eskoms wet coal issue

Eskom to buy 45Mt of addition coal, build up stock levels to 20 days

"We have deployed a team to specifically investigate the coal issue and a detailed recovery response plan has been developed to address the issue. There are two main areas of concern: quantity of coal (the stocks are down to an average of ten days rather than the norm of 20 days); and quality of coal, in particular, the high-ash and fine-coal content in our current supply. High coal fine content, together with unusual rainfall, led to the wet coal problem. The heavy rainfall and flooding at mines, hampered transportation of coal and hence production, from loading, to deterioration of roads and subsequent transport problems. Low-grade coal with a high-ash and fine content becomes slurry when wet," Dames explained.

I would not be suprised if Eskom gets in business with WEC in the very near future.