Yanzhou attributed the rise to higher coal prices and slower growth in operating costs.

According to Trading Markets, Yanzhou recorded operating revenue of $US110.6 billion against a 25% rise in cash costs to $547.8 million.

The miner produced 8.8 million tons of coal during the quarter with an average selling price of $116 per ton.

The company also said it expected its 2008 profit to climb 190% above its 2007 results.

Yanzhou owns coal mines in China and also owns and operates the Austar top coal caving mine in New South Wales.

The company’s headquarters are in Jining, in the Shandong province of east China.