RPower, Adani, GMR to bid for $1-bn mine

Reliance Power, Adani Power and GMR are in the race for a coal mine asset in Australia. The valuation of the asset is close to $1 billion (Rs 4,600 crore). Sources said the mine may have reserves of 280-300 million tonnes. The asset is also unique, as it comes with an operating power plant of 500 Mw. The last date for bids is September 20.

A GMR spokesperson said that the company does not comment on speculation, while Reliance Power and Adani did not respond to e-mailed queries.

The Indian companies, however, face tough competition. There are 31 bidders, including Japanese and Chinese companies. “Since the asset is very expensive, companies might look at forging joint ventures with international partners to put in bids,” said a source close to the development.

Australia and Indonesia have been popular destinations for power companies seeking coal mines due to their proximity to India. Reliance Power acquired three coal mines in Indonesia in May 2008. GMR also acquired Indonesian coal mining company PT Barasentosa Lestari for around Rs 400 crore in 2009. In 2007, Tata Power bought a 30 per cent stake in two coal companies for $1.1 billion.

“Coal as a commodity is going to be in short supply in India. Most private sector power companies will have their plants up and running in the next three to four years. Most of this capacity is coal-based,” said Gaurav Dua, head of research at Sharekhan.

However, analysts said coal mine purchases might be expensive in the current situation. “Right now, coal asset prices are steep, compared with international coal prices, which are lukewarm. But, maybe in the next six months, coal prices could revive and the assets will seem reasonable,” said Priti Gupta, executive director-commodities, Anand Rathi Financial Services.