Regional Coal: Statistic shows China's H1 coal production increase

China mined 940 million tons of coal in the first half of this year, 82.92 million tons or 9.7 per cent more than in the same period in 2004, Xinhua reported.

The growth is 5.3 percentage points lower than in the same period of last year.

This included 493 million tons produced by state-owned coalmines, 45.99 million tons or 10.3 per cent more than that in the same 2004 period, a growth 1.6 percentage points lower; 142 million tons by local state-owned mines, 4.62 million tons less than that in the same 2004 period; and 310 million tons by township coal pits, 41.55 million tons or 15.7 per cent more than in the same 2004 period, a growth 13.4 percentage points higher than in the same 2004 period.

The sales of coal reached 915 million tons, up 11.5 per cent or 94.66 million tons.

The coal inventories had remained at 115 million tons at the end of June, 11.49 million tons or 11.1 per cent more than in the same period of last year.

About 30 million tons of coal were exported during this period, 14.01 million tons or 31.8 per cent less.

The price of commercial coal averaged 261.55 yuan (US$31.60) per ton in the first half, 55.12 yuan or 26.7 per cent higher than at the end of 2004. The coal for power plant sold for 198 yuan per ton, 35.8 yuan higher than at the end of 2004.

At present, coal inventories are increasing and prices are falling. The power coal supply and inventories are at a normal level.(*)