Indonesia is reportedly aiming for high growth on expectations of better global coal prices due to Asian industrial expansions and a US-led economic rebound.
“Since the US has prevented the so-called fiscal cliff, we can expect their economy to improve,” Indonesian Energy and Minerals Deputy Minister Rudi Rubiandini told the Jakarta Post.
“There’s some optimism that the global economy will recover. This will drive demand for coal and minerals.”
China, meanwhile, is expected to maintain its high level of imports this year at about 270Mt, largely from Indonesia.
Projections for a 1.2% increase this year in national coal output, however, fall significantly short of the 9% production boost experienced by Indonesian miners during 2012.
