Platts proposes to rename HCC 64 Mid Vol assessments to Low Vol HCC

S&P Global Platts proposes to rename the HCC 64 Mid Vol (also known as Hard Coking Coal) assessments to Low Vol HCC, effective April 1, 2021.

The purpose of the proposal is for the assessment names to better align with the underlying specifications defined in Platts methodology, which were changed in 2018. On June 1, 2018, specifications of HCC 64 Mid Vol (also known as Hard Coking Coal) FOB Australia (HCCAU00), CFR China (HCCCH00) and CFR India (HCCIN00) assessments were adjusted to: 62% coke strength after reaction, 21.5% volatile matter, 10.5% total moisture, 8% ash, 0.45% sulfur, 0.06% phosphorus, 100 ddpm max fluidity, 52% vitrinite. The subscriber note can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2CLzbfT.

The proposal does not affect the assessment methodology itself, or the qualities of coals whose pricing information is considered in those assessments.

Some of these assessments are globally-referenced benchmarks for generic (non-premium) hard coking coals. This prolonged notice period is to provide sufficient time for market participants who are using these assessments to make any necessary adjustments in their contracts.

The change would affect the following assessments and all their averages:

The affected prices are published in SBB Steel Markets Daily, Coal Trader International, on the real-time Platts Metals Alert and Platts Steel, Raw Materials Alert on fixed pages 1064, 205, and 1062 and in the Platts price database under the symbol mentioned above.

Please send comments, questions and other feedback on this proposal by October 9, 2020 to pl_cokingcoal@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.