Antam operates FeNi II smelter, maintains production target
Thursday, April 12 2012 - 06:30 AM WIB
State mining company PT Antam Tbk has stated to have 'switched on' its FeNi II ferronickel smelter on April 12, following the completion of its optimization program that started on January 21.
The smelter is located in Antam's Sulawesi Nickel Mining Business Unit at Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi.
"The optimization program finished earlier than expected and cost less than the budgeted Rp187 billion. Antam partially funded the optimization program from the Rupiah denominated bonds issued at the end of last year," said the company in a statement.
Following its operation, load for smelter will gradually be increased in which a return to full load is expected by May 2012.
"The optimisation of FeNi II smelter is part of our strategy to improve operational efficiency and safety level. Soon, we will also begin the modernisation and optimisation project of FeNi I smelter, which includes the development of a 2 x 30MW coal fired power plant, increasing the capacity of FeNi smelter, the development of Rotary Kiln 4 and upgrades of supporting facilities such as the jetty and belt conveyor," said Antam's President Director, Alwinsyah Lubis.
FeNi II's 75-days optimization program included the replacement of the furnace roof, the utilization of an improved design as well as the optimisation of the furnace sidewall through the reinforcement of the copper cooler system to improve energy efficiency. Antam also plans to install Gas Cleaning Technology similar to Furnace-3 to reduce the emission level of the smelter.
Despite having the 75-days 'downtime', Antam has stated to maintain its ferronickel production target of 18,000 tons of nickel contained in ferronickel (TNi) in 2012.
Editing by Er Audy Zandri