Newcastle thermal coal futures gained another 0.5% to $US84.50 per tonne ($A87.40/t).

Japanese regional power monopolies would complete two coal power plants by December 2013 and planned to construct 12 more gas-fired units by the end of 2014, reports stated.

“[The free-on-board] Australia coking coal market was down 1% from last week, traded at $US147.70/t ($A152.80/t),” ANZ said.

“Ample coking coal stocks at ports failed to support restocking demand in China.

“Labour disputes started to appear again in Australian mines, with key producer Peabody temporarily shutting down operations at its New South Wales coking coal mine, pre-empting a planned workers strike.

“The iron ore market moved sideways with weaker Chinese rebar prices.”