Jim Popowich: Coal prices increased 83 percent last year but now show signs of softening

摘要

Securing big tires for heavy machinery will remain a challenge for Canada's Elk Valley Coal and could hold production down to 24 to 25 million tonnes/year into 2007, according to Jim Popowich, president of Fording Canadian Coal Trust. Fording owns a 60 percent interest in Elk Valley Coal. The tire shortage, which is being caused by a global increase in mining, especially in areas like China and India, is expected to plague coal producers through 2008.