Coal miners domestic market quota increased

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has increased the volume of output that coal contract of works (CCOW) holders must set aside for domestic users by 68.3 million metric tons this year to meet the nation?s demand, local media reported on Friday.

Coal miners have to sell 68.3 million metric tons of their combined output to local utilities and other companies, Bambang Setiawan, Director General of Minerals, Coal and Geothermal at the ministry, told reporters in Jakarta. That compares to a November estimate of 47 million tons.

?The numbers are higher than expected as many users have just submitted their requirements,? He said.

Of the planned 68.3 million tons of coal to be set aside for domestic use this year, 41.4 million tons will be for electricity generation, while the rest is for use by makers of steel, cement, paper, textiles and metals, he added. (*)