BOGOTA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Colombia, the world's fifth-largest exporter of coal, produced 20.3 million tonnes in the third quarter, down 5.6 percent from the same quarter the year before, government figures showed on Tuesday.

The Mines and Energy Ministry published the third-quarter figure in a statement, hailing an increase of 2.5 percent over second-quarter production of 19.8 million tonnes.

Colombia produced 21.5 million tonnes in the third quarter of last year.

The biggest players in Colombia's coal industry are Drummond Co, Glencore Plc, Murray Energy Corp's , Colombia Natural Resources, and Cerrejon, owned by BHP Billiton, Anglo American PLC and Glencore. (Reporting by Bogota newsroom)