Adaro sets 2003 coal production at 21 MTPA

South Kalimantan-based coal producer PT. Adaro Indonesia is seeking to produce 21 million tons of coal in 2003, slightly higher than this year?s production target of 20 million tons.

?This year?s production target is 20 million tons. Until the third quarter of this year alone, we have produced 15.8 million tons, which means this year?s production target could be reached,? said administration manager Priyadi on Monday. However, Priyadi did not say whether production record of 21 million tons could still be reached this year after production loss due to blockade last week.

Earlier, Adaro Indonesia?s shareholder Australian investment firm Washington H Soul Pattinson and Company Limited said in its report to Australian Stock Exchange that Adaro was on track to produce 21 million tons of coal in 2002.

A weeklong blockade by local villagers on Adaro?s mining last week had cost the company 420,000 tons in production loss.

Adaro Indonesia?s current infrastructure design capacity is 20 million tons.

Adaro is Indonesia's largest coal producer, exporting 60 percent of its ultra clean coal labeled ?Envirocoal?. (godang)