LEBA — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal market lacklustre amid scant inquires — Platts CTI
  • German energy expert says energy transition a mistake — Engineering News
  • Prices fall in Atlantic thermal coal market amid subdued demand — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal markets end mixed amid high stocks, China restocking potential — Platts CTI
  • Domestic coal suppliers asked to lower price asked of Eskom — Mining Weekly
  • South African thermal coal prices move sideways on weak demand from key buyers — Platts CTI
  • Higher offers deter Asian thermal coal buyers, prices mostly stable — Platts CTI
  • Med, MENA thermal coal prices edge lower amid weakening demand — Platts CTI
  • Inquiries from Europe rise in the Atlantic thermal coal market as buyers begin winter restocking — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal prices rangebound as Chinese buyers hold onto bid levels
    — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures retreated as supply disruption fears subside — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures slip on API2 weakness, lacking demand momentum — i-Energy
  • Atlantic market up on active week in NW Europe — McCloskey
  • South African thermal coal prices hit eight-week high amid rising interest
    — Platts CTI
  • Activities rise in Asian thermal coal market as China returns after holidays
    — Platts CTI
  • New Report Examines Coal’s Contribution to Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals in ASEAN — FutureCoal
  • API2: EU futures touched a month high amid intensifying geopolitical tensions
    — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures stable wow with muted demand — i-Energy
  • Med, MENA thermal coal imports fall; buyers stay on the sidelines — Platts CTI
  • Prices slightly drop in Atlantic thermal coal market amid ample spot cargo availability — Platts CTI
  • Coal to remain relevant for decades — Mining Weekly
  • Canadian investor urges SA to “just mine your coal” — S&P Global
  • South African thermal coal prices rise amid uptick in inquiries — Platts CTI
  • China’s strong bargaining stance amid evolving trade pattern keeps prices unaffected — S&P Global
  • TURKEY DATA: August thermal coal imports drop amid issues around Russian supply — Platts CTI

Headlines from earlier this year

September 2024
  • ITALY DATA: Thermal coal imports nearly tripled on month in July despite phasing out — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures corrected upward amid supply risks and cold weather forecasts — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures surge amid API2 contract-driven rally — i-Energy
  • Low SA deals raise eyebrows in bearish market — McCloskey
  • API2: EU futures decline driven by lng stabilization in Europe — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures decline in the current month, rise in front month — i-Energy
  • Asian thermal coal market slows amid limited China, India inquiries — Platts CTI
  • South African thermal coal prices rangebound despite rising inquiries — Platts CTI
  • Thermal coal derivative volumes touch four-month high in Aug: LEBA — Platts CTI
  • India’s coal production growth rate rises markedly
    — The Global Energy Association
  • Med, MENA thermal coal prices stay rangebound amid stable buying interest
    — Platts CTI
  • Indian demand picks up with 8 thermal trades, 4 petcoke — McCloskey
  • Asian thermal coal market sees steady Chinese demand for low CV cargoes
    — Platts CTI
  • South African thermal coal prices edge up on higher inquiries — Platts CTI
  • Seriti Resources plans workforce cuts, potentially affecting coal production
    — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures plunge further amid bearish market fundamentals — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures two months down — i-Energy
  • Global natural gas demand to rise by one-third by 2050
    — The Global Energy Association
  • Indian buyers take petcoke and SA thermal coal — McCloskey
  • South African thermal coal prices fall amid low demand — Platts CTI
  • Oversupply expected to weigh on thermal prices to 2025 — McCloskey
  • Vietnam to see robust coal demand for next decade — McCloskey
  • India's steel industry woes may hamper South African thermal coal exports
    — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures slide as markets hold steady — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures headed north, mirroring API2 contract — i-Energy
  • South Africa’s coal workers face an uncertain future – Mpumalanga study flags they’re being left out of the green transition — The Conversation
