ANTAM targets Pomalaa power plant operation in 2015

By Cepi Setiadi

IDX-listed state owned mining firm PT ANTAM Tbk is targeting its coal fired power plant (PLTU) in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi to start operation in August 2015.

President Director Tato Miraza told Petromindo.com that currently the development of the 2x30 MW power plant has reached about 5 to 10 percent.

"We expect to commission the power plant by July or August 2015," he said.

The power plant is being developed to support the Pomalaa Ferronickel Plant Expansion project. Early this month, the company announced the groundbreaking of the Ore Preparation Line-4 facility which is part of the Pomalaa Ferronickel Plant Expansion Project.

Tato said the groundbreaking of the Ore Preparation Line-4 facility reflects the continuance of the company's growth strategy. "We are currently focusing on the development of the Pomalaa Ferronickel Plant Expansion project. Through the project, we are not only expanding our ferronickel production capacity, in addition, we are lowering our operating cash cost through the development of the Pomalaa coal fired power plant."

Editing by Johannes Simbolon