SUEK and Marubeni studying prospects for processing coal to methanol in Vanino, Khabarovsk Territory

Russian authorities have intensified negotiations in connection with the potential joining of Japanese investors to coal mining projects in the Russian Far East. For instance, SUEK and Marubeni are studying prospects for processing coal to methanol in Vanino, Khabarovsk Territory

SUEK and Marubeni studying prospects for processing coal to methanol in Vanino, Khabarovsk Territory

Russian authorities have intensified negotiations in connection with the potential joining of Japanese investors to coal mining projects in the Russian Far East. For instance, SUEK and Marubeni are studying prospects for processing coal to methanol in Vanino, Khabarovsk Territory. Experts note that the Japanese market is interested in coal supplies from Russia and the idea to process coal in Vanino, where the flows of several coal exporters intersect, appears to be reasonable while close vicinity to the Chinese market, whose methanol consumption is increasingly growing, offers reasonably good prospects.

Marubeni is ready to not only invest funds, but also purchase products. The amount to be invested, investment structure and production parameters have not been disclosed so far.

Vanino hosts CJSC Daltransugol (SUEK's entity) and OJSC Vanino Commercial Sea Port (Mechel's affiliate) while OJSC Sakhatrans is constructing a 12 million tonne terminal in the Muchke Bay to be completed by 2017. All of the projects are in some way or other linked to Japanese or Chinese energy groups that will consume their products.