Significant Easing of Indonesian Coal Export Ban

Coal

In a 20 January announcement, Indonesian officials lifted the coal export ban on Coal Contract of Work (CCoW) and Business Mining Licence (IUP) holders that have fulfilled their Domestic Market Obligations (DMO) in 2021 and have committed sufficient material to local buyers so far this year, IHS reports. The 139 miners affected includes most of the country’s major operators. However, the ban is to remain in place for miners that have yet to meet their DMOs.

The effect of the export ban on Pacific coal trade has been dramatic. According to IHS estimates, Indonesia exported just 4.7 Mt of coal in the first 20 days of January compared with 30.0 Mt in the same period last year.