Coal Trading

All trades on the platform are underpinned by SCoTA v.8a, globalCOAL's standard contract and a benchmark reference in the world of coal trading. In conjunction with an RSS (Relevant Standard Specification) specific to the product traded, SCoTA defines the quality and delivery terms and conditions so you can focus on negotiating what matters most: price and volume. Find out more about SCoTA.

Two types of metallurgical coal can be traded on globalCOAL – premium mid-vol and premium low-vol hard coking coals. For mid-vol, coals must meet the HCCA quality specification laid out in globalCOAL's Relevant Standard Specifications (RSS). This specification accommodates both a Branded and an Unbranded market. Both markets need to meet the HCCA specification, but coal traded on a 'Branded' basis also needs to be of a qualifying brand – namely, Illawarra, Goonyella, Moranbah North, Oaky Creek or North Goonyella. For low vol, two brands can be delivered in the contract, namely Peak Downs or Saraji. The brand can be specified pre-trade (as Peak Downs only or Saraji only), or left at the Seller's option (as Peak Downs or Saraji). See typical specifications for each of these brands.

The Seller must communicate which of the qualifying brands will be supplied no later than 20 days prior to the start of the Delivery Period.

Yes. The loadport can be specified pre-trade as 'DBCT only', or left at the seller's option. Alternative delivery points allowed in the HCCA RSS include Hay Point Coal Terminal, or a coal loading terminal at one of Port of Abbot Point, Port of Gladstone or Port Kembla. For HCC-LV, alternative delivery points are Hay Point Coal Terminal, or a coal loading terminal at one of Port of Abbot Point or Port of Gladstone.

The minimum quantity is 35kt with a +/-10% tolerance. Many transactions are traded in panamax (75kt) quantities.

Yes. The invoice price is based on final quality at loadport, as per normal market practice. Price adjustments are made on the basis of specified parameters. In the case of HCCA, price adjustments apply to Total Moisture, Ash, Volatile Matter, Total Sulphur and Calculated CSR. In the case of HCC-LV, they apply only to Total Moisture, Ash, and Total Sulphur.

In HCC-LV, the seller is bound to deliver the agreed brand(s). The brand name must be evidenced on the shipping document.

In the HCCA contract, strict rejection limits and penalties laid out in the Relevant Standard Specification give buyers comfort on loaded quality. SCoTA contains clear contractual provisions for umpire analysis and rejection procedures. Additionally, the name of the brand will appear in the shipping documentation in the case of a Branded transaction.

Predicted CSR will be calculated using a formula developed by ALS Global and globalCOAL. This formula has been developed from empirical coking data derived under standard testing conditions and regressed against corresponding coal specifications.

The Buyer may request Additional on the following elements or properties:

• Mercury
• Arsenic
• Fluorine
• Phosphorus
• Chlorine

(effective end March 2017)