China's coal miners report first-half losses

摘要

Twenty six of China's large coal mining companies reported combined losses of Yuan 4.66 billion ($759 million) for first-half 2013, according to a report July 17 by China Coal News, the official newspaper of the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety, citing figures from the China National Coal Association. Six coal mining provinces - Heilongjiang, Jilin, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Anhui - reported overall losses in their coal industries. Continuously slipping coal prices are to blame, the report said. In first-half 2013, China mined 1.79 billion mt of coal, down 68 million mt or 3.7% year-on-year, according to CNCA data. A total 1.75 billion mt of coal was sold over January-June, down 69 million mt or 3.8% year-on-year. National coal consumption was estimated at 1.93 billion mt for first-half 2013, edging up 1.3% year-on-year.