The growing disparity between India's coal supply and demand is forcing power companies and other users to source supplies abroadrnWith China's closed mini steel mills reopening gradually, Indian iron ore exporters are hoping shipments will rise at least 5.5% this year to match last year's level.rnIn the year ended March 2008 India's exports reached 104.27 mt, up from 93.79 mt a year earlier on high Chinese demand. However, in the nine months ending December shipment declined 5.5 % to 64.47 mt from 68.15 mt in the corresponding period in 2007.rnThe gradual reopening of mini mills is significant as Indian miners were expecting a decline in overall shipments, thereby worsening their economic health, already badly hit by lower raw material prices.rn"Though the demand for iron ore was low in January as Chinese traders celebrated their New Year, we are confident shipments will pick up to match at least last year's level, if not more," said R. K. Sharma, secretary general of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI).
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