India Plans to Increase Coal Output

India is planning to raise its coal production target and divest coal-mining monopoly Coal India Ltd. Only a few state-run companies are currently allowed to mine domestic coal commercially. Coal India, Ltd, one of the world's largest coal companies by output, produces nearly 85% of the country's output. The company will likely exceed its production target of 435 million tons in the year that started April 1. The government may sell up to a 10% stake in Coal India as part of the reform process. (WSJ, 6/17/09)