The Andean nation, the world's fifth-largest coal exporter, produced 21.5 million tonnes in the same period a year ago, the ministry said. The sector is seeking to produce 95 million tonnes this year.

The biggest players in Colombia's coal industry are Drummond Co, Glencore Plc, Murray Energy's Colombia Natural Resources, and Cerrejon, which is jointly owned by BHP Billiton , Anglo American PLC and Glencore.