Mongolia has become the leading coking coal exporter to China. China has been a huge importer of coking coal to fuel its urbanization and growth.

As of the end of August, Mongolia supplies China with 43 percent of its coking coal. Australia was the former leader in exporting coking coal to China, but its exports were reduced in 2011 due to work stoppages and flooding that halted production. Analysts say China is interested in Mongolia's coal because it is cheaper. Estimates indicate that China could annually save USD 6 billion by importing coal from Mongolia.

A ton of coking coal from Australia costs about USD 185, while a ton from Mongolia costs USD 62. China imports coking coal from Mongolia through the Sehee border point.