India sets six-month import cap on key steelmaking ingredient met coke
India will impose restrictions on the import of low-ash metallurgical coke.
BHP Billiton coal production in Queensland declined by 30% due to rain and flooding in the Bowen Basin.
“In the December 2010 quarter, Queensland Coal production declined by 30% when compared with the September 2010 quarter, while sales declined by
15%,” according to the company’s half year production report released on Thursday.
“The decision to increase pumping and drainage capacity following severe wet weather in the March 2008 quarter has minimised inpit water accumulation, although heavy rainfall that persisted for much of the December 2010 half year has significantly restricted overburden removal. When combined with disruption to external infrastructure, we expect an ongoing impact on production, sales and unit costs for the remainder of the 2011 financial year.”
Iron ore production had a better year. The company reported record iron ore production for both the quarter and half-year.
“Western Australia Iron Ore shipments rose to an annualised rate of 148 million tonnes per annum.”
The company also reported quarterly production records at Hunter Valley Energy Coal and the Alumar refinery. Record milling rates were achieved at both Olympic Dam and Antamina.
