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

Monday, 21 February 11
CHURCHILL MINING RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT INTEREST, PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP EAST KUTAI COAL PROJECT - PROACTIVE INVESTORS
Proactive Investors reported that, Churchill Mining  has received a number of specific proposals to fund and develop its massive East Kutai coa ...


Monday, 21 February 11
ABOLISH 5% DUTY ON COAL IMPORTS: SHINDE
Indian Express reported that, with acute coal shortage of domestic coal threatening to destabilise its power generation plans, the power ministry ha ...


Saturday, 19 February 11
THE FREIGHT MARKET EXPECTED TO BE STEADY NEXT WEEK - VISTAAR
COALspot.com - The market was quite firm this week with freight rates in South east asia and India/Feast almost up by 30 pct. However towards end ...


Thursday, 17 February 11
COAL-GEN EUROPE 2011 REAFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF COAL
Press Release: The third COAL-GEN Europe conference and exhibition, kicked off on Tuesday 15 February, with leading experts, professionals and compa ...


Thursday, 17 February 11
UNCERTAINTY AND VOLATILITY - FEARNBULK
Handy Recovering market as evidenced by the solid USD 16k/day achieved by a handymax from Continent to east Med with scrap. More short period requ ...


   1073 1074 1075 1076 1077   
Showing 5371 to 5375 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,697
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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