In its latest analytical report dated 20 September 2012, Click here China SignPost, a research-based consultancy, highlights the following key points, which "will move global coal, natural gas, and crude oil markets" –

• In 2011, Xinjiang produced 120 million tonnes of coal. In our base case estimate, Xinjiang will produce ~240 million tonnes per year of coal in 2015 and slightly over 750 million tonnes per year in 2020.
• This would make Xinjiang one of the world’s 5 largest coal producers by volume.
• By 2020, Xinjiang could export 200 million tonnes per year of coal to other parts of China by rail, 200 million tonnes per year as electricity, and potentially 100+ million tonnes per year as chemicals and liquid fuel.
• Low-cost thermal coal and coal-by-wire electricity from Xinjiang could pose a significant competitive threat to shale gas development in Central and Southwestern China, which are target markets for coal and electricity produced in Xinjiang.
• Xinjiang coal could be delivered in physical form to Central China at a cost of around US$3.30 per million BTU, whereas shale gas in the region is likely to cost US$5 per million BTU or more to produce.
• Xinjiang could produce more than 250,000 bpd of liquid fuels from coal and potentially as much as 1 million barrels per day if producers increased their water use efficiency and China’s National Development & Reform (NDRC) allowed the expansion.