98/01891 The potential for India in the world coal export market : Watson, W. D. et al. The Journal of Energy and Development, 22, (1), 45–65

Abstract

Data and analysis presented in this paper indicate that the Raniganj and Jharia coalfields in east-central India may have significant coal resources with ash yields, calorific values, and sulfur contents comparable to the coals currently being exported into the Asian coal market (principally from Australia and South Africa). At a cost estimated at $30 to $40 per metric ton delivered to Japan, beneficiated Indian steam coal would be competitive on the international coal export market as prices from current suppliers presently exceed $40 per metric ton. Forecasts presented in this paper indicate that the Asian steam coal market has the capacity to absorb an additional 36 million to 72 million metric tons per year by 2000 and 2010, respectively, from new entrants. This growth in demand, coupled with India`s cost competitiveness, provides an opportunity for India to become a major exporter of steam coal to the Asian market in the next 20 years.