Shanxi mine-restart push targets thermal coal supply squeeze

On October 16, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA), together with other departments, convened a meeting in Shanxi province to accelerate coal release for the upcoming winter season, requiring the top coal-producing region to bring idled mines back online and raise output to steady the market, the NEA reported on the same day.

The meeting follows months of tightening domestic supply that have lifted spot thermal coal to its strongest in about three years. According to Mysteel's assessment, the benchmark 5,500 kcal/kg NAR grade was priced at Yuan 1,021/tonne ($152.6/t) FOB northern ports with VAT as of October 15, the highest since