The risks of doing business with Russia will become too much for many companies to bear, even without sanctions, writes Clyde Russell.

At least two merchant ships have been reportedly hit since Russian forces began the attack in Ukraine.

Russia supplies coal to Europe, with Refinitiv pegging February seaborne volumes at 3.27 million tonnes.

For campaigners in this pastoral countryside adjacent to a world heritage site, a decision this month by the High Court of Australia was the culmination of a years-long legal battle against a global corporate giant.

Demand for copper and coal has risen as global economies recover further from pandemic lows.

The move comes at a time when India is battling a coal shortage as supplies from Coal India are below burgeoning demand.

The move comes as Beijing strives to balance the profits of coal miners and power generators after widespread electricity outages and runaway coal prices last year.

The Canadian miner has approached smaller rival Arch Resources to gauge their interest in buying a stake of 10% or more in the business.