Price war forecast in coal industry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NEIL CLARKE, British Coal's chairman, yesterday warned of an impending war in the coal industry and said some private mining companies would be forced out of business as competition increased in the market.
Mr Clarke said British Coal was determined to maximise its sales outside the electricity industry. But those markets were limited and would be oversubscribed, he said.
'This is not likely to be a war without casualties,' he said. 'It seems inevitable that ultimately some producers will be squeezed from the market.'
He promised to do all he could to ensure that British Coal remained the preferred supplier, although he would not do business at any price.
Mr Clarke said collieries on lease and licence from British Coal to the private sector could produce more than three million tonnes a year. New operators include Malcolm Edwards, the former commercial director of British Coal.
Mr Clarke said British Coal's competitiveness had been transformed in the past year, with a 13 per cent reduction in deep mining costs.
The Government hopes to obtain royal assent in July for the bill privatising British Coal and to complete the sale early next year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments