Drummond says begins exporting Descanso mine coal

(Adds details, background)

BOGOTA, June 11 (Reuters) - U.S.-based Drummond has begun exporting coal from its "El Descanso" mine in northern Colombia, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Exports from the mine began on June 5, the statement said.

With reserves of 1.76 billion tonnes, El Descanso is the biggest coal mine in Latin America and is expected to remain active until 2032, the statement said.

The company got Colombian government approval to open the mine last year.

(Reporting by Javier Mozzo; Editing by Marguerita Choy)

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