COALspot.com keeps you connected across the coal world

Submit Your Articles
We welcome article submissions from experts in the areas of coal, mining, shipping, etc.

To Submit your article please click here.

International Energy Events


Search News
Latest CoalNews Headlines
Monday, 05 September 11
INDONESIAN COAL BENCHMARK PRICE - ANALYSIS


Analyst : Sunil K Kumbhat
COALspot.com - As a part of the Government’s efforts to stop transfer pricing abuses which have resulted in the loss of production royalties in recent years Govt of Indonesia issued  Regulation No.17 of 2010 entitled "Procedures to Determine the Benchmark Price for Mineral and Coal Sales" .

Apart from  setting out the procedures to determine the benchmark price for the sale of coal and minerals, Regulation  imposes other obligations on mineral and coal producers (that is, the holders of Production Operation IUPs and IUPKs) when making sales.This move has been seen as important as the benchmark Coal price is expected to provide optimum price and help goverment in calculating potential State Revenue. The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

The following are some key points highlights the provisions of regulation  and the likely impact it will have on mine owners, including on their sales activities, royalty calculations and administrative obligations:

Obligation to follow benchmark price
Regulation  provides that mineral and coal producers are obliged to sell minerals and coal based on a regulated benchmark price, whether for domestic or export sales.

The benchmark pricing obligation applies to all minerals and coal sales to third parties, including to any affiliate of the mineral and coal producer (which includes any party that has direct ownership in the holder of a Production Operation IUP or a Production Operation IUPK as well as any party that may indirectly influence the decision-making of such holders).

Determination of benchmark price
Regulation  provides that the benchmark price for  minerals and coal will be determined by the Director General of Minerals and Coal (DGMC) .  The benchmark price for non-metallic minerals and rocks will be determined by either the Governor or the Regent/Mayor, as appropriate.

Different methods will be used to determine the benchmark price for different commodities. For metallic minerals, the DGMC will determine the benchmark price for each metallic mineral monthly using a formula that refers to international market prices. For coal, the DGMC will determine separate benchmark prices for metallurgical coal, thermal coal and low rank coal monthly.No formal definition of low rank coal exists , however in the past ;MEMR has referred to low rank coal as any coal with  gross calorific value( ADB Basis) of less than 5100 kca/kg. The benchmark price for metallurgical and thermal coal will use a formula that refers to the average coal prices based on local and international market indices.As a system  government will determine Coal Price Reference (Harga Batubara Acuan or HPA) by averaging the calorie value of coal in four coal price indexes, namely :

1.Newcastle Coal Index,
2.Global Coal Index,
3.Platts and
4.Indonesia Coal Index (ICI).


The first two indexes represented international price, while the last two indexes represent local coal prices. Each coal category has a weight of 25 percent.  The coal category will divided based on coal quality, which is set at 6,322 kcal/kg (arb), moisture content at 8 percent (arb), sulfur content of 0.8 percent (arb), and ash content at 15 percent (arb).

After determining the Coal Price Reference (HBA), the benchmark coal price (HPB) is then determined. There will be 8 benchmark prices category, representing the quality of the coal, starting from 4,200 up to 7,000 kcal/kg.

For that price of coal other than 8 classes of HPB, prices are determined by interpolation approaches or determining HPB based on a certain formula.

Sales of minerals and coal
The benchmark price is set on the basis of the price paid for Coal at the point of Sale by way of FOB Vessel. Sales of metals, ore, concentrate or other intermediary products can be made :

1.Free on Board (FOB) mother vessel or
2.FOB barge basis.
3.Sales can also be made to end users domestically or in the form of Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) or
4.Cost and Freight (C&F).


In calculating the sales price for FOB mother vessel sales for royalty payment purposes, holders of Production Operation IUPs for metallic minerals must refer to the benchmark price. For  sales that are not made FOB mother vessel basis (including FOB barge sales), the benchmark price may be adjusted by adding or subtracting an amount based on certain recognised costs approved by the DGMC.

