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, 12 October 11
INDONESIAS COAL RUSH - JOSEPH KIRSCHKE
COALspot.com - Last winter, the Chinese government mobilized thousands of soldiers and reservists of the People’s Liberation Army to the port ...


Wednesday, 12 October 11
CAPESIZE - A SURPRISE JUMP IN RATES - BRS
There was a surge across all sizes last week, resulting in the BDI gaining 101 points to end the week at 2,000 points (+5.3%). The BCI reached 3,218 ...


Wednesday, 12 October 11
CAPESIZE FREIGHT RATES BOUND TO RETREAT FROM 2011 HIGHS ON THE BACK OF TONNAGE OVERSUPPLY SAYS BIMCO
According to Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping, with the BDI (Baltic Dry Index)  breaking yet another 2011 high yesterday and ending the se ...


Tuesday, 11 October 11
GLENCORE, SUITOR FOR BUMI PLC? - INSIDER STORIES
Insider Stories reported that, the largest commodities trader in the world, Glencore International Plc, is considering an opportunity to acquire a m ...


Tuesday, 11 October 11
RENUKA COALINDO BUYS JAMBI COAL
PT Renuka Coalindo Tbk,  formerly PT Allbond Makmur Usaha Tbk plans to acquire PT Jambi Prima Coal holder of mining concession in Pauh, Sa ...


   1006 1007 1008 1009 1010   
Showing 5036 to 5040 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,696
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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