Core Viewpoint - The coal mining industry is experiencing a decline in capacity utilization for both thermal and coking coal, indicating potential shifts in supply and demand dynamics [1][3]. Group 1: Capacity Utilization - As of December 26, the capacity utilization rate for sample thermal coal mines is 86.4%, down 4.0 percentage points week-on-week [1][3]. - The capacity utilization rate for sample coking coal mines is 84.21%, down 2.4 percentage points week-on-week [1][3]. Group 2: Price Trends - Thermal coal prices at Qinhuangdao port (Q5500) are reported at 677 RMB/ton, a decrease of 34 RMB/ton week-on-week [2]. - The price of thermal coal in Shanxi (Q6000) is 765 RMB/ton, an increase of 5.0 RMB/ton week-on-week [2]. - International thermal coal prices have also seen declines, with Newcastle (NEWC5500) at 74.0 USD/ton, down 0.5 USD/ton week-on-week [2]. Group 3: Demand and Consumption - Daily coal consumption in coastal provinces has increased by 11.30 thousand tons/day, a rise of 5.53% week-on-week [4]. - Daily coal consumption in inland provinces has increased by 20.90 thousand tons/day, a rise of 5.56% week-on-week [4]. - Chemical coal consumption has decreased by 2.57 thousand tons/day, down 0.35% week-on-week [4]. Group 4: Investment Outlook - The current phase is viewed as the early stage of a new upward cycle in the coal economy, with a recommendation for low-cost allocation in the coal sector [5]. - The coal market is expected to maintain a weak operational trend due to high port inventories and above-average temperatures [5]. - The investment logic of coal capacity shortages remains unchanged, with expectations for price stabilization and potential valuation increases [6][7]. Group 5: Recommendations - Focus on stable and high-performing companies such as China Shenhua, Shaanxi Coal, and China Coal Energy, as well as those with high elasticity like Yanzhou Coal and Guohua Energy [7]. - Attention should also be given to high-quality metallurgical coal companies due to their unique resource scarcity [7].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the coal mining industry is "Positive" [2] Core Viewpoints - The current phase is seen as the beginning of a new upward cycle in the coal economy, supported by both fundamental and policy factors, making it an opportune time to invest in the coal sector [11][12] - The report highlights a tightening supply side due to government policies aimed at curbing overproduction, which is expected to support a rebound in coal prices [3][11] - The underlying investment logic of coal capacity shortages remains unchanged, with a balanced short-term supply-demand situation and a medium to long-term gap still anticipated [11][12] Summary by Sections Coal Price Tracking - As of July 26, the market price for Qinhuangdao port thermal coal (Q5500) is 645 CNY/ton, an increase of 11 CNY/ton week-on-week [30] - The price for coking coal at Jing Tang port is reported at 1650 CNY/ton, up 230 CNY/ton week-on-week [32] Supply and Demand Tracking - The capacity utilization rate for sample thermal coal mines is 94%, down 0.6 percentage points week-on-week, while the utilization rate for coking coal mines is 86.9%, up 0.8 percentage points [11][42] - Daily coal consumption in inland provinces has decreased by 51,000 tons/day (-13.04%) and in coastal provinces by 19,600 tons/day (-8.1%) [11][42] Inventory Situation - Coal inventory in coastal provinces increased by 429,000 tons week-on-week, while inland provinces saw a slight increase of 85,000 tons [11] Company Performance - The coal sector has shown strong performance, with the coal mining sector rising by 8.00% this week, outperforming the broader market [15][17] - Key companies to focus on include China Shenhua, Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry, and China Coal Energy, which are noted for their stable operations and solid performance [12][13]