Reuters reported that a new Harvard study has measured the human health and environmental costs of coal production and consumption.
The figures are daunting. Coal demand in the international market has been waning. International coal prices have been lingering at a low track from March to May, and statistics from China's customs shows that China's import of coal in May reached 9.43 million tonnes surging by 133.1 per cent year-on-year, which is also the highest level ever. But there are rays of hope elsewhere. Western Australia's miners have recorded their fifth consecutive month of growth, and UAE's Coal & Oil Group is planning to invest around $300 million to buy new ships and to acquire coal mines.
Welcome to the Coaling Station, your online recap of what’s happening in the global coal industry. We are hoping to have a new edition twice a week, depending on sector activity.
If you are lucky, Santa Claus may leave a huge lump of coal in your stocking this year. With near-month futures contracts trading in the $120-$130 per ton range, the formerly shunned fuel is more valuable than ever.
Monday, February 21, 2011