While the principle of deducting certain costs from the benchmark price for the purpose of royalty calculations would appear to be reasonable, Regulation  leaves open the possibility that there may be costs that could adjust the benchmark price by being added to, rather than being subtracted from, the benchmark price. The circumstances under which costs would be added to the benchmark price are not yet regulated.

Adjustments can include costs incurred for barging, survey, trans-shipment, treatment as well as refinery and/or metal payable and/or insurance costs. For coal, sales are contemplated in the form of FOB mother vessel, FOB barge, within an island to an end user or on a CIF or CF basis. In calculating the sales price, holders of Production Operation IUPs for coal to be sold FOB mother vessel must refer to the benchmark price. Again, for non-FOB mother vessel sales (including FOB barge sales), certain costs may be added or subtracted as approved by the DGMC.

Under the new sales price regime for coal, the production royalty for FOB mother vessel sales will effectively also be imposed on barge transportation and trans-shipment costs (as well as survey and insurance costs), which are not able to be subtracted from the selling price.

Accordingly, all royalties for FOB mother vessel sales are now assessed on the full delivered cost FOB mother vessel without adjustment for costs. Regulation  provides that further details on the procedures to determine the amount of “adjustment costs” will be set out by the DGMC in a separate DGMC regulation.

Benchmark Price for calculation of royalties
For royalty calculations, regulation  provides that for minerals and coal sales made FOB mother vessel basis, the Government will take the higher of the contractually-agreed price or the benchmark price.  On the other hand, for non-FOB mother vessel sales such as mineral or coal sales by way of FOB barge, the production royalties will be calculated using:

• (a) the contracted sales price, if the contracted sales price is higher than the benchmark price, after adding or subtracting the adjustment amount (adjusted benchmark price); or
• (b) the adjusted benchmark price, if the sales price is the same as or lower than the adjusted benchmark price.

Post sales Reporting
Coal producers are required to submit post-sales reports on the sales of their mineral and coal commodities every month, together with supporting information including invoices and bills of lading,quality reports and barging Costs as well as export declarations and surveyor reports for exported commodities. This  new reporting obligations will add significant  administrative burdens to mining companies.

Sale of coal for certain purposes
Coal of certain types (including fine coal, reject coal and coal with certain impurities) for domestic use may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt (DGMC) which  will issue separate  regulations regarding what types of coal will fall within this exception.

Similarly, coal to be used for certain purposes in the domestic market may be sold below the coal benchmark price, upon approval of the Govt.

The Govt will issue further regulations on the purposes that will be exempted. Regulation  indicates that coal used for individual needs  or for the development of underdeveloped or poorly developed regions will be exempted from the benchmark pricing requirements.

Impact on existing coal and/or mineral sales contracts


All existing supply contracts ( Both Spot and term Contracts) with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark regulations by 22nd September 2011. Spot sale contracts must be adjusted by no later than six months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 March 2011).

Term sales contracts must be adjusted by no later than 12 months after the effective date of Regulation No. 17 (that is, by 22 September 2011).

Sanctions
Regulation provides that the Government can impose a range of administrative penalties on mineral and coal producers who fail to comply with the provisions of Regulation.

Penalties range from written warnings, temporary suspension of sales, and ultimately, cancellation of the licences’. Due to the severity of such sanctions, mining companies will need to pay particular notice to the requirement of this new regulation.


Indian Impact
For India, the situation will be aggravated by stagnation in domestic production even as demand has increased. With up to 100,000 MW of capacity addition likely in the 12 th plan period starting next year, more coal-based projects may need to scout overseas for fuel.

Three to five years back, domestic coal production was able to keep pace with the demand from power producers. However in 2010, domestic production has remained at a flat level, while there has been a sudden increase in demand from Indian power companies.

With a substantial part of its imported coal requirement already coming from Indonesia, India’s appetite is expected to grow further. India's coal imports from Indonesia are rising every year. In 2010, it overtook Japan to become the second largest importer of Indonesian coal after China. It is expected that  India may become the biggest importer of Indonesian coal in 2012.