  • Renewables seen rising in Southeast Asia but coal to remain strong in longer term — Platts CTI
  • South African thermal coal price under pressure amid muted demand, higher stockpiles — Platts CTI
  • Germany ‘patiently’ waiting for South Africa to move away from coal — Bloomberg
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices fall sharply on week amid slow demand — Platts CTI
  • Eskom sticks to plan to extend life of coal plants — McCloskey
  • Indian buyers book SA coal, US petcoke cargoes — McCloskey
  • Atlantic thermal markets correct lower — McCloskey
August 2024
  • India buys S. Africa cargoes, traders build up stocks — McCloskey
  • S. Africa eases on Oct trade, Europe up on higher gas — McCloskey
  • SA’s Black Wattle coal output surges, exports up — McCloskey
  • Kinetic Development Group invests $90 mil in South Africa’s MC Mining
    — Platts CTI
  • Thirst for natural gas: South Africa weighs supply options to meet power sector needs — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures current month stable, front month down — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures heading south — i-Energy
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices mixed on limited demand — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic prices retreat from last week’s 2024 highs — McCloskey
  • Thermal coal derivative volumes touch three-month high in July: LEBA
    — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay finds support from geopolitical risks — Southern Africa Coal Report
  • API2: EU futures showed bearish trend amid weak demand — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures indicated signs of stability — i-Energy
  • New Zealand scraps clean, green policies to boost economy — Reuters
  • India demand picks up with SA, Indonesia trades — McCloskey
  • India’s CIL to increase coal supply to power plants through revised provision
    — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal market turns cautious amid high stocks in China — Platts CTI
  • Botswana election could complicate Pentagon’s search for new digs in Africa
    — The Washington Times
  • Europe Is Expected to Burn More Coal this Winter — FutureCoal
  • India buys Indonesia, S. Africa and US thermal cargoes — McCloskey
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices edge close to 2024 highs — McCloskey
  • Demand remains unchanged in Atlantic thermal coal market amid limited inquiries — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay prices steady with October trade — McCloskey
  • China's July coal imports rise to seven-month high — Reuters
  • Glencore chooses to retain coal and steel raw materials — McCloskey
  • INTERVIEW: Coal to remain a dominant power source in India: Menar MD
    — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures reached highest level in two months — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures soar to two-month high, riding the wave of EU contract
    — i-Energy
  • Atlantic thermal coal sees mixed prices amid weak demand, supply disruption
    — Platts CTI
  • Indian end-users buy South African, Indonesian material — McCloskey
  • Richards Bay hits 2024 high, NW Europe at 3-month top — McCloskey
  • Industry eagerly awaits key S. Africa logistics report — McCloskey
  • Grid rules should favour shovel-ready projects whether public or private – Minister — Engineering News
July 2024
  • Global coal demand set to remain at record levels in 2023 — IEA
  • Coal's role in energy transition: a balancing act — Mining Review Africa
  • Richards Bay prices rise as focus turns to Oct cargoes
    — Southern Africa Coal Report
  • Coal-fired output will remain resilient in 2024 due to strong electricity demand growth — FutureCoal
  • Port and rail to connect Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana — Freight News
  • Med, MENA thermal coal imports steady on contractual deliveries — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal market sees CIF ARA bids rising despite weak demand
    — Platts CTI
  • EU coal demand to fall below 300 Mt in 2025: IEA — Platts CTI
  • RBCT stocks increase amid rail closure — McCloskey
  • India April-June power sector coal imports rise 37% on year — Platts CTI
  • IEA ups 2024/25 coal demand outlook; now seen steady — McCloskey
  • ‘We don’t see a pathway’ to coal phaseout by 2030, says US utility
    — Financial Times
  • West hurting itself by pursuing ‘net zero’ while Russia and China increase fossil fuels — New York Post
  • Botswana seeks Mozambique rail route to exploit coal billions — Bloomberg
