Listed coal producers recorded profits during the second quarter and first half of 2017, but the the second half of the year may not be so promising due to large stockpiles, adverse weather and technological and geological barriers. — Photo thancaoson.com.vn

HÀ NỘI — Listed coal producers recorded profits during the second quarter and first half of 2017, but the the second half of the year may not be so promising due to large stockpiles, adverse weather and technological and geological barriers.

According to the economics and business news hub cafef.vn, seven of the eight listed firms posted higher revenues for the second quarter compared to the same period of 2016.

Vinacomin-Cao Sơn Coal JSC (TCS) recorded the highest annual growth rate of 52 per cent, bringing the company’s second-quarter revenue to VNĐ1.19 trillion (US$52.9 million).

Among the eight listed companies, only Vinacomin-Cọc Sáu Coal JSC (TC6) saw its revenue fall from one year ago.

TCS was among the six mining companies that saw their combined revenue increase during the first six months compared to the same period last year.

Among other mining companies that recorded higher first-half combined revenue are Vinacomin-Hà Tu Coal JSC (THT), Vinacomin-Đèo Nai Coal JSC (TDN) and Vinacomin-Hà Lầm Coal JSC (HLC).

Meanwhile, TC6 reported that its first-half combined revenue was down 18 per cent year on year. The other miner that also recorded lower combined revenue is Vinacomin-Mông Dương Coal JSC (MDC), whose figure decreased slightly after one year.

In the second quarter, firms that also reported higher post-tax profits are MDC, TC6, Vinacomin-Vàng Danh Coal JSC (TVD), HLC, THT and TDN.

Of those, HLC posted the highest profit of VNĐ18 billion, a yearly rise of 22.3 per cent. Meanwhile, MDC, TDN and TVD were able to earn profits after suffering losses in the first six months of 2016.

The two other coal miners, NBC and TCS, announced lower post-tax profits in the first six months compared to the same period of 2016.

After the first six months, combined post-tax profits were higher for HLC, MDC, TC6, TDN and TVD.

Though the earnings figures exceeded those of 2016, companies are facing second half challenges.

While HLC and NBC have accomplished 86 per cent and 81 per cent of their targeted pre-tax profits for 2017, the other six companies have a long way to go to achieve their targets.

On June 6, the eight listed coal firms had stockpiles worth VNĐ2.28 trillion, an increase of 53 per cent from the beginning of the year while their total debt (payables) was VNĐ11.74 trillion, accounting for 85 per cent of their total capital.

The coal mining sector is facing obstacles, such as having to drill deeper to exploit coal in the rainy third quarter of the year.

Local mining companies also have trouble recruiting and keeping skilled employees. According to Tạ Văn Bền, deputy director of Vinacomin-Mông Dương Coal JSC, the company needs to hire an additional 150 miners.

Some local mines are encountering other difficulties, namely their small scale and geological complexity. “Though we have advanced, modern technologies, it is difficult to apply those technologies in specific areas. Therefore, we should study the aerial geological conditions carefully and optimise the use of machines wherever we can,” said Nguyễn Tiến Chinh, former head of the Science-Technology and Development Strategy Department at the Việt Nam National Coal and Mineral Group (TKV). — VNS