“Combustible para caleros,” published in “Diario de Cuyo” (Province of San Juan) on 12/30/2010

On 12/29/2010, the National Mining Secretariat made an agreement with oil company YPF to guarantee the provision of solid fuel for the next 5 years –residual coal– necessary for the development of the lime industry, which is in full expansion in the Province of San Juan. With the growth level the sector has, they assured that “possibly” the agreement will be revised in 2013 to extend it. Besides stating a reference quota, which amounts to 125 thousand tons and is the same that was established for the previous 5-year-period though only 81% was used; they also agreed on its price: For coal use under 250 tons, the price will be of AR$ 404 per ton; while for larger producers that demand fuel over 250 tons the price will be of AR$ 412. The value of this fuel for other industries is up to 20% more expensive.