Antam ferronickel plant to resume operation October: official

President of the state-owned general mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) Dedi Aditya Sumanagara said Tuesday that the company?s ferronickel smelter which exploded early this month was expected to resume operation in October or November at the latest.

?The facility is currently being repaired intensively, and we hope it can be finished as soon as possible,? Dedi told petromindo.com.

He said that the damage in the smelter unit had not disrupt the company?s ferronickel supply to its overseas customers.

He said that Antan had a ?tool system,? under which the company could transfer the ore smelting process to an overseas facility.

He said that Antam had a cooperation with a ferronickel facility in Japan owned by Pamco.

Dedi said that since the explosion incident Antam sent its ore to the Japan facility.

?There?s no problem with our customers with long-term purchase contract,? he said.(Amoros)