Platts today launched the world's first daily metallurgical coal assessments, which the company said would provide assistance in determining contract prices.
A Chinese news agency has reported that the company involved in Clive Palmer's US$60 billion coal export deal has rejected suggestions the deal is finalised.
Rio Tinto has appointed Ian Bauert as managing director of its Chinese operations.
Clive Palmer has signed a US$60 billion coal export contract with China.
Clive Palmer's Waratah Coal has nearly doubled its total coal resource base after discovering an additional 3.48 billion tonnes at its North Alpha project.
Contract price negotiations are said to be happening in Singapore between Chinese steel makers and Australian iron ore producers.
Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Sam Walsh said the company will not respond to any unfair tactics when attempting to negotiate a benchmark iron ore price with China.
BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers voiced his belief that the Chinese inventory build-up had concluded and iron ore demand would pull back.
The Queensland Government will lead an upcoming mine safety demonstration in China.
Suggestions that the recent iron ore deal between China and Fortescue could make it easier for China to push prices down in future negotiations may be incorrect.