Antam to boost nickel, gold output in 2003

Diversified mining company PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) plans to produce 10,000 metric tons of nickel metal in ferronickel this year or raise by 14 percent from 8,804 tons in 2002, the company said Friday.

The company said it also plans to raise its gold output this year to around 4,100-4,500 kilograms, 7.5 percent ?18 percent higher than 2002's output of 3,813 kg.

Gold output will likely be higher in 2003, as more high-grade gold ore is expected to be mined this year, said Antam.

Antam is majority owned by the government, and is listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange and an Australian bourse. (*)