Banpu, Southeast Asia’s largest coal producer, is preparing to take over Australia’s Centennial Coal in a deal worth A$2 billion, one of the largest coal deals for a Thai company. With 11 coal mines in New South Wales, Centennial is the largest independent coal company in Australia, producing 15 million metric tons (mt) per year. It has a nearly 420 million mt in reserves. Banpu needs approval for the deal from Australia’s foreign investment review board, expected in one month, and from its shareholders.

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