The regulation is likely to increase the price of coal mainly for all Indian Power  Projects  using imported coal from Indonesia. The impact on the tariff of such projects may vary, depending upon the quality of imported coal and fuel mix. All existing supply agreements with Indonesian mining firms will have to be brought in line with this new benchmark by 22nd September 2011. The implementation of this new regulation will adversely impact all existing and future Coal based power plants importing Coal from Indonesia.The new regulations will allow the Indonesian government to get the right amount of royalty , and the taxable revenues from the sector will also move up to the correct levels. It will also stop the practice of transfer pricing. The government has put in a strong framework.

Given the long-term demand fundamentals, current high coal price scenario may continue to squeeze margins (of Indian power producers). This may well be the end of the road for cheap Indonesian coal.

Conclusion
Whilst the intention behind the minimum pricing regulation is to stop transfer pricing abuses which according to Govt, have plagued the Indonesian mining industry( particularly the Coal mining Industry) over recent years, the question is whether this intention has been implemented in a way which is inconsistent with genuine , arms -length commercial practices which exist in the market. (updated on 5 Sept 2011)
Analyst By : Sunil K Kumbhat

The views and opinions / conclusion expressed on this analysis is purely the writers’ own



If you believe an article violates your rights or the rights of others, please contact us.

Recent News

Wednesday, 21 July 10
FEWER SHIPS SOLD FOR SCRAP IN JUNE, ADDING PRESSURE TO FREIGHT RATES
The easing of vessel tonnage supply should be among the main concerns among ship owners, especially those active in dry bulk shipping. The reason is ...


Wednesday, 21 July 10
BUKIT ASAM SEALS RP900 BIO COAL DEAL
  Souce: Insider Stories Insider Stories reported that, State-Owned coal producer PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) have agreed t ...


Wednesday, 21 July 10
TUAH TURANGGA BUYS ABP US$ 15.9 MIO
  Source: Insider Stories   Insider Stories reported that, Komatsu heavy equipment PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR) through its wh ...


Tuesday, 20 July 10
CHINA'S RELIANCE ON COAL TO DROP 7% BY 2015 - XINHUA NET
Xinhua Net reported that, China's coal consumption is likely to drop to 63 percent of total energy consumption by 2015, down from 70 percent last y ...


Tuesday, 20 July 10
CHURCHILL PLANNING TO PRODUCE 35 MILLION TONNES PER ANNUM FROM ITS EAST KUTAI COAL PROJECT
According to Churchill's website, the East Kutai Coal Project is a world-class thermal coal deposit, with a JORC Mining Reserve of 961 milli ...


   1141 1142 1143 1144 1145   
Showing 5711 to 5715 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,706
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

