Chinese coal purchase could start a trend

The takeover of a major Australian coal mining company by Chinese-owned Yanzhou has raised fears coal markets could be dominated by China.

Felix Resources owns coal projects in New South Wales and Queensland.

Gavin Wendt, from broker Fat Prophets, says if the takeover is approved, it could be the first of many similar acquisitions by China.
“There’s going to be more takeovers, so if they allow this one to happen we could see a situation where most of Australia’s independent coal producers disappear rather rapidly, and the Chinese will be in some position to perhaps start influencing coal pricing.”

ABC Australia