Adaro to up coal output to 30 million tons in 2003

Indonesia's coal largest producer PT Adaro Indonesia has planned to double its output to 30 million tons in 2003 from 16 million tons this year.

Company president Greame Robertson said the company was increasing its output to 16 million tons this year from 13.6 million tons last year and output would stand at 20 million tons next year.

Adaro Indonesia is looking forward to increase its output to 30 million tons in 2003," Robertson told Petromindo.Com on Thursday on the sidelines of the Indonesian international Oil, Gas and Energy Conference and Exhibition (IIOGE).

He said Adaro would spend up to US$2O0 million tons for the expansion, which would include the construction of conveyor belt from its barge facility in Kalanan to Barito River.

The company operates 26,000 hectares of mining concession in the Tanjung area, South Kalimantan with coal reserves estimated at 1.5 billion tons.

The company exports its product to 19 countries. Locally, it is now the largest coal seller with power producers and cement factories as buyers

"For the first eight months this year, we are the largest local coal seller. Our local transactions has reached six million tons (per year), notably higher than (state coal company) PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam, which used to be the largest local supplier," Robertson said. (alex)