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Critical minerals and policy reforms drive sustained growth in Asia Pacific’s mines
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-13 16:39
Core Insights - China's coal mine output is expected to decline marginally with a negative CAGR of 0.1% due to competition from renewable sources and issues with lower-quality coal reserves [1] - The Asia Pacific region is projected to account for 72.7% of global coal production in 2024, with China being the dominant producer at 71.3% [2] - The US trade policies under Donald Trump are creating market volatility and geopolitical shifts in the mining industry, prompting countries to adjust their strategic positions [3] - Major mining hubs in the Asia Pacific face challenges such as infrastructure gaps, high operational costs, and policy instability [4] - The Asia Pacific holds significant mineral reserves, accounting for 56.6% of total rare earths and substantial shares of other minerals [5] - China produces a significant portion of global minerals, including 51.8% of coal and 43.2% of lead in 2024, positioning itself as a central player in the global mining industry [6] - The outlook for China's mining sector varies across commodities, with critical minerals expected to see growth while precious metals face declines [7] - India is projected to increase its coal production by 5.2% to 1,511.2 million tons by 2030, driven by government initiatives [8] - Other key minerals in India are expected to see negative growth due to mine closures and lack of new capacity [9] - Indonesia is a leading producer of nickel and cobalt, with significant growth expected in both sectors through 2030 [10][11] - The Philippines is undergoing regulatory reforms to enhance its mining sector, focusing on sustainable practices and fair revenue sharing [12] - Nickel production in the Philippines is expected to remain flat due to planned mine closures [13] Industry Trends - The Asia Pacific's coal production is projected to grow marginally at a CAGR of 0.8% from 2025 to 2030, with China maintaining a dominant position [2] - The mining sector in the Asia Pacific is characterized by abundant reserves and strong domestic demand, but faces challenges from geopolitical pressures and internal inefficiencies [4][5] - Critical minerals are driving growth in the mining sector, with lithium, graphite, and uranium expected to see steady increases [7] - The regulatory environment in the Philippines aims to promote transparency and sustainable mining practices, which could impact future investments [12]