  • South African thermal coal price steady despite rail line disruption between Richards Bay and Ermelo — Platts CTI
  • S. Africa coal lines resume normal ops after disruption — McCloskey
  • Thermal coal derivatives volume marginally up at 28.9 Mt in June: LEBA
    — Platts CTI
  • Easing supply constraints, weak demand keeps Asian thermal coal prices rangebound — Platts CTI
  • Maatla Resources : Developing Stability — Mining Outlook
  • S. Africa prices rangebound ahead of rail maintenance
    — Southern Africa Coal Report
  • S. Africa mine production flat in May — Southern Africa Coal Report
  • Exporters ramp up RBCT stocks ahead of rail maintenance
    — Southern Africa Coal Report
  • S. Africa coal line hit by more power cuts, cable theft — McCloskey
  • ASEAN energy ministers confirm importance of coal for Southeast Asian nations
    — Lars Schernikau
  • API2: EU futures experience volatility amid natural gas supply concerns
    — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures fluctuate due to market instability towards end of the week
    — i-Energy
  • Botswana eyes new export route to exploit huge coal resource — Bloomberg
  • Asian thermal coal prices continue to fall amid weak demand; offer-bid gap remains wide — Platts CTI
  • Why Anglo's asset sale could stir up trouble — News24
  • TURKEY DATA: May thermal coal imports surge 31% amid discounted restocking — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal market sees limited activity; weak demand fundamentals persist — Platts CTI
  • Bid-offer disparity keeps trades limited in Asian thermal coal market
    — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay prices ease as focus turns to Sep cargoes
    — Southern Africa Coal Report
  • US, Colombia, South Africa thermal coal exports to fall to 146 million mt by 2026: report — Platts CTI
  • History made as GB Rail freight delivers final coal shipment — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures have dropped to a three-and-a-half-month low — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures plummet to three-month low on surplus supply and waning demand — i-Energy
June 2024
  • Prices drop in the Atlantic thermal coal market amid weak demand fundamentals
    — Platts CTI
  • Exiting coal isn’t the way to net zero, Australian pension says — Reuters
  • S. Africa coal port strike in 2nd day, no impact yet — Reuters
  • API2: EU futures corrected upward for the week — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures stable for the week — i-Energy
  • High CV market quiet, focus turns to off-spec coal — Southern Africa Coal Report
  • Demand remains unchanged in Atlantic thermal coal market; prices rangebound
    — Platts CTI
  • S Africa's annual coal line maintenance delay to further impact thermal coal exports — Platts CTI
  • India sponge iron producers buy three S. Africa cargoes
    — McCloskey Coal & Energy Report
  • Atlantic prices ease with three NW Europe trades
    — McCloskey Coal & Energy Report
  • Thungela poised to spend R3.9bn capital in South Africa — Mining Weekly
  • Eskom wins South African appeal to keep five polluting power plants open
    — Bloomberg
  • SA's RBCT coal exports rise in March — Reuters
  • Global energy transition has barely begun despite regional gains: Energy Institute — Platts CTI
  • Thermal coal derivative volumes stable at 28.1 Mt in May: LEBA — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures corrected upward for the week — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures stable for the week — i-Energy
  • China Energy Sector: Coal port in Hebei Province turns to innovation to achieve carbon neutrality goal — CGTN — Platts CTI
  • Investors cheer S. Africa’s new coalition government — McCloskey
  • Rail line disruption between Ermelo and RLRA weighs on South African thermal coal exports — Platts CTI
  • Transnet could stage one of the greatest turnarounds in business history
    — Daily Maverick
  • Richards Bay eases as Aug enters index-setting window — Platts CTI
  • RBCT H1 coal exports seen up 11% on improved railings — Platts CTI
  • TURKEY DATA: April thermal coal imports fall 34% on month to 1.9 Mt
    — Platts CTI
  • Med, MENA coal prices mixed as fresh inquiries rise from major buyers
    — Platts CTI
  • ARA thermal coal stocks fall to multi-year low amid limited demand — Platts CTI
  • Coal demand to remain firm as Modi scrapes third term — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal market sees limited activity amid slow demand — Platts CTI
  • S. Africa prices up for second week on tighter supplies
