The China Energy Investment Corporation has placed an order to import Australian coal, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters news agency on Friday.

The move comes as relations between Beijing and Canberra thaw, and as the mainland is trying to meet growing demand for coal because of higher power consumption following the easing of Covid-related restrictions.

State-owned China Energy's cargo is likely to be loaded before the end of this month, the sources told Reuters, without providing further details.

In December, President Xi Jinping said he will work with Australia to promote a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The mainland is Australia's largest trading partner, and Australia still provides many of the ores, metals and minerals that fuel the nation's economic growth. But the two countries have sparred over political and human rights issues. (Additional reporting by Reuters)