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China's Jan-Feb coal output slips 4% on high stockpiles, weak cost projections

China's coal production in January and February fell 4% from the previous year as high stockpiles and forecast lower costs up a damper on mining output.

China, the world's biggest producer, mined 705.27 million metric lots of coal in the very first 2 months of the year, the National Bureau of Stats stated on Monday, below 734.23 million in the corresponding 2023 duration.

China releases combined information for January and February to account for distortion triggered by the irregular timing of the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, which fell in February this year.

2 China-based traders, who decreased to be named because they were not authorised to speak to the media, stated the decline was anticipated as mines had been cutting back on production.

Some mines also took a longer than typical break for the Lunar New Year because stockpiles are at such a high level, one of the traders said.

The other trader stated mines were cutting their production strategies in expectation of lower costs.

A series of mishaps has actually also weighed on production as local regulators have actually set up stricter security curbs.

Last month, regulators in China's largest coal mining province of Shanxi told miners to curb production in a quote to avoid major accidents. Deaths, which are not unusual in coal mines, rose over 50% in the northern province last year.

In spite of the curbs, 2 more accidents occurred in Shanxi and the eastern Anhui province, eliminating a minimum of 12 people on March 11.

Dennis Ip, an expert with Daiwa Capital Markets, said in a. client note last week that the fatalities presented an increased. possibility that production controls could spread to other. provinces, because they occurred throughout China's crucial. political meeting, the March 5-11 National Individuals's Congress. ( NPC), or parliament.

Shanxi's vice governor also told the parliamentary meeting. in early March that the province would stabilise coal. production this year, unlike 2023 when provincial officials. targeted a boost of 60 million lots.

Total nationwide coal output reached a record high of 4.66. billion loads in 2015 amid a push to ensure energy security.

(source: Reuters)