The National Mining Association’s (NMA) Economics Coal Subcommittee expects US coal consumption to rebound from 2009 levels, increasing 5.5% in 2010, based on its May 13 update of the 2010 forecast. Total demand for mined coal is expected to increase by only 0.9%, and total US production down 0.7% from 2009, with production from Eastern coal fields down 2.9% – all due to a draw down of high coal stockpiles by utilities.

The group expects total domestic coal consumption of 914 Mt for electricity, including electric power, commercial and industrial sectors. Domestic coking coal consumption will be up 24.2% to 24.2 Mt, and total exports will be up 26.9% to 68 Mt in 2010, with exports of metallurgical coal to Canada and overseas making up the lion’s share of exports at 51.6 Mt. The subcommittee expects the economy to grow at about 3% in 2010.