  • International Coal Ventures Pvt Ltd - India
  • Ernst & Young Pvt. Ltd.
  • BNP Paribas - Singapore
  • CNBM International Corporation - China
  • Parliament of New Zealand
  • IBC Asia (S) Pte Ltd
  • Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku - Indonesia
  • EMO - The Netherlands
  • Dong Bac Coal Mineral Investment Coporation - Vietnam
  • World Coal - UK
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers - Russia
  • Petrosea - Indonesia
  • Thailand Anthracite
  • Iligan Light & Power Inc, Philippines
  • TNPL - India
  • Bhatia International Limited - India
  • Bangladesh Power Developement Board
  • Ministry of Mines - Canada
  • Eastern Energy - Thailand
  • Vale Mozambique
  • Star Paper Mills Limited - India
  • Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
  • Gujarat Sidhee Cement - India
  • GMR Energy Limited - India
  • Renaissance Capital - South Africa
  • Bhushan Steel Limited - India
  • Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd - Australia
  • Latin American Coal - Colombia
  • Coal and Oil Company - UAE
  • Larsen & Toubro Limited - India
  • Metalloyd Limited - United Kingdom
  • Bank of China, Malaysia
  • Rio Tinto Coal - Australia
  • Vitol - Bahrain
  • San Jose City I Power Corp, Philippines
  • Indorama - Singapore
  • Maybank - Singapore
  • Trasteel International SA, Italy
  • The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
  • SUEK AG - Indonesia
  • DBS Bank - Singapore
  • ANZ Bank - Australia
  • Russian Coal LLC
  • Holcim Trading Pte Ltd - Singapore
  • Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures Inc, Philippines
  • TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
  • Bulk Trading Sa - Switzerland
  • Agrawal Coal Company - India
  • Essar Steel Hazira Ltd - India
  • Sojitz Corporation - Japan
  • Energy Development Corp, Philippines
  • Binh Thuan Hamico - Vietnam
  • Tata Power - India
  • Mitra SK Pvt Ltd - India
  • Inspectorate - India
  • Carbofer General Trading SA - India
  • IEA Clean Coal Centre - UK
  • Orica Mining Services - Indonesia
  • Eastern Coal Council - USA
  • Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited - India
  • Asia Cement - Taiwan
  • World Bank
  • Indian Energy Exchange, India
  • IHS Mccloskey Coal Group - USA
  • Reliance Power - India
  • Madhucon Powers Ltd - India
  • Antam Resourcindo - Indonesia
  • PLN - Indonesia
  • Barasentosa Lestari - Indonesia
  • KPCL - India
  • Arutmin Indonesia
  • Gujarat Mineral Development Corp Ltd - India
  • Simpson Spence & Young - Indonesia
  • Marubeni Corporation - India
  • Noble Europe Ltd - UK
  • Heidelberg Cement - Germany
  • UBS Singapore
  • Thermax Limited - India
  • Kobexindo Tractors - Indoneisa
  • Mintek Dendrill Indonesia
  • Ind-Barath Power Infra Limited - India
  • Coaltrans Conferences
  • Central Electricity Authority - India
  • Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan
  • Commonwealth Bank - Australia
  • BRS Brokers - Singapore
  • Indika Energy - Indonesia
  • Anglo American - United Kingdom
  • LBH Netherlands Bv - Netherlands
  • Dalmia Cement Bharat India
  • Ince & co LLP
  • Sinarmas Energy and Mining - Indonesia
  • Jaiprakash Power Ventures ltd
  • Sindya Power Generating Company Private Ltd
  • Savvy Resources Ltd - HongKong
  • Coastal Gujarat Power Limited - India
  • Africa Commodities Group - South Africa
  • Xindia Steels Limited - India
  • ETA - Dubai
  • Indogreen Group - Indonesia
  • Asmin Koalindo Tuhup - Indonesia
  • IMC Shipping - Singapore
  • South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation
  • Sucofindo - Indonesia
  • Clarksons - UK
  • Sree Jayajothi Cements Limited - India
  • Electricity Authority, New Zealand
  • Oldendorff Carriers - Singapore
  • Altura Mining Limited, Indonesia
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited
  • Shenhua Group - China
  • IOL Indonesia
  • GN Power Mariveles Coal Plant, Philippines
  • Grasim Industreis Ltd - India
  • Britmindo - Indonesia
  • Gresik Semen - Indonesia
  • Georgia Ports Authority, United States
  • Sakthi Sugars Limited - India
  • OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd - India
  • Meenaskhi Energy Private Limited - India
  • Cardiff University - UK
  • KEPCO - South Korea
  • Bukit Makmur.PT - Indonesia
  • Inco-Indonesia
  • Malco - India
  • Shree Cement - India
  • HSBC - Hong Kong
  • Sarangani Energy Corporation, Philippines
  • AsiaOL BioFuels Corp., Philippines
  • Kapuas Tunggal Persada - Indonesia
  • Vizag Seaport Private Limited - India
  • Sical Logistics Limited - India
  • Coal India Limited
  • Ceylon Electricity Board - Sri Lanka
  • Singapore Mercantile Exchange
  • ING Bank NV - Singapore
  • Kumho Petrochemical, South Korea
  • Truba Alam Manunggal Engineering.Tbk - Indonesia
  • Core Mineral Indonesia
  • Samsung - South Korea
  • CoalTek, United States
  • Surastha Cement
  • Permata Bank - Indonesia
  • Samtan Co., Ltd - South Korea
  • GAC Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd
  • Vijayanagar Sugar Pvt Ltd - India
  • Barclays Capital - USA
  • Humpuss - Indonesia
  • JPower - Japan
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Aditya Birla Group - India
  • Bhoruka Overseas - Indonesia
  • Filglen & Citicon Mining (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
  • Ministry of Finance - Indonesia
  • Miang Besar Coal Terminal - Indonesia
  • McKinsey & Co - India
  • Cargill India Pvt Ltd
  • Runge Indonesia
  • OCBC - Singapore
  • Ministry of Transport, Egypt
  • Banpu Public Company Limited - Thailand
  • Vedanta Resources Plc - India
  • Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
  • Billiton Holdings Pty Ltd - Australia
  • Semirara Mining Corp, Philippines
  • Thiess Contractors Indonesia
  • Videocon Industries ltd - India
  • Power Finance Corporation Ltd., India
  • Jorong Barutama Greston.PT - Indonesia
  • Straits Asia Resources Limited - Singapore
  • Mercator Lines Limited - India
  • Indian School of Mines
  • globalCOAL - UK
  • Kohat Cement Company Ltd. - Pakistan
  • CESC Limited - India
  • McConnell Dowell - Australia
  • New Zealand Coal & Carbon
  • Globalindo Alam Lestari - Indonesia
  • Goldman Sachs - Singapore
  • Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence - India
  • Romanian Commodities Exchange
  • Lafarge - France
  • NALCO India
  • Thriveni
  • Indo Tambangraya Megah - Indonesia
  • Tata Chemicals Ltd - India
  • Australian Commodity Traders Exchange
  • Chamber of Mines of South Africa
  • Aboitiz Power Corporation - Philippines
  • Salva Resources Pvt Ltd - India
  • TANGEDCO India
  • Rudhra Energy - India
  • RBS Sempra - UK
  • Bangkok Bank PCL
  • Adani Power Ltd - India
  • Economic Council, Georgia
  • Merrill Lynch Bank
  • PowerSource Philippines DevCo
  • Makarim & Taira - Indonesia
  • Panama Canal Authority
  • TGV SRAAC LIMITED, India
  • The India Cements Ltd
  • SRK Consulting
  • Jatenergy - Australia
  • PLN Batubara - Indonesia
  • Bharathi Cement Corporation - India
  • Pinang Coal Indonesia
  • Japan Coal Energy Center
  • Kideco Jaya Agung - Indonesia
  • Posco Energy - South Korea
  • ACC Limited - India
  • Gupta Coal India Ltd
  • London Commodity Brokers - England
  • Medco Energi Mining Internasional
  • Glencore India Pvt. Ltd
  • White Energy Company Limited
  • Malabar Cements Ltd - India
  • Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. - India
  • Adaro Indonesia
  • Indonesia Power. PT
  • Edison Trading Spa - Italy
  • Coeclerici Indonesia
  • NTPC Limited - India
  • SN Aboitiz Power Inc, Philippines
  • Australian Coal Association
  • Cemex - Philippines
  • Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Philippines
  • Bank of America
  • JPMorgan - India
  • India Bulls Power Limited - India
  • Offshore Bulk Terminal Pte Ltd, Singapore
  • Tamil Nadu electricity Board
  • Riau Bara Harum - Indonesia
  • PTC India Limited - India
  • Global Coal Blending Company Limited - Australia
  • Mitsubishi Corporation
  • EIA - United States
  • Energy Link Ltd, New Zealand
  • UOB Asia (HK) Ltd
  • Intertek Mineral Services - Indonesia
  • Mercuria Energy - Indonesia
  • Cigading International Bulk Terminal - Indonesia
  • Parry Sugars Refinery, India
  • APGENCO India
  • Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH - Germany
  • WorleyParsons
  • Coalindo Energy - Indonesia
  • TRAFIGURA, South Korea
  • PNOC Exploration Corporation - Philippines
  • Cement Manufacturers Association - India
  • Maersk Broker
  • Total Coal South Africa
  • Mitsui
  • Directorate General of MIneral and Coal - Indonesia
  • Jindal Steel & Power Ltd - India
  • Tanito Harum - Indonesia
  • Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
  • Bayan Resources Tbk. - Indonesia
  • Arch Coal - USA
  • J M Baxi & Co - India
  • Lanco Infratech Ltd - India
  • Geoservices-GeoAssay Lab
  • Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk - Indonesia
  • Maheswari Brothers Coal Limited - India
  • GNFC Limited - India
  • TeaM Sual Corporation - Philippines
  • Peabody Energy - USA
  • KOWEPO - South Korea
  • Coal Orbis AG
  • Platou - Singapore
  • Wood Mackenzie - Singapore
  • Petron Corporation, Philippines
  • PetroVietnam
  • Orica Australia Pty. Ltd.
  • Thomson Reuters GRC
  • MS Steel International - UAE
  • GB Group - China
  • Karbindo Abesyapradhi - Indoneisa
  • Wilmar Investment Holdings
  • Freeport Indonesia
  • Mjunction Services Limited - India
  • GVK Power & Infra Limited - India
  • European Bulk Services B.V. - Netherlands
  • Fearnleys - India
  • Platts
  • ICICI Bank Limited - India
  • Cebu Energy, Philippines
  • Minerals Council of Australia
  • CCIC - Indonesia
  • Pipit Mutiara Jaya. PT, Indonesia
  • Formosa Plastics Group - Taiwan
  • Global Green Power PLC Corporation, Philippines
  • Port Waratah Coal Services - Australia
  • Kalimantan Lumbung Energi - Indonesia
  • MEC Coal - Indonesia
  • GHCL Limited - India
  • Dr Ramakrishna Prasad Power Pvt Ltd - India
  • The University of Queensland
  • Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd - India
  • Global Business Power Corporation, Philippines
  • SASOL - South Africa
  • U S Energy Resources
  • KPMG - USA
  • Pendopo Energi Batubara - Indonesia
  • Petrochimia International Co. Ltd.- Taiwan
  • Siam City Cement PLC, Thailand
  • Borneo Indobara - Indonesia
  • Cosco
  • CIMB Investment Bank - Malaysia
  • Bukit Baiduri Energy - Indonesia
  • bp singapore
  • Deloitte Consulting - India
  • Baramulti Group, Indonesia
  • Central Java Power - Indonesia
  • Argus Media - Singapore
  • Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
  • Merrill Lynch Commodities Europe
  • Credit Suisse - India
  • Attock Cement Pakistan Limited
  • Siam City Cement - Thailand
  • Maruti Cements - India
  • Thai Mozambique Logistica
  • Standard Chartered Bank - UAE
  • Timah Investasi Mineral - Indoneisa
  • Kartika Selabumi Mining - Indonesia
  • Infraline Energy - India
  • Idemitsu - Japan
  • PetroVietnam Power Coal Import and Supply Company
  • Ambuja Cements Ltd - India
  • Indonesian Coal Mining Association
  • ASAPP Information Group - India
  • Uttam Galva Steels Limited - India
  • Mechel - Russia
  • Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Philippines
  • Berau Coal - Indonesia
  • Kobe Steel Ltd - Japan
  • VISA Power Limited - India
  • Enel Italy
  • Deutsche Bank - India
  • Therma Luzon, Inc, Philippines
  • SMG Consultants - Indonesia
  • Kaltim Prima Coal - Indonesia
  • Independent Power Producers Association of India
  • Moodys - Singapore
  • SMC Global Power, Philippines
  • Meralco Power Generation, Philippines
  • Qatrana Cement - Jordan
  • Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd - India
  • Xstrata Coal
  • SGS (Thailand) Limited
  • Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd, - India
  • Interocean Group of Companies - India
  • Planning Commission, India
  • Manunggal Multi Energi - Indonesia
  • The Treasury - Australian Government