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Supply concerns drive Richards Bay to 6-month highs
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • API2: EU front month futures jumped to seven month high — i-Energy
  • API4: SA front-month futures escalate to seven-month peak — i-Energy
May 2024
  • Atlantic thermal coal European demand remains subdued — Platts CTI
  • India’s coal demand from under-construction power projects to reach 106 Mtpa by FY30 — Platts CTI
  • Commodities, shipping in focus in watershed South African election — Platts CTI
  • India election 2024: Coal demand to surge if Modi wins — McCloskey
  • Richards Bay prices rise with two prompt trades — Southern African Coal Report
  • Eskom confident of coal supply for plant life extension
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • API4: SA futures surge due to API2 increased and logistical issues — i-Energy
  • API2: EU futures adjusted upwards with an increase in natural gas prices
    — i-Energy
  • Atlantic thermal coal market shows mixed sentiment as price volatility persists
    — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay higher with two trades, NW Europe steady — McCloskey
  • Richards Bay June loader trades at $109/t FOB — Platts CTI
  • South African coal exports hit by train derailment; lines closed — Platts CTI
  • Partial services resume on South African coal rail line hit by derailment: Transnet Rail Freight — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures decline for current month, front month remains stable
    — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures current month falls, front month rises — i-Energy
  • Asian thermal coal prices mixed, sees slow low-CV demand — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay prices edge up on train derailment — Platts CTI
  • Mining production surprises on the downside — Platts CTI
  • South African coal exports hit by train derailment; lines closed — Platts CTI
  • Eskom board approves plan to operate Camden, Grootvlei and Hendrina to 2030 — Mining Weekly
  • Atlantic prices fall as European cargoes trade lower — Platts CTI
  • Thermal coal derivative volumes slump 18% on month to 28.6 Mt in April: LEBA
    — Platts CTI
  • Demand remains subdued in Atlantic thermal coal market amid limited trading activity — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay prices recover, as low RBCT stocks support
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • S. Africa to propose new timeline to shut Eskom plants
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • S. Africa power crisis to end by 2025 - business group
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Market activity for non-Russian anthracite increases
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Election 2024: rivals agree on one thing - coal is king
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • India revives coal-based power plants under long outages to meet peak power demand — Platts CTI
  • RBCT Jan-April exports up 13% — McCloskey
  • TURKEY DATA: Thermal coal imports drop 12% on year in March — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices see a slight uptick amid warmer temperatures in Europe — Platts CTI
  • Manook stresses importance of abated coal in energy future of many nations
    — Mining Weekly
  • Indian buyers take several Indonesia, SA cargoes — McCloskey
  • Richards Bay prices firm with June trade — McCloskey
  • Richards Bay prices fall further towards $100/t level
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • S. Africa coal projects eligible for $21m IDC fund — Southern African Coal Report
  • Canyon ships first coal cargo from Gugulethu — Southern African Coal Report
  • RBCT coal stocks drop below 2 Mt on rail incidents
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Record Surge in Global Coal Capacity Led by China — OilPrice.com
  • Russian thermal coal flows impact Turkish energy landscape, shifts in global trade — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal price slump to two-month low — Platts CTI
  • India buys Indonesia and S. Africa coal, US petcoke — McCloskey
  • Atlantic prices fall again, closing near key $100 level — McCloskey
  • China can’t quit coal by 2040, researchers say, despite global climate goals
    — The Straits Times
  • RBCT coal stocks drop below 2Mt on rail incidents — McCloskey
April 2024
  • Richards Bay eases from 5-month highs with two trades
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Transnet rail volumes rise for the first time in 5 yrs — Southern African Coal Report
