The coal producing conglomerate is responsible for the foreign coal-related activities of Essen-based RAG Group. Recorded pre-tax earnings of E45 million for the first six months, up 10% on the same period in the previous year. Sales also rose 10% to E2.3 billion during the period.

In 2002, total hard coal output from its operations in the United States, in Australia and Venezuela is expected to reach 70-75 million tones.

“In spite of a rather difficult market to steam coal in the USA, overseas mining operations have proved once again to be stable and reliable sources of good earnings,” said Dr Jurgen Stadelhofer, chief executive of RAG Coal International.

He added that the coking coal business in Australia was particularly successful. The company holds stakes in the Burton open-cut mine and neighbouring North Goonyella longwall mine in central Queensland.

RAG Coal International also said the activities of its subsidiary, underground coal mining equipment manufacturer DBT, were gaining significance for the group’s earnings performance.

“In about three to five year’s time, we want to score first in the league of global players in underground mining technology,” Stadelhofer said.

The company said the takeover of American competitor, Long Airdox in 2001 had allowed DBT to markedly strengthen its international position.