Coal trucks at a mining area of Ha Tu Company in southeastern Quang Ninh Province. The country exported 11.6 million tonnes of coal last year. — VNA/VNS Nguyen Dan

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The Viet Nam Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) shipped 11.6 million tonnes of coal in 2013, a 19.6 per cent decrease compared to 2012.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade's figures showed that the slow recovery of the world economy and domestic situation has affected coal sales, as well as exports.

In 2013, as many as 41.19 tonnes of coal were mined in the country, a 1.8 per cent decline from 2012. Vinacomin's output also fell 2.5 per cent in comparison with 2012, reaching 39.5 million tonnes.

Also, Vinacomin's consumption in 2013 was estimated at 39 million tonnes, which was the same amount as in 2012. Domestic coal sales posted an 11 per cent increase over 2012 to 27.4 million tonnes.

Speaking at an online meeting earlier this week, Le Minh Chuan, Vinacomin's general director, said the group would strive to produce and consume 3.5 million tonnes of coal this month. Of this number, domestic coal consumption would reach 2.75 million tonnes while exports would amount to 0.75 million tonnes.

The group expects to meet 27 per cent of the entire year's target in the first quarter.

Vinacomin's Dong Bac Corporation in south-eastern Quang Ninh Province exported 1,800 tonnes of coal dust on Wednesday, noting that this is the first shipment of the year.

Do Manh Giap, the corporation's deputy director, told VOV online newspaper that they would work to produce, process and consume over five million tonnes of coal this year. — VNS