More coal export bans are coming into place in Indonesia, at a time where demand for the commodity is approaching record highs. Indonesia, the world’s largest coal exporter, is banning 48 miners who have failed to meet their domestic market obligations (DMO).

Energy and mineral resources minister Arifin Tasrif revealed yesterday that 71 coal companies have failed to meet the DMO policy, requiring them to set aside 25% of the total production for the local electricity sector. Of the 71 coal companies that did not comply with the DMO policy, 48 of them did not even report, and are now banned from exporting for an undetermined period as punishment.

The price of coal has tripled this year and old mining communities have been resuscitated as Europe seeks alternative energy supplies outside of Russia with plenty of business going to Indonesia.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is now predicting an all-time-high coal demand this year of about 8bn tons after an increase in requirements last year of 5.8% year-on-year.