Coal Mining in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated
New York, NY (PRWEB) April 12, 2014 -- The Coal Mining industry has been on the mend in the five years to 2014, with revenue expected to increase at an annualized rate of 2.1% to $46.0 billion. “The prices of thermal and metallurgical coal have been recovering from the recession over the period, though high levels of volatility remain,” according to IBISWorld Industry Analyst James Crompton. Price volatility has been influenced by Australian coal reentering the global market after the 2011 floods, the emergence of natural gas as a substitute for coal in electricity generation, a slowing Chinese economy and a mild winter in the United States during 2011 and 2012 that reduced demand for thermal coal. Consequently, coal stockpiles have remained high around the globe, but continued demand is expected to boost industry revenue by an estimated 0.7% in 2014.
Significant merger and acquisition activity is also present in the industry, as operators attempted to acquire as much affordable metallurgical coal as possible. “However, industry players purchased smaller metallurgical coal mines that struggled during the recession,” says Crompton. Moreover, metallurgical coal from the United States is in high demand because of its perceived superior quality over coal found in most other countries. Emerging economies have demanded metallurgical coal (i.e. coal needed for steel production) at accelerating rates, boosting exports over the past five years. Consequently, industry operators have had to scramble in order to expand through acquisitions.
Coal prices are expected to grow slightly in the five years to 2019, as slowing economic growth of major global markets (e.g. China) places downward pressure on product prices. Slower growth in emerging economies will also hurt demand for US metallurgical coal and will cause price sluggishness. Furthermore, natural gas will continue to erode coal demand over the next five years, as the appetite for alternative sources of electricity is expected to expand globally. Although demand from emerging economies is not expected to rival prerecession levels, they will still demand metallurgical coal at high rates to satisfy steel requirements. Additionally, the consumption of electric power is projected to expand, offering some relief to industry operators.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Coal Mining in the US industry report page.
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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
Operators in the Coal Mining industry mine various types of coal, and this will often occur either underground or in surface pits. Most coal mines consist of bituminous coal or anthracite (types of black coal), but companies might excavate lignite (brown coal) as well. Industry operators also develop coal mine sites and prepare the coal for sale by washing, screening and sizing the material.
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Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld 2, +1 (310) 866-5042, [email protected]
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