A report obtained by Reuters on Thursday said the industry supplied both international and home markets with 10.7 million tonnes of coal in 1998 and export revenues reached around $96 million. It gave no comparative figures.

A Vinacoal official said the industry produced 11.2 million tonnes of coal in 1998 and output this year would remain at about the same level. Vietnam has proven coal reserves -- mainly located in the country's North -- of 3.5 billion tonnes down to 300 metres (975 feet) below sea level.

The report said Vietnam aimed to increase coal exports to Japan, Western Europe, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. It added that the country also had an eye on selling coal to Africa, North and South America, India, Bulgaria and China.