ARCHIVE

Met coal sag despite Chinese pick-up

A SLIGHT pick up in the Chinese economy has not been strong enough to lift metallurgical coal pri...

Lou Caruana

This article is 12 years old. Images might not display.

For the week to May 14, premium low-vol coking coal prices were $US143.25 per tonne.

“Most metallurgical coal prices we track continued to weaken over the week, led by a 2.6% decline in low-vol PCI,” RBC Capital Markets said in its report.

“However, high-vol B coal prices in the Atlantic markets stood out, climbing 1.9% this week.

“According to Platts, the price decline in Asia-Pacific was primarily driven by abundant supply from Australia and Canada, which more than offset a slight rebound in Chinese demand.”

Thermal coal was a different story with the industrial dispute at the Port of Newcastle impacting prices.

“Thermal coal prices were mixed this week, with coal sold FOB Newcastle up 0.5% while coal sold FOB Richards Bay and coal delivered into Europe were down 1.6% and 1.8%, respectively,” RBC Capital Markets said in its report.

“Newcastle prices rose modestly due to stable Chinese demand, the introduction of small-scale industrial action at Newcastle port, and perceived regional supply tightness.”

Thermal coal FOB from Newcastle was $89.00/t for the week to May 14.

TOPICS:

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2025

Discover how mining companies and investors are adopting, deploying and evaluating new technologies.

editions

Mining IQ Exploration Insights 2025

Gain exclusive insights into the world of exploration in a comprehensive review of the top trending technologies, intercepts, discoveries and more.

editions

Future Fleets Insights 2025

Mining IQ Future Fleets Insights 2025 looks at how companies are using alternative energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emmissions

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024

Exclusive research for Mining IQ Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech