Downcast

Article Abstract:

Royal Dutch/Shell has decided to leave coal mining and sell Shell Coal. A number of petroleum companies diversified into the coal industry during the 1970s, and a dozen of these companies have already left the industry which has been hit by a drop in prices from 1996. The industry is affected by overcapacity, a downturn in the business cycle for the industry, and a drop in demand following the Asian financial crisis. The industry could also be affected by worries about global warming, since coal is extremely carbon-intensive.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Royal Dutch-Shell PLC, Shell Coal International

---

Coal, with luck, into cars

Article Abstract:

France has carried out industrial restructuring in order to tackle the problem of high-cost coal production, and the need to move into other activities. Charbonnages de France reached an agreement with labor unions in 1994. A subsidiary has been set up, called Sofirem, which helps to create jobs for miners' families. Investors in former coal producing regions near Germany benefit from lower energyand land costs compared with Germany, though job creation has involved a large investment.

France, Economic policy, Industrial policy

---

Digging for trouble: coal

Article Abstract:

Coal continues to provide 25% of the world's energy, and many in the coal industry are looking to Asia for coal deposits that can be easily and inexpensively mined. There can be many complications, however, such as massive coal deposits in northern China that are not easily transported.

Asia

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Home-grown decorating. Decorating with wicker and linens. Choosing the best furniture; inspirations in decorating
• Abstracts: So, to the polls. The trouble with coalitions. United for now: India
• Abstracts: The eternal triangle. Bad week for Bill Clinton
• Abstracts: Malaysia's Sabah state beckons with sand, sun and wobbly knees. Korea's Texas Town is on the map as a haven for Russian shoppers
• Abstracts: Enemy within: defence. New Labour's model army. Cutting Britain's defence

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.