The background to this is (as it unfolded):

  1. Chinese authorities are said to be considering a partial end to the Australian coal ban
  2. China reportedly places first order for Australian coal since unofficial ban in 2020
  3. China's Global Times: "Chinese companies resume Australian coal imports"

From the Wall Street Journal (gated):

China Moves to Repair Ties With Australia by Lifting Coal Ban

  • China effectively ended a ban on Australian coal that has been a centerpiece of a diplomatic dispute lasting more than two years
  • Customs officials in the southern province of Guangdong on Thursday received notice from the local government that they can clear Australian coal shipments, two people familiar with the situation said.
  • The move comes about a week after the country’s national planning agency permitted a group of large state-owned companies to buy Australian coal again.
Due to the exponential surge in COVID-19 cases in India the Australian government placed a temporary

Australia's previous Prime Minister on take-your-coal-to-work day.