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https://unauthorised investment advice/resources/monsters-of-rock-iron-ore-run-puts-cherry-on-the-cake-as-big-mining-stocks-win-the-week/Junior says coking coal demand will stay strong.
From the top end of the global steel supply chain to the junior side in Bowen Coking Coal (ASX:BCB), one of last year’s big movers in the resources space.
Bowen says its boxcut is under way for the third open cut mine development in its Queensland portfolio at Ellensfield South, part of the Burton project where a coal handling and processing plant has been commissioned to wash coal from its Broadmeadow East project.
Board approval has also been received to increase Bowen’s nameplate capacity to 5.5Mtpa from 2.7Mtpa currently.
Coal production at Broadmeadow East began in July last year and has reached a steady state of 0.8-1.1Mtpa, with an anticipated short term increase soon to an annualised rate of 1.5-1.7Mtpa.
Bowen loaded its first capesize bulk carrier at the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal with 154,000t of coal for in January. A second shipment of 82,500t sailed on March 14 with regular shipments planned from April.
Cash flows and an amended debt financing facility with Taurus Mining Finance is expected to support the $18m refurbishment of the second stage of the CHPP. While it has ramped up through a period of disrution and cost inflation, Bowen CEO Mark Ruston says metallurgical coal markets are expected to remain strong.
While thermal coal prices have more than halved this year, top grade steelmaking coal was fetching US$321/t on March 27 the company said.
”At a time when Bowen is significantly ramping up production, we believe that strong coking coal prices will be here for some time to come,” Ruston said.
”The expected re-entry of China, the world’s largest steel producer, is likely to make up lost ground this year after ending its strict zero-COVID policy, which has previously dampened growth and its associated steel and metallurgical coal demand.”
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