Brazilian miner Vale has stated that it has been forced by the state to temporarily shut down its 2.4 million mt capacity Integra coking coal mine in Australia due to the high levels of methane gas detected. Vale did not reveal any information regarding the likely reopening date of the mine.
This closure may further increase coking coal prices as Australia tries to increase production after floods negatively affected the industry earlier this year.
No indications have been given as to whether Vale will declare force majeure due to the closure of the mine.