UNCLAS BOGOTA 005067

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EMIN EPET CO
SUBJECT: LOSSES MOUNT AS COLOMBIA'S COAL STRIKE CONTINUES

REF: A. BOGOTA 4971

B. BOGOTA 4686

C. BOGOTA 4537

Colombia's limited coal strike continues through its 19th
day, with no word on when a resolution will be reached.
According to Drummond's president in Colombia the strike has
cost the U.S. company over USD 76 million in lost revenue
(coal plus some transportation revenue) or about USD 4
million per day. Post estimates approximately 790,000 tons
of U.S.-destined coal has been affected by the strike. The
strike has also cost the GOC over USD 4 million in lost tax
and royalty payments. Separate negotiations continue in
Barranquilla between the miners' union and Drummond and
Glencore. The GOC is facilitating the negotiations. The
parties have not reported progress, however.
WOOD