Coal Dreams in Colombia's Interior Departments The Question: How quickly can new Infrastructure fall Into place?

摘要

After a seemingly long series of starts and stalls, coal producers in Colombia's interior departments are closer to becoming important players on the international export market. "We see the potential on the horizon," a Colombian coal executive told Coal Americas. "This time we are determined not to have our ambitions for industry growth dashed." It has been a bumpy ride for Colombia's interior coal producers. In early 2008, the export market sent out strong signals and the coal producers increased production as much as possible. "By the end of 2008, demand for metallurgical coal and coke had fallen through the floor. Prices had dropped by a proportion of 3 to 1 due to the contraction in steel demand," the official said. "Met coal producers were left with very high coal inventories. Many mines in northern Boyaca and Cundinamarca ceased production in November 2008. During the first half of 2009, mines continued to reduce output. Demand began to recover starting in September 2009, followed by strong dynamics in 2010."