Indonesian coal miners: sold big volumes of 2010 to China

* China has scooped up large volumes of Indonesian coal

* Total exports to China in 2010 seen to exceed 20 million T

* Chinese, Indian demand may threaten S.Korean supplies

By Fayen Wong

PERTH, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Indonesian miners have already sold about 20 million tonnes of thermal coal to Chinese buyers for delivery in 2010, and total exports to China could far exceed the volume that will be recorded this year, producers said on Wednesday.

Continued strength in Chinese imports, coupled with an expected rise in Indian demand, could mean that South Korean utilities could be caught short of supplies if they continued to avoid annual contracts and instead focus on spot tenders to secure their fuel needs.

Sources from the top five coal producers in Indonesia, such as Bumi Resources (BUMI.JK: Quote, Profile, Research), PT Adaro Energy (ADRO.JK: Quote, Profile, Research) and PT Kideco, said the total volume of thermal coal sold to China for 2010 delivery has reached at least 15 million tonnes -- on par with the total volume China has imported from Indonesia from January to September this year. [ID:nSP283239]

"Chinese buyers have been very eager to sign 2010 term supply contracts. We've done some deals and the prices they've agreed to are pretty good," said a source from one of the largest Indonesian coal firms.

The firm's total thermal coal sales to China for 2010 have so far reached 7 million tonnes, with bituminous coal prices averaging at $66 a tonne FOB based on 5,500 kcal/kg (NAR) and sub-bituminous coal inked at about $56 basis 5,000 kcal/kg (NAR).