In Venezuela: power blackouts take toll on coal mining, steel production

摘要

Rolling power blackouts are taking a toll on Venezuelan coal and steel production, sources tell Coal Americas. "It's just another layer of aggravation," one source said. "Things have gone downhill rather quickly since Hugo Chavez (Venezuela's president) nationalized the coal and steel industries. It is extremely difficult to obtain spare parts for equipment at the mines. Routine maintenance is practically non-existent. That is really hampering coal production. The multinational investors in Venezuela's coal industry are doing everything possible to bolster coal production, but the government controls the industry and coal isn't a big priority."