China Could Face 100-Million Tonne Coal Shortage in 2010

This is interesting. From Interfax via Resource Investor:

China will face a 100-million tonne coal shortage in 2010 due to policy adjustments in the coal industry in recent years, according to a report released by the China Coal Trade & Development Association (CCTDA) on Tuesday.

China's coal demand will reach 3.01 billion tonnes in 2010, and the shortage may reach 100 million tonnes, according to the report. However, if the country's economic growth slows down, the shortage will not be as acute.

According to the report, policies that will help create a shortage include pressure to make coal companies safer, the reduction of new coal exploration activities, increasing entry requirements into the coal industry and increasing imports of coal as opposed to domestic production....MORE