South African 'junior' producers face ongoing senior pressures

摘要

Small coal mining companies in South Africa continue to confront pressure to consolidate due to several factors, but questions abound as to which direction the so-called "junior" producers will take. Will they settle for an offer from a much larger company such as Glencore or BHP Billiton? Will some resist the potential combinations, hoping to carry on despite numerous and tough-to-overcome obstacles to prosperity? Or will they simply shut down operations?