  • Asian thermal coal prices remain rangebound amid mixed indications — Platts CTI
  • West Virginia Coal Association president warns of impending EPA carbon rules
    — West Virginia Business News
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices fall amid easing geopolitical concerns — Platts CTI
  • Indian import demand picks up, led by power sector — McCloskey
  • China can't quit coal by 2040, researchers say, despite global climate goals
    — Reuters
  • SA’s coal exporters are now buying spare parts for Transnet’s locomotives to boost railages — miningmx
  • Volatility in Atlantic thermal coal prices to persist amid geopolitical risks
    — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures price pressure released as shipments redirected to alternate ports in the US — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures have commenced a descent amid market stabilization — i-Energy
  • Coal Continues to Thrive Despite Pledges for Clean Energy — OilPrice.com
  • Sustainable global development should focus on bang for buck — Financial Post
  • Weak coal demand burdens delivered prices — Platts CTI
  • EMEA deliveries fall 18% — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices rebound amid weak coal demand fundamentals
    — Platts CTI
  • Europe up with five trades, SA at 5-month high — McCloskey
  • RBCT Q1 exports up 17% y-o-y as railings improve — McCloskey
  • Indian importers turn to Australia, unnerving SA — McCloskey
  • NW European prices up with May trade — McCloskey
  • Halt in loadshedding could boost mining production, if sustained — Mining Weekly
  • Global thermal coal derivative volumes surge 36% on-month in March to 35.1 Mt: LEBA — Platts CTI
  • China accounted for two-thirds of new global coal plant capacity in 2023, report finds — CNBC
  • Coal is preparing for a long goodbye — Bloomberg
  • Coal Continues as Key Part of Japan’s Energy Mix — powermag.com
  • India extends imported coal plants full capacity order — McCloskey
  • China's first quarter coal imports surge, defying gloomy forecasts — Reuters
  • U.S. banks pledged to stop funding coal plants—but they’ve found a loophole
    — Fast Company
  • Meeting growing global demand with US coal — Count on Coal
  • Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power — Count on Coal
  • BigMint Interview: Coal abatement technologies key for India to achieve climate targets — BigMint Bureau
  • China to build more coal mines to feed surging power capacity — Bloomberg
  • Global coal power grew 2% last year, the most since 2016, GEM survey says
    — Reuters
  • BMO drops anti-coal policy amid Wall Street rebuke of ESG — Bloomberg
  • TURKEY DATA: February thermal coal imports rise 40% on year — Platts CTI
  • Med-delivered thermal coal price at nine-week low amid absent trading activity
    — Platts CTI
  • Indian demand picks up with Indonesia, Australia deals — McCloskey
  • Power demand explosion to drive trading boom, liquidity challenges remain
    — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay prices gain ground on supply worries
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • API2: EU coal delivered futures corrected upward amid rising freight rates
    — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures rise due to higher freight rates — i-Energy
  • EMEA thermal coal deliveries strengthen amid Turkey local elections — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices retreat from 19-week high amid muted demand
    — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices diverge after Easter break — McCloskey
  • Indian thermal import interest rises — McCloskey
  • Hopes of demand revival dwindle in Asian thermal coal market — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay hovers above $100/t, supported by Europe
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Transnet’s weekly coal railings highest in FY23/24 — Southern African Coal Report
  • Mafube Coal’s future threaten by licencing impasse
    — Southern African Coal Report
March 2024
  • Thermal coal derivative volumes slide 9% on month to 25.8 Mt: LEBA — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices touch 15-week high amid bullish sentiment
    — Platts CTI
  • With Coal, We Must Consider Energy Reliability — American Coal Council
    — Platts CTI
  • Russian coal producers’ loss could be Colombian, South African miners’ gain
    — Platts CTI
  • US banks pledged to stop funding coal plants—but they’ve found a loophole
    — CAPITAL & MAIN
  • South Africa coal exports surge to Pakistan, Vietnam — McCloskey
  • API2: Further sanctions on Russia propel EU futures to three-month high
    — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures current month down, front month up—positive market fundamentals for pricing — i-Energy
  • Exxaro's 'money or the box' conundrum — Miningmx
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices retreat from three-month high — Platts CTI
  • China coal group says peak demand imminent as clean power grows
    — Bloomberg
  • Price hikes weigh on Indian import activity — Platts CTI
  • Rising freight cost weigh on demand in Asian thermal coal market — Platts CTI
  • Pretoria is pivoting back to energy realism with King Coal — IOL
  • Richards Bay hovers above $90/t, propped up by India
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Asia-Pacific Panamax freight rates rise amid higher bunkers, FFA gains
    — Platts CTI
  • German lignite hits 2024 high, imports rise as wind hits 13-week low — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU futures reached a two-month high level — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures touched the highest levels in the past month — i-Energy
  • European thermal prices back above $100/t — McCloskey
  • Indian buyers book S. Africa, Russia cargoes — McCloskey
February 2024
  • Indonesia, South Africa aim to regain lost share in Indian coal market — Reuters
  • Appeal lost to halt expansion of last UK coal mine — BBC
  • South Korea's thermal coal imports slide in January — McCloskey
  • Asia-Pacific Panamax freight rates largely firmer amid stronger tonnage demand
    — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay market finely balanced above $90/t
    — Southern Africa Coal & Metals Report
  • Junior miners invited to apply for 5-yr RBCT allocation
    — Southern Africa Coal & Metals Report
  • Indian power plants shift to South African coal
    — Southern Africa Coal & Metals Report
  • RBCT exports to rise in March, as trucking too costly
    — Southern Africa Coal & Metals Report
  • Mild weather, elevated stockpiles weigh on Atlantic thermal coal demand
    — Platts CTI
  • Indian import enquiries emerge, but deals slow — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal demand improves as Chinese buyers seek prompt cargoes
    — Platts CTI
  • Indian power plants shifting to South African coal — McCloskey
  • Asia-Pacific regional Supramax freight rates surge amid bullish discussions
    — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay trades near 3-year low, with little upside — Platts CTI
  • Western nations fail to deliver green funds to S. Africa — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal market hopes for renewed Chinese demand as buyers rejoin market — Platts CTI
  • SOUTH KOREA DATA: Jan coal imports rise 8% on year amid lower average landed prices — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal price weakness persists amid high stockpiles — Platts CTI
  • Coal India to add new mines, expand existing ones to meet higher demand, chairman says — Reuters
  • Indian importers book at least 4 multi-origin cargoes — McCloskey
  • THERMAL COAL SERIES: JKT coal reliance faces threat from renewables, nuclear power — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay prices fall on March trade — McCloskey
  • API2: EU coal futures retreated to lower levels — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures decline in the current month, rise in the front month — i-Energy
  • S. Africa prices edge up on India sponge iron buying
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • S. Africa officials look to bring back shut coal plants
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Thermal coal derivative volumes up 18% on month to 28.5 Mt in Jan: LEBA
    — Platts CTI
  • The future of coal: A historic turning point on the horizon — Mining Review Africa
  • S. Africa to invest billions to keep coal plants open — McCloskey
  • Richards Bay edges up from July low, NW Europe steady — McCloskey
  • EMEA thermal coal import prices rise slightly on modest demand — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices drop at end of week after remaining resilient
    — Platts CTI
  • THERMAL COAL SERIES: South Africa's logistics hurdles turn boon for growing Indian appetite — Platts CTI
  • European coal supply overhang persists as winter ends — McCloskey
  • Transnet receives locomotive batteries through RBCT partnership
    — Mining Weekly
  • Indian buyers pick up thermal coal, petcoke — McCloskey
  • Asian thermal coal prices rangebound on limited activity amid absence of participants — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal market expects demand revival post Lunar New Year
