Insight
Shanxi to urge its coal mines to boost production again: why, will it work, and what would it mean for the import market?
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
Considering the state of the economy, the Shanxi provincial government is speeding up safety check acceptances and encouraging coal mines to boost production, even allowing them to operate over their initial approved capacity. However, we are sceptical about how these policies will eventuate in the coming months and discuss them in more detail in this report.
Table of contents
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Why?
- Why were mine operations suspended in December 2023?
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Will it work?
- Responses from miners have not been very positive, given their concerns about production risks and market demand
- Resuming night shifts might gain some efficiencies back but may not lead to greater output
- Illegal mines going mainstream - The switching of some underground mines to open pits will not contribute to a production increase
- What would it mean for the import market?
- Conclusion
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
- Record import volumes in 2023 could rise to new heights in 2024
- Consistently high production coupled with a rise in miner mortality
What's included
This report contains:
