BOGOTA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Colombia's coal output rose 17.6 percent to 23.4 million tonnes in the third quarter, the Energy and Mining Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Andean nation, the world's fifth-largest coal exporter, produced 19.9 million tonnes in the same period a year ago, the ministry said. The sector is seeking to produce 85.5 million tonnes this year, a level similar to last year.
The ministry did not provide a reason for the increase in output.
The biggest players in Colombia's coal industry are Drummond Co DRMND.UL , Glencore Plc GLEN.L , Murray Energy's MUYEY.UL Colombia Natural Resources, and Cerrejon, which is jointly owned by BHP Billiton BHP.AX BLT.L , Anglo American PLC AAL.L and Glencore.