China's top listed coal producers post weak first-half results, oversupply to persist

China Shenhua Energy , the country's biggest listed coal producer, reported a 42.6% fall in first-half net profit while second largest player China Coal swung to the red on weak demand and a slump in prices, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

China Shenhua Energy's net profit in the first six months fell to 13.07 billion yuan ($A2.8 billion) and China Coal Energy posted a net loss of 1.07 billion yuan during the same period, versus a year-ago net profit of 780.2 million yuan, the companies said in filings on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

NSW Government and federal government poles apart on mining

While the Abbott government ratcheted up attacks on “vigilante litigation” by environment groups it declared were sabotaging Australia's economic future by challenging mega-coal mines in the courts, its Coalition counterparts in NSW appeared more like foes than allies, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Rather than rubber-stamp plans to expand two controversial coal mines – one near Lithgow and the other in the Hunter Valley – the Baird government ordered the Planning Assessment Commission to conduct an additional review of both projects replete with public hearings.

Australia, Brazil press ore imports into China, expanding market clout

In the global iron ore market, the world's two biggest exporters are expanding sales into the top customer, winning a greater share of trade as prices tumble, according to Bloomberg.

Cargoes from Australia to China rose 13% to 347.4 million tonnes in the first seven months of the year, while Brazil’s shipments gained 6.5% to 100.7Mt, customs data from the biggest buyer showed on Friday. Total imports for the period were little changed at 539Mt.