China Coal Import Ban Unlikely on Cost, Indonesian Miners Say

China is unlikely to implement a proposed ban on imports of lower-quality coal, according to three mining companies in Indonesia, the world’s biggest exporter of the power-station fuel.

The National Energy Administration’s plan to halt overseas purchases of coal with a relatively low heating value and high sulfur and ash content probably won’t happen, officials from PT Harum Energy, PT Permata Energy Resources and PT Adimitra Baratama Nusantara said yesterday in Bali, Indonesia. The officials cited conversations with unidentified customers in China, saying they’re concerned their costs will increase.