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India’s second largest private sector power company, Essar Power, is among the bidders, according to the country’s Economic Times.
Sources told the newspaper the deadline for final confirmation of interest is April 26.
Indian power generator Lanco Infratech was reportedly invited to bid, but it is believed to not have the “appetite” at the moment after it completed its $750 million acquisition of Collie-based Griffin Coal last month.
This deal was struck the week before Christmas, and the international attention also generated unsolicited interest in Wesfarmer’s wholly owned Premier mine.
The mine produced about 2.8 million tonnes in 2010 and traditionally around 80% of this coal is used for the state’s power generation needs.
The nearby BHP Billiton-led Worsley Alumina joint venture uses about 13% for its alumina refinery.
The possible sale of the Premier mine during the booming export market for thermal coal would follow the backlash received by the Barnett government’s moves to increase electricity prices since winning office.
It also comes ahead of the uncertainty caused by the Gillard government’s intentions to price carbon emissions.
Wesfarmers shares closed up 3c to $33.07 on Friday.
