Brian Robins, Peter Ker
Hunger for Australian coal helped power the nation through the global financial crisis. That appetite ended on Tuesday. Brian Robins and Peter Ker report
The Chinese government is to limit the use of imported coal with more than 16 per cent ash and 3 per cent sulphur from January 1, 2015 in a bid to improve air quality, especially in cities such as Beijing and around Shanghai.
A coal mine near Moranbah, Queensland. Photo: Peter Braig
At the same time, China is moving to force power utilities to slash coal import volumes, also with the stated aim of improving air quality, although this move will primarily give China's local coalminers a lift.
