EBSCN·2025-05-18 16:00Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the coal mining industry [6]. Core Viewpoints - Coal prices are accelerating downward, with a focus on the demand boost during the summer electricity peak [1][4]. - As of May 16, coal inventory at ports in the Bohai Rim reached 32.53 million tons, a decrease of 1.57% week-on-week but an increase of 33.72% year-on-year, indicating the highest level for the same period [1][4]. - The average closing price of thermal coal at Qinhuangdao port (5500 kcal weekly average) was 619 RMB/ton, down 19 RMB/ton (-3.05%) week-on-week [2][4]. - The summer electricity peak is approaching, and thermal coal demand is expected to seasonally rebound, necessitating attention to the extent of demand increase during the peak season [1]. Summary by Sections Coal Price Trends - The average closing price of thermal coal at Qinhuangdao port was 619 RMB/ton, down 19 RMB/ton (-3.05%) week-on-week [2]. - The average price of thermal mixed coal at Yulin, Shaanxi (5800 kcal) was 491 RMB/ton, also down 19 RMB/ton (-3.73%) [2]. Inventory Levels - As of May 16, coal inventory at Qinhuangdao port was 7.6 million tons, up 0.93% week-on-week and up 48.15% year-on-year, marking the highest level for the same period [4]. - The inventory at Bohai Rim ports was 32.53 million tons, down 1.57% week-on-week but up 33.72% year-on-year [4]. Production and Utilization Rates - The operating rate of 110 sample washing coal plants was 62.1%, down 0.3 percentage points week-on-week and down 5.8 percentage points year-on-year, remaining at a five-year low [3]. - The capacity utilization rate of 247 blast furnaces was 91.76%, down 0.33 percentage points week-on-week but up 3.19 percentage points year-on-year, with a daily average pig iron output of 2.447 million tons, down 0.4% week-on-week but up 3.3% year-on-year [3]. Investment Recommendations - Due to weak demand and continuous accumulation of port inventory leading to a decline in coal prices, the report suggests a defensive approach to the current sector, recommending companies with high long-term contract ratios and stable profits, such as China Shenhua and China Coal Energy [4].