Arutmin sets 2004 production at 15-16 MT

South Kalimantan coalminer PT. Arutmin Indonesia is expecting to boost production to 15 to 16 million tons in 2004 by the opening of new mine, a company official said.

?Arutmin is looking to produce 15-16 million in 2004 with the opening of Batulicin mine, which is expected to be able to contribute 1-2 million tons next year,? said president Ari S. Hudaya on Monday.

The Batulicin mine is originally expected to be opened this year, but delayed due to technical problems. The delay in opening Batulicin has caused the company to revise down its 2003 production plan.

?Arutmin is looking to produce 14 million tons this year. Up to the third quarter, Arutmin had produced 11 million tons. We hope to be able to produce 3 million tons in the fourth quarter despite prediction of heavy rain during the quarter,? said Ari.

Arutmin had just reappointed Thiess Contractors Indonesia, a unit of Australian contracting firm Leighton Holding Limited as the company?s mining contractor for Satui and Senakin mines over the mines? lifetime.

Arutmin is a subsidiary of PT. Bumi Resources, which also controls East Kalimantan coal miner PT. Kaltim Prima Coal. (alex)