Banpu Indonesia sells 13.3 million tons of coal in 2005

Thai energy giant Banpu Plc. reported that its Indonesian coal sales increased to 13.34 million tons in 2005 compared to 12.78 million tons in 2004, as it commenced coal production from Trubaindo mine in East Kalimantan in the year.

Banpu said Trubaindo sold around 1.5 million tons of coal last year, below the year?s target due to the need to improve logistic facilities during the first year of production. ?The operation at Trubaindo has been progressing well and will lead the company's overall coal production growth in 2006,? the company added.

Banpu operates six Indonesian coal mines, four which are already in production, that is Jorong Barutama Greston in South Kalimantan, Indominco Mandiri, Kitadin, and Trubaindo, which are all located in East Kalimantan. Meanwhile, two other coal mine concessions are Bharinto in East Kalimantan and Barasentosa Lestari in South Sumatra.

In 2005, Jorong, Indominco, Kitadin mines sold 2.918 million tons, 7.360 million tons, 1.618 million tons, respectively.

Banpu said revenue from Indonesian coal sales reached Bt22,621 million or about US$574 million last year.

Despite the lower spot price, the average selling price for the company rose by 37 percent last year to US$35.23 per ton as the majority of shipment was priced in advance, Banpu said.

?The healthy demand for thermal coal remained a favorable catalyst supporting coal prices during 2005,? the company added. (Robert)

Banpu Indonesian Coal Production, Sales and Reserves as of December 31, 2005
Quantity (million tons)
Source	Reserves	Production	Reserves	Sales
	As of Sep 30, 2005	Oct - Dec 2005	As of Dec 31, 2005	Oct - Dec 2005
1. Jorong	31.10	0.90	30.20	0.91
2. Indominco	74.65	1.75	72.90	1.77
3. Kitadin	19.50	0.30	19.20	0.34
4. Trubaindo	66.40	0.60	65.80	0.83
5. Barasentosa	32.80	-	32.80	-
6. Bharinto	28.50	-	28.50	-
TOTAL	252.95	3.55	249.40	3.85