With Illinois Basin thermal coal output expected to decline by up to 30% on an annualized basin in order to better meet 2020 demand, it will require adjustments and restructuring from regional producers, according to analysts and executives. “In our opinion, among the major US thermal coal basins, the [Illinois Basin] presents the best prospects from a supply-demand perspective,” due to a surge in recent mine closures and idlings, B Riley FBR coal analysts said in a research note. “This is in contrast to other basins, in which the estimated surplus is much deeper as the supply response has not been as strong.” According to US Energy Information Administration data based on […]