Media releases
Thursday 5 December 2002 - MVT 157/2002
Coal Exports Boosted by $US75M Mexican Contract
A leading Australian coal mining company has been awarded a $US75
million contract to supply almost 2.3 million tonnes of thermal coal
to Mexico, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.
"Xstrata Coal Australia was this week chosen from an international
field of competitors to supply the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission’s
Petacalco Power Station," Mr Vaile said.
"The contract covers the supply of 2.28 million tonnes of coal
and follows a similar contract, worth approximately US$80 million,
announced in 2001.
"The coal will come from Xstrata Coal’s NSW operations
in the Hunter region and Western coalfields of New South Wales.
"The Petacalco contract is a major boost for Australian exports
to Mexico and demonstrates the quality and competitiveness of the
Australian coal industry in the international marketplace."
Mr Vaile said two-way trade between Australia and Mexico now stands
at more than $A1 billion, double the level of five years ago.
"This contract will further strengthen the growing trade relationship
between Australia and Mexico.
"The Petacalco contract is testimony to this Government’s
ambitious and aggressive trade agenda which focuses on multilateral,
regional and bilateral market access.
"During 2002 a number of Federal Government ministers, as well
as Prime Minister Howard during his recent visit to Mexico, made representations
to the Mexican Government on behalf of the Australian coal industry.
"This outcome demonstrates how a consistent team effort can
produce outstanding results."
The Petacalco coal contract follows a recent announcement by the
Mexican Government to remove a three per cent ‘temporary’
tariff on commodities and rural products.
Mr Vaile said Australia’s major exports to Mexico are coal,
meat, wool and live animals.
Media Contact: Mark Croxford +61 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 05-Dec-2008 13:45:04 EST
