China Energy said that its own production of coal has remained at the peak level of 50 million tonnes for 21 consecutive months since October 2021.

In total, more than 1.05 billion tonnes of coal was handled by the railways during the period, up 1.6 percent from a year earlier.

“I’m not too worried, but you also can’t kid yourself for too long. The supply story is still there, but there are more and more demand questions emerging,” one trader in the region said.

In a development that underscores the growing global demand for critical minerals, mining giant Rio Tinto has set its sights on Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region.

China has announced it will peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Notably, prices for industrial consumer products declined 2.7 percent in June after a 1.7 percent fall in May.

Burley Minerals kickstarts drill rigs to continue drilling at Chubb Lithium Project in Quebéc, Canada

The move is part of China's broader measures to build a modern industrial system backed by the real economy amid mounting external uncertainties.