    — Platts CTI
  • SA to invest billions to keep coal plants open — McCloskey
  • Dec thermal coal derivative volumes up 26% on year to 24.2Mt: LEBA — Platts CTI
  • API2: EU coal futures adjusted upward due to elevated natural gas prices
    — i-Energy
  • API4: stability maintained in SA futures for the week — i-Energy
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices supported by possible colder February — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal market weak on cheaper alternatives, upcoming holidays
    — Platts CTI
January 2024
  • Richards Bay market drops again on weak Europe demand — Platts CTI
  • FutureCoal welcomes COP28 paving abated coal pathway — World Coal
  • Pretoria is going back to king coal — Hügo’s Newsletter
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices remain under pressure despite high-CV demand
    — Platts CTI
  • New public-private rail corridor agreement already boding well – RBCT
    — Mining Weekly
  • Richards Bay's coal exports dwindle to early 1990s levels as rail woes mount
    — News24
  • Indian import deals slow, but enquiries continue — McCloskey
  • API2: EU coal futures decline amid slower regional demand — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures continue to touch the bottom — i-Energy
  • Transportation of coal resumes fully to Richards Bay Coal Terminal — Platts CTI
  • S. Africa's main coal line resumes operations — McCloskey
  • 2023 – The Year The European Renewables Bubble Burst — Forbes
  • Indonesia targets 710Mt coal output in 2024 after record 2023 — Reuters
  • Atlantic thermal coal markets continue to slide despite cold snap — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal sees tight supply; low CV offer-bid gap narrows — Platts CTI
  • Calls growing to bring back reliable coal — Duluth News Tribune
  • Transnet partially restores service on coal export line — Reuters
  • Global coal exports and power generation hit new highs in 2023 — Reuters
  • Asian thermal coal prices rangebound; wide gap between bids, offers — Platts CTI
  • Transnet to reopen main SA coal line on Thu — McCloskey
  • SOUTH KOREA DATA: 2023 coal imports drop 4.5% on year amid overall low demand — Platts CTI
  • No impact so far on South African coal prices from rail closure — Platts CTI
  • Richards Bay prices ease after RBCT rail line closes
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Minister defends plan to extend life of coal plants
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • RBCT 2023 coal exports drop to decades low of 47Mt
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • Coal financing is still booming – led by China — Bloomberg
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices diverge as cold snap fails to boost pricing — Platts CTI
  • India’s plans to double coal production, ignore climate threat — Bloomberg
  • API2: EU coal futures expand with looming cold snap and red sea conflict
    — i-Energy
  • API4: SA futures stable for a third consecutive week — i-Energy
  • Richards Bay recovers from July low, still below $100/t
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • President grants power minister authority over Eskom
    — Southern African Coal Report
  • New energy plan looks to extend life of coal plants — Southern African Coal Report
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices fall despite cold snap, higher burn — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal market sees lack of bids amid subdued consumer demand
    — Platts CTI
  • Bangladesh's 2023 coal-fired power output tripled, easing shortages — Reuters
  • South Africa’s plan to add 100 gigawatts of new generation capacity — Bloomberg
  • Atlantic thermal coal prices rise in first week of 2024 — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal prices steady after New Year wobble — McCloskey
  • JAPAN DATA: Coal imports fall 8% on year to 13.64Mt in Nov — Platts CTI
  • Asian thermal coal demand tepid despite some inquiries from Chinese buyers
    — Platts CTI
  • Atlantic thermal coal market set for calmer year — Platts CTI
  • Dec thermal coal derivatives volume falls 85% on year to 165,000 t: CME
    — Platts CTI
  • Indian gov’t planning to suspend coal mining for 10 years after 2030 — Sun Media

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Current industry statistics, including production, sales, exports and pricing data, as well as the latest information on developments in the field are sourced from the records of XMP Consulting, coal industry specialists.

 

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