Weekly US coal production totaled an estimated 14.68 million st in the week that ended Saturday, down 5.3% from the prior week and 4.8% below the same week a year ago, according to US Energy Information Administration data released Thursday. It marked the second time this year coal production has dipped below the year-ago total, the first time being during the week of Independence Day. Coal production has steadily declined in the past five weeks since peaking at a year-to-date high of 17 million st for the week that ended August 19. While stockpiles have drawn down, days of burn remain relatively elevated and natural gas prices have weakened, likely curtailing deliveries and stalling production. Article continues below… Coal markets are changing in ways no one could have imagined. To remain competitive, you need to know where coal markets stand. Get essential information for traders, risk managers, analysts and […]