Coal export plunges drastically

Mongolia’s coal export has declined to almost a third of what it was a year ago, according to the General Customs Office on Wednesday.

Preliminary results show that between January 1 and May 18, local companies exported 5.1 million tons of coal, generating revenue of 421.2 million USD. By the end of May 2019, coal export had exceeded 15.1 million tons, generating 1.2 billion USD.

Currently, coal exportations are permitted through Gashuunsukhait, Shiveekhuren, Khangi and ZamiinUUd border checkpoints. Of all exported coal, 48 percent was shipped through Gashuunsukhait and 30 percent through Shiveekhuren.

Export volume has risen but is yet to reach normal range, noted the office.

On May 18, 397 trucks transported coal through Gashuunsukhait border checkpoint and 276 trucks through Shiveekhuren border checkpoint. Customs officers stated that the number of trucks crossing over the border need to be raised by another 100 to reach the normal range of 500 vehicles per day.

By the end of April, 15 out of 24 licensed coal miners in Mongolia were continuing to export coal. The majority of coals were exported by Erdene Resource Development, Energy Resources, Tavan Tolgoi LLC, Mongolyn Alt Corporation and SouthGobi Sands. Less than 10 mining companies were reportedly still engaging in coal exploration.

As for exports of other minerals, Mongolia exported 491,300 tons of copper concentrate, generating revenue of 547.5 million USD. Both the volume and monetary value declined yearoveryear by 13 percent and 33 percent respectively. Oyu Tolgoi LLC is the only company exporting copper concentrate through Gashuunsukhait border checkpoint and to date, it has shipped 252,600 tons to China.

On May 18, 80 trucks carrying copper concentrate passed through Gashuunsukhait, reaching the normal range, reported the General Customs Office.