Indonesia could become reliable coal supplier

Indonesia could become reliable coal supplier

Industry and company officials said that Indonesia may surpass Australia in 2005 to become the largest thermal coal exporter as demand from buyers in India and southern China has increased. Indonesia's thermal coal exports rose 15% in 2004 as demand for the fuel drove prices to record highs. The country produced 127 million tons of various coal types last year, and 2005 output may reach 140 million tons. The country's total coal exports may increase to 104 million tons in 2005 and to 193 million tons by 2010, from 91 million tons in 2004. China's demand for Indonesian coal is expected to rise 18% over the next five years. Coal sales to India could grow as much as 16%. Indonesia could become a reliable worldwide coal supplier if the country can increase its coal output to more than 200 million metric tons per annum by 2010.