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

Friday, 01 December 23
COAL MINERS GROUP EXPECTS INDONESIA’S 2023 COAL OUTPUT TO SURPASS TARGET - REUTERS
The Indonesian Coal Mining Association (ICMA) expects the country’s 2023 coal output to surpass the official target of 695 million metric ton ...


Friday, 24 November 23
COAL IMPORTS TO INDIA IN OCTOBER 2023 REACHED HIGHEST LEVELS IN NEARLY A YEAR AND A HALF - VESSELSVALUE, VESON NAUTICAL
In October, coal imports to India reached 13.8 mt in October 2023, according to Oceanbolt, a Veson Nautical solution, the highest level since May 2 ...


Friday, 24 November 23
COAL SHIPMENTS TO ADVANCED ECONOMIES DOWN 17% SO FAR IN 2023 - BIMCO
In the first ten months of 2023, coal shipments to advanced economies fell by 17% y/y, as demand for electricity declined and the share of electric ...


Friday, 24 November 23
INTELLIGENT COAL MINES CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING SAFETY STANDARDS - CHINA DAILY
Mechanization, automation and intelligent upgrades have contributed to improved safety in coal mines, though the level of development of intelligen ...


Friday, 24 November 23
WHY AUSTRALIA'S COAL MINES ARE GETTING BIGGER - IEEFA
Australia’s largest coal mines are getting larger. Mines in New South Wales (NSW) are ramping up production following the state’s recov ...


   12 13 14 15 16   
Showing 66 to 70 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,617
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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