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

Thursday, 05 November 09
HMS BERGBAU AG OPENING INDIAN OFFICE
Further step on internationalization track Office in Mumbai Participation in demand for coal imports HMS Bergbau AG, is an international coal tra ...


Thursday, 05 November 09
SAM'S SEAFOOD HOLDINGS MOVES STEP CLOSER TO COAL EXPLORATION IN INDONESIA
Sam’s Seafood Holdings Limited, which is proposed to be renamed Pan Asia Corporation Limited, is moving closer to becoming an exploration and ...


Wednesday, 04 November 09
INDONESIA CAP ON COAL EXPORTS MAY HIT INDIAN POWER SECTOR
BL reported that Karnataka power sector is likely to be partially impacted by the Indonesian Government move to restrict coal exports. Private se ...


Wednesday, 04 November 09
SA 2010 COAL EXPORTS SEEN AT 65M TO 68M TONS - ANALYSTS
South Africa's thermal coal exports could rise to as high as 68 million tonnes in 2010 but are more likely to be 64-65 million compared to 60 milli ...


Wednesday, 04 November 09
BAKRIE MAY WIN BERAU COAL BID FROM ARMADIAN
The Bakrie group is likely to be selected as buyer of PT Berau Coal, the country’s fifth-largest coal producer, two people familiar with the m ...


   1253 1254 1255 1256 1257   
Showing 6271 to 6275 news of total 6871
News by Category
Popular News
 
Total Members : 28,634
Member
Panelist
User ID
Password
Remember Me
By logging on you accept our TERMS OF USE.
Free
Register
Forgot Password
 
Our Members Are From ...

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