Surging demand and prices for commodities including platinum-group metals, iron ore, manganese and coal are generating record mining-company profits and bolstering government revenue.

Buoyed by a rebound in the price of coal, miners are dusting off expansion plans and raising capital for new projects and acquisitions.

A 208-wagon coal train derailed in South Africa over the weekend partially shutting a rail line that links mines to the Richards Bay export terminal.

The ministry set the benchmark coal price at $115.35 per tonne in July, higher than the $100.33 per tonne in June.

Details captured in European Space Agency satellite data show the plume about 90 kilometers (56 miles) east of Shanxi’s capital Taiyuan, in Yangquan City.

Country plans to invest a total of 6 billion euros in new capacities for electricity production by 2040 as it seeks to phase out coal-fired power plants.

The dirtiest of fuels countries are racing to phase out is enjoying booming demand.

Thungela has surged as coal climbed to a 13-year high on stronger demand from Asia.