Noble eyeing coalmines acquisition in Indonesia, Australia

Global commodities merchant Noble Group Ltd. listed in Singapore Exchange continues to investigate coal acquisitions in Australia and Indonesia, chief executive Richard Elman said Friday.

Noble is "having discussions virtually weekly," though it is difficult to judge what the results will be, Elman told reporters at a post-results briefing.

The company is willing to buy assets outright, operate them or participate through financing of projects, Elman said.

"We continue to look predominantly at Australia and Indonesia," he said.

Noble has also looked at coal acquisitions in China, but the recent opportunities haven't been that attractive, Elman said. (*)