Antam shortlists Pomalaa power plant construction tender

State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has opened a tender for the construction of its coal-fired power plant in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi.

The company?s corporate secretary Bimo Budi Satriyo said in Jakarta on Wednesday that at least 18 companies had been invited to take part in the tender for the construction of the power plant and for the plant?s coal supply.

?They had already submitted their letters of intent to take part in the tender,? he said, adding that the companies were expected to submit their formal bids in December, this year.

According to him, the bidders who have the capacity to provide a long-term supply of coal for the power plant would have an advantage in the selection process.

Antam plans to build a coal-fired power plant with a capacity of 2 x 75 megawatt to meet the rising electricity need for the company?s processing plant in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi.

Feasibility study will be completed in February 2009, with construction expected to start in 2010, Bimo said on Sept 17. (*)