Arutmin records 2002 increased output

South Kalimantan based coal-mining firm PT. Arutmin Indonesia produced 10.550 million tons of coal in 2002, higher than last previous year?s production of 9.532 million tones, according to a company official.

?Despite production disturbances that occurred in 2002, we manage to increase production,? said company senior official Sonny Pangestu. He, however, did not disclose company?s production plan for 2003.

An industry source told Petromindo.Com that Arutmin is seeking to substantially increase production in 2003 forward.

The source said Arutmin is in negotiation to hire coal mining contractor PT. Pama Persada in addition to supplement current contractor PT. Thiess Contractors Indonesia, a subsidiary of Australian Clough Engineering Group.

Arutmin is 80 percent owned by publicly listed firm PT, Bumi Resources Tbk. and the remaining 20 percent is controlled by PT. Bakrie & Brothers. Former 80 percent owner global resources giant BHP Billiton is marketing agent for Arutmin.(godang)