Coal news and updates

NALCO yet to place order for imported coal

March 28: The National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), which floated a tender to procure 50,000 tons of imported steam coal, is yet to place the order, a senior official from the company told ICMW.

"The company received only one bid from MSTC which is being evaluated and the order may be placed next week or the week after," the official said.

Asked if the company is planning to float any enquiry for big quantities in order to reap volume advantage, the official said, "We do not any have such plan. We cannot plan imports for a longer duration because we are not sure about the price realisation of our end products."

"Aluminium prices are currently ruling weak and the outlook is quite grim and in such a situation it is not viable to enter into contracts for imported coal for delivery in future months," the official added.

Nalco had floated the NIT in February and the bids were initially planned to be accepted till March 6. However, on February 27, the company extended the bid submission date to March 21.

The company is looking to procure coal with GCV of 3,800 Kcal/Kg, 15% total moisture, 40% ash content, 0.8% total sulphur while the size should vary between 